Paul remained in Corinth committed to preaching and teaching the people about Jesus, for he knew without a doubt that God was with him, and many were coming to faith.  Dr. Luke records the important incident we’ve read today, about a most unpleasant attack from the Jews.  Gallio, the new Pro-Consul of the area, arrived on the scene and this gave the unbelieving Jews the idea that the Roman authorities would declare the new “Christian Sect” illegal.  This would have closed down the gatherings of Christian groups, and Paul’s teaching and preaching!  Incidentally Paul had already experienced this kind of reaction from the Jews when they tried to accuse him of breaking the Roman law – see Acts 16:19-24, 17:6-7.  As Paul was a Roman citizen, he was prepared to defend himself, but he did not need to as Gallio himself defended Paul!  The Pro-Consul had discerned that the real issue was not the application of the Roman law but the interpretation of the Jewish Religion, so he refused to hear the case!

However, as we read on we learn that some Greeks, who had been watching these events take place, grabbed Sosthenes who was the Ruler of the Synagogue and beat him! I wonder what Paul thought, perhaps something like, “Wow – I thought that would be my treatment!”  Now this attack on Sosthenes by the Greeks could have been interpreted as an act of anti-Semitism, but in fact we read that Gallio “showed no concern” for he said and did nothing at all.    It appears that he just “looked the other way”!  After eighteen months of ministry Paul decided it was God’s will to move on and he sailed for Syria with his friends Priscilla and Aquila.  Leaving them at Ephesus however, he proceeds to Caesarea.  Cenchrea was the port for Corinth, and it was there he met a group of Christian believers. According to the text it was here that Paul had his head shaved, for at some point in the past he had made a vow to God.  This probably refers to the Nazarite vow in Numbers 6, and was possibly an expression of gratitude to God for all He had done for him and his companions.  In all his travels and experiences Paul knew God’s constant and unfailing divine protection, and knowing this gave him the courage and confidence to speak and act as he did.

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Dear Father God, Help me depend on your authority and to know your wisdom and revelation when I have opportunities to speak and show your love and grace to other people I meet day by day.  I pray this only for the glory of Jesus, Amen.