But
when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his
clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own
heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the
Gentiles."
Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door
to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the
synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and
many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
One
night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid;
keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is
going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this
city." So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the
word of God.
Gallio
While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united
attack on Paul and brought him into court. "This man,"
they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways
contrary to the law."
Just as Paul
was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were
making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would
be reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves
questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter
yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things." So he had
them ejected from the court.
Then they all turned on Sosthenes the synagogue
ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no
concern whatever.
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