Continuing through Acts verse by verse. So here again we see Paul before the magistrates. In contact with the magistrates. When the Lord spoke to Paul He said there would be no harm to him – but that did not mean there wouldn't be difficulties. But notice here – no harm did come to him! Here we see the interposition of the magistrates on behalf of Paul! The magistrate keeps Paul from harm.
And this was huge. Had Gallio sided with the Jews – scholars point out that this would have slowed the preaching of the Gospel for the next 10-12 years. Then there was a change in Roman rule under Nero decidedly against Christians. But those 10-12 years running up till then would have been decidedly different. Gallio was held in esteem – had his judgment gone against Paul - all other proconsuls would hear of his verdict on this – and they too would have made things hard on the Christians. Because of the interposition of this proconsul – the Christian faith was given liberty to be proclaimed.
This demonstrates once again – the impact of the magistrates concerning the Gospel – whether for good or for evil. And I have seen this in our days. From a judge to a policeman – they can either help proliferate the spread of the Gospel – or hinder it. This is why churchmen have always believed it important to instruct the magistrates – to speak to the civil realm regarding their office; instructing them in their duty in the sight of Christ. Christ's kingdom impacts both individuals and nations. And here we see it yet again in Acts 18 – our text.
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