| Are you prepared to face unjust and unfair | | | | Jews begin again to accuse Paul. They took him |
| treatment? This is never nice but it is more real | | | | to court - verse 13 - saying - "This man is |
| than you think, and more common than we are | | | | persuading the people to worship God in ways |
| sometimes aware, and when we are confronted | | | | contrary to the law." This was quite true - but not |
| with such behaviour we can be slow to confess | | | | the whole truth. |
| and admit that such a thing actually happened to | | | | Paul was just about to speak when the Governor |
| one of us. Being open to speak of what people | | | | Gallio said - "If you were accusing this man of |
| said and did can be a necessary part of the | | | | some serious crime - if he were a wicked villain - |
| healing process. | | | | it would be only reasonable for me to listen to |
| Turn with me to the New Testament book of | | | | you and bear with you and hear your case. But |
| Acts and Chapter 18. This quite dynamic and | | | | as it is an internal question of words and names |
| powerful man of God, Paul, is in the seaport of | | | | and your law - then, you deal with it. Settle this |
| Corinth. The situation has become potentially | | | | sort of thing among yourselves. I will not judge in |
| explosive. When Paul preached Jesus Christ in the | | | | these matters." And, he put them all out of the |
| Jewish synagogue, there arose a strong reaction | | | | courtroom. |
| and violent opposition. Some, who came to | | | | Sosthenes the ruler of synagogue received a |
| believe in Jesus Christ, leave the synagogue, and | | | | beating and we are not told exactly why. Gallio |
| they begin to fellowship right next door. | | | | actually ignores it and shrugs his shoulders, as if to |
| Here we have religion in the flesh - and a group | | | | say that this is none of my business! The Jews |
| of Holy Spirit filled believers. That can give rise to | | | | were accusing Paul of doing something illegal, but |
| riot battle and uproar. | | | | they do not mind behaving in such a way when it |
| Paul has wondered about his future - what was | | | | suits them. |
| he to do? He considers his position - and Jesus | | | | Have you noticed that with religious people, who |
| Christ visited him - speaks to him - encourages | | | | have never been born again? They will accuse |
| him - guides him and reassures him regarding the | | | | you of the least little thing, whilst perhaps acting in |
| decision, which he has to make. | | | | a most unjust and unfair manner. Be aware of |
| Paul is led by Jesus to remain in Corinth, and for | | | | that as you serve Jesus Christ. The book of Acts |
| 18 months he is teaching the Word of God in the | | | | is highly relevant in these present times, when so |
| seaport of Corinth, with all the sin around him that | | | | very many people around the world are being |
| is normally associated with such a place. He has | | | | persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. |
| received very specific guidance. Yet, trouble is | | | | Yes - this is real - very real - and at times, very |
| never far away. There is a united attack as the | | | | painful. It is called, carrying the Cross. |