Acts 18:12 But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. 13 They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.” 14 But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul’s accusers and said, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case. 15 But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.” 16 And he threw them out of the courtroom. 17 The crowd then grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention.
Paul is still in Corinth and a new governor is in place, so the same old story, the Jews rise up together against Paul and bring him before the new governor with charges that he is persuading people to worship God contrary to their laws. If it's not one thing, it is another, as the Jews try to stop Paul from spreading the message of Christ, because lives are being changed and they do not like it. They go to the new governor hoping to get him to be on their side, but the following happens. 14 But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul’s accusers and said, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case. 15 But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.” 16 And he threw them out of the courtroom.
In my last blog scripture states that God came to Paul in a vision telling him to speak out because God would protect him and here is vivid proof that God kept His word. How many times has God spoken to you through His Word and you have trusted His Word and He came through? If you think back and don't miss what God is doing, there will be many times that God came through. His Word is true. His Word like John 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Romans 10:13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Matthew 7:7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
The promise of the resurrection is a word we rely on as believers and that was the word that Paul was sharing wherever he went and for that, he was hated by the Jews. Jesus said in John 11:25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
Paul truly lives this statement God Said It! I Believe It! That Settles It! The Governor, Gallio, threw the Jews' accusations out of the court, to which they grabbed the leader of the synagogue, Sosthenes, and beat him up right there in the courtroom. When God says He will protect us, He means it, and comes through every time! Paul was relying totally on what God had told him in the vision and God came through.....again! Before Jesus ascended to heaven He told his disciples, that means you and me, the following words. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jesus means what He says and He will always come through, so have faith and share your testimony of the salvation you have experienced in your life. Live in the power of the Holy Spirit and God will guide you to one after another, just like He did for Paul. The world cannot shut down the message of Jesus and God's protection is on that message and yes, on our lives. The following are lyrics from a beautiful song by Hillsong Worship and the song title is Oceans. They speak volumes about stepping out in faith. Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander. And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Saviour
You can step out of the boat and trust Jesus to come through, and He will. Paul is just one example of God coming through again and again. Some of your greatest battles may be with "religious" leaders, but that is ok too. Time is fleeting and moments are passing, but the Word of God is ready to be shared.
The Pilgrimage Continues
David Warren
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