William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Acts 18:12

Observe here, 1. How St. Paul, taking heart from the foregoing promise made by God unto him, goes on courageously in the work of his ministry at Corinth; but the unbelieving Jews were so enraged against him, that they combined together as one man, and with one accord made insurrection against Paul.

Where note, What great unity and unanimity there is among wicked men, the devil's friends; he well knows that his kingdom could not long stand if it were divided. The unity of all society is their strength.

Observe, 2. They accuse the apostle before Gallip the deputy, for persuading men to worship God contrary to the law of Moses.

Who would not think but these men were truly pious, virtuous, and good, who were so zealous for the worship of God according to the law? and yet they were wicked men, and fiery persecutors. There is. noisy religion in the world? some men think, by crying the Church! the Church! and by pleading loud for the worship of God, as established by law, to atone for all their immoralities.

Praying is good, hearing and receiving the sacrament are good, if they be joined with holy walking; but if otherwise, the howling of wolves is as acceptable to Almighty God, as the prayers of those men who call Christ Master, and the church mother, but do not the things which they have commanded; yea, the very dogs which follow them to the public assemblies, shall as soon find acceptance as themselves, if they do not obey him whom they pretend to adore. It is no matter what church. wicked man is of, for it is certain he can be saved in none.

Observe, 3. What low and mean thoughts Gallio had, and all persons prejudiced against religion and the power of godliness have, of sincere Christianity: If it be. question of words and names, says Gallio. As if he had said, "Do not trouble me about the niceties of your religion, decide such questions among yourselves; for. will be no judge in such matters." The great men of the world little care to trouble their heads about the matters of religion; they look upon it only as. matter of notion and speculation; whereas it is not. speculative science, but. practical art of holy living: and accordingly, like Gallio, they care for none of these things.

Observe lastly, That although this Gallio had no kindness for Christianity, yet God made use of him as an instrument, at this time, to preserve and screen St. Paul from the rage of his enemies, insomuch, that he drove his accusers from the judgment-seat.

Thus God performed his promise to Paul, suffering no man to hurt him; but causing Gallio the governor to defend him, who his enemies were in hopes would have destroyed him.

Lord, how happy and wise is it for thy servants to commit the care of themselves to thee in well-doing! If we, with. purity of intention, concern ourselves for thy glory, thou wilt certainly take care of our safety; or if any danger should come, danger itself shall do us no harm.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Acts 18:12

Old Testament

New Testament