But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” 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; And he drove them away from the judgment seat. 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 18:12-14+16-17
Have you ever been in a situation where you just knew that you were being set-up? Maybe there was a plot to reposition you or paint you in a certain light and there was nothing you could do about it. Joseph was falsely accused, Daniel was thrown into the Lions Den, Esther’s people were set-up to be exterminated, and Paul would be painted by people of influence (synagogue rulers) as a trouble maker and law breaker. These set-up’s almost always carried consequences, The Apostle Paul was beat many times for his preaching. But Jesus promised Paul to continue to speak boldly and that no one would harm him in Corinth a few verses earlier. God caused Gallio to defend Paul. Has someone stood up and defended you before? Is there someone you can step up and speak for?
In this instance, the plot to silence Paul was thwarted. Proverbs 26:27 says, ‘He who digs a pit for another will fall into it themselves.’ Sosthenes the synagogue ruler who sought to have Paul beaten would be the one who was beaten in his place. How did the turn-around happen? Someone of greater influence and authority sided with Paul (Gallio). In fact, Paul was about to speak to defend himself and just then, Gallio ended the accusations and resolved the matter. It is human nature to defend oneself, yet there are times you are better off to let someone else speak for you. If another steps up and speaks on your behalf, it carries more weight than if you defend yourself. Next time you become aware of someone trying to paint you in a poor light, consider asking God in prayer who He might suggest you go to in order to rise to your defense or make your case in your place. God always has a ‘Gallio’ he can give you favor with and call into service for his purposes.
REFLECT TO CONNECT:
- When have you been on the receiving end of office politics or rumors?
- Have you ever stood up for someone who was getting wrongfully accused?
- Is there someone you could speak up for and use your influence to defend?
Principle: When accused, having others speak on your behalf will carry more weight than if you speak for yourself.
