November 15

Acts 18: 12-22

12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal. 13 They said, "This man is persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to the law." 14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of crime or serious villainy, I would be justified in accepting the complaint of you Jews; 15 but since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I do not wish to be a judge of these matters." 16 And he dismissed them from the tribunal. 17 Then all of them seized Sosthenes, the official of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of these things. 18 After staying there for a considerable time, Paul said farewell to the believers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had his hair cut, for he was under a vow. 19 When they reached Ephesus, he left them there, but first he himself went into the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay longer, he declined; 21 but on taking leave of them, he said, "I will return to you, if God wills." Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.

As Paul moves into the Gentile community, the question of how the Roman authorities will treat this community becomes central. If Christians are seen as a Jewish Sect, then they are beneficiaries of some of the religious concession made to the Jews. If they are not Jewish, then their status in the empire would change. Here in Corinth we begin to see the significance of these questions.

Gallio, the tribune, is not inclined to engage in what he sees and an inter-Jewish issue. Even when there is physical violence against Sosthenes, the Roman authorities do not pay attention. This will change. For the moment in the story it is clear that the disputes within the synagogue are not of interest to the Romans.

Paul’s second missionary journey is about to end. He and Priscilla and Aquila go to Ephesus. Before leaving Paul keeps a vow that he had taken and has his haircut. In Numbers 6 the Nazarite vow included not cutting ones hair. So Paul still keeps some of the practices of the Jews while focusing on the Gentile Mission.

Reflection questions
1. Notice that Paul returns to the churches that sent him out. What role do established congregations have in starting new communities of faith?
2. How does the relationship with the state affect the ministry of the church?
3. Does our tax status interfere with the mission of the church?