The Mission

Roman Proconsul Refuses to Be a Dupe of the Jews

Paul’s increased success led the unbelieving Jews to oppose him even more fiercely. They “made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal” of Gallio, proconsul of Achaia (NRSV). With loud, angry voices they complained: “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” 4TC 133.1

Paul’s accusers thought that if they could fasten on him the charge of violating the Jewish religion, which was under the protection of the Roman power, he would probably be handed over to them for trial and sentence. But Gallio, a man of integrity, refused. Disgusted with their prejudice and self-righteousness, he would not allow the charge to stand. As Paul prepared to speak in self-defense, Gallio told him it was not necessary. Then turning to the angry accusers, he said: “‘If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.’ And he drove them from the judgment seat.” 4TC 133.2

Gallio’s immediate dismissal of the case was the signal for the Jews to leave, frustrated and angry. The proconsul’s decisive course opened the eyes of the noisy crowd who had been helping the Jews. For the first time during Paul’s work in Europe, the mob turned to his side. “Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.” 4TC 133.3

“So Paul remained a good while” with the believers in Corinth. If the apostle had been forced to leave Corinth at this time, the converts would have been in a dangerous position. The Jews would have tried to follow up on the advantage they had gained, even to exterminate Christianity from that region. 4TC 133.4