Scripture: Acts 18:12-17
Now when Gallio was the governor of the province of Achaia, the Jews united in their opposition against Paul and brought him before the court. “This man is persuading others to worship God unlawfully,” they declared. Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, “If there had been some sort of injury or criminal behavior, I would have reason to accept your complaint. However, since these are squabbles about a message, names, and your own Law, deal with them yourselves. I have no desire to sit in judgment over such things.” He expelled them from the court, but everyone seized Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and gave him a beating in the presence of the governor. None of this mattered to Gallio.
Thought from Corinth: According to the old scholar, William Barclay, those who chose the water route around the southern part of Greece should make their wills before traveling. It was so dangerous that most made the decision to go by land which brought them through Corinth. For that reason, as you can imagine, it was a true metroplex with all its rich diversity. Into this, the Apostle Paul arrived with the intent of preaching a message not before heard. Looking at what remains of the ancient Temple of Apollo and the Theater of Corinth, it must have been a bit intimidating for Paul. In 18:9-10, we read: “One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, ‘Don’t be afraid. Continue speaking. Don’t be silent. I’m with you and no one who attacks you will harm you, for I have many people in this city.’” When Paul was preaching in Corinth, he was brought before the governor whose name was Gallio (Lucius Junius Gallio). This is found in the above passage. According to tradition, the place where Paul was put on trial was called the Bema, a large elevated place in the center of Corinth. Because of the connection to Saint Paul, the Bema has been considered a holy site for centuries. It was powerful to stand there yesterday and to read from Acts 18. So often we make the stories of those martyred for into some cute story where we both glorify and empty their suffering. In the end, the story is sweet and beautiful and makes us happy as we read it. But imagine Paul walking into what he knew would be one tough audience. Imagine all the massive symbols of Roman power and authority that had no use for anyone who might provide a message counter to the traditional line of Caesar. Imagine what it was like to have known beatings, imprisonment and threats of death for doing nothing more than preaching love. Remember, Paul had another line of work. He was a “tent maker” or some think that was a way of describing anyone who worked with leather. Whatever the case, he didn’t need to preach to make a living. In fact, he made his living with his hands and he fashioned his death with his preaching. I’ve always appreciated Paul, but my experiences here in Greece have intensified that appreciation.
Prayer: Merciful God, let my respect continue to grow for those who have given everything to share your simple message of mercy, kindness and love. May the respect I have grow into a life that honors such sacrifice. Amen.
