John 16:2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.

 

The Apostle Paul finally got a break in Corinth! After being beaten, thrown in jail, and escorted out of town in so many other places, Gallio, the Roman Proconsul at that time, dismissed the case against Paul. He not only let Paul go, but he also had the lictors (soldiers) drive Paul’s accusers out with whips!

 

We don’t know if the Holy Spirit moved upon Gallio to do this or if he came to the conclusion on his own but in either case, Paul didn’t even have a chance to defend himself. Gallio dismissed the case as soon as he heard what it was about! And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, if it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, you Jews, reason would that I should bear with you. But if it be a question of words and names, and of your Law, you look to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. And he drove them from the Judgment Seat. (Acts 18:14-16)

 

Gallio may not have been a believer in Jesus Christ, but he was a fair man who didn’t take sides. This is the way all judges should be, but we all know that even those who sit in the highest courts of the land do not have this much integrity.

 

Sir William Ramsey, a well-known British Historian and Archaeologist, called Gallio’s decision “The Charter of Christian Freedom.” The hope was that Gallio’s decision in Paul’s case in Corinth would set a precedent for future cases but as we know from reading more about Paul’s Ministry, it did not. While it was a bit of reprieve for Paul, it didn’t take long before the Jews would once again persecute him.

 

Christians have always been persecuted for their faith in Christ. Jesus told us this would happen. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My Name’s sake. (Luke 21:12)

 

As the old adage goes, “If you can’t kill the message, kill the messenger.” They couldn’t stop the Message of the Gospel of Christ so they did everything they could to stop the messenger. Nothing has changed. The Message of the Cross of Christ is still coming under great persecution all around the world today.

 

But take heart, my friends! As we watch the happenings around the world, we can see that The Day is soon coming when the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the Voice of an Archangel, and with the Trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these Words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

 

Hold on! God is about to……...….turn the tide

 

Be comforted by these Words.         Doreen

 

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