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SECT. X.
PAul thus going on couragiously with his Ministry, the Jews were so horribly enraged at him, that they banded against him, and brought him before the Tribunal of Gallio the Pro∣consul of that Province, accusing him that he taught another way of worshipping God, than what the Law of the Jews pre∣scribed, and according to which the Romans had permitted them to live. But Gallio told them, if it were a matter that ap∣pertained to the civil government, it was but reason he should hear them, and do them justice; but seeing the Question betwixt them, was concerning things appertaining to their Religion, he would be no judg in such matters. The Jews, as it seems, were not satisfied with this answer, but press'd him again with vehe∣ment and somewhat uncivil importunity, that he would take some course with Paul; Gallio being offended at this their carriage, by his Officers drave them out of the Court. But they continuing yet to be troublesom and importunate, some of the Natives of Co∣rinth, fell upon Sosthenes (one of the Rulers of the Jewish Consistory, who probably was their Captain and Leader in this complaint against Paul) and beat him in the place; the Pro-consul taking no notice of it, or reproving it.
* 1.1 * 1.2 * 1.3 * 1.4Act. 18. v. 12. And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judg∣ment seat,
v, 13. Saying, This fellow perswadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
v. 14. And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong, or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you.
v. 15. But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it: for I will be no judg of such matters.
v. 16. And he drave them from the judgment seat.
v. 17. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat: and Gallio cared for none of those things.