Again? No, not this time!

Application

• Because of the Roman Empire, the only recourse the Jews had for this charge was to bring an accusation before a Roman judge. Before bringing a lawsuit to “those in power,” seek to settle the matter without involving civil authorities.
• Whether one explains it as a civil judge refusing to hear a religious case, or one gives some other explanation, the Sovereign Lord is able to rule and overrule in the affairs of mankind.
• Allow God the Holy Spirit to dissipate the extremity of emotions and “knee-jerk” aspects before seeking good counsel. Frivolous “suits” have no benefit for anyone.
• Conclusion: Along the way, Paul could have questioned the Lord’s promise to him that no one would harm him. The Lord never is late, and the Lord never is early. We always, always, always, always can trust His timing.

Bible Text

(12) But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, (13) saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” (14) But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you; (15) but if there are questions about words and names and your own law, look after it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters.” (16) And he drove them away from the judgment seat. (17) And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. But Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.

-Acts 18: 12-17