Paul knew the Jews would be enraged over the conversion of the chief ruler of the synagogue. The question arose, should he remain in Corinth, or should he flee? What would be better for the infant church? He asked his Lord in prayer, and his Lord answered him. He renewed to him his commission and charge to preach the gospel plainly, fully, and courageously. We suggest you retain these heavenly words in you, for here the will of God was clearly crystallized.
Christ keeps you from every form of fear, for there is no fear in the divine love. Christ is near to you, so be strengthened and do not keep silent. Speak and testify the truth of Him who was raised from the dead. Our faith is not about a religion or philosophy, but about a person to whom we are joined. Christ rose from the dead. He truly rose. He daily confirms to all His servants His appearing, even to the end of the age. This is a great comfort for His apostles, servants, and followers. You are not left out, isolated, or forgotten, for your Lord, who justifies, accompanies, and sanctifies you, never leaves you. He continues in you even to the moment of death. Nothing happens to you except what Christ wills in the flow of His love. He Himself is your guide. All the plots of the devil do not reach you because your Lord protects you.
The communion of God with you aims at winning the many people around you. He chose them for salvation, and is calling them through you. They hear His word in your voice, and come to Him to be renewed by faith. They are joined together by the love of the Holy Spirit into one church, admitted into the fellowship of God. Members of His holy people continue to call upon the glorious virtues of the One who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Undoubtedly the Lord knows every heart in your city seeking or praising Him. So do not be desperate, but only believe that Christ’s triumph is being realized today. Those who trust in Him will accompany Him in His triumphal procession.
The Lord Jesus confirmed to Paul that no one would be able to harm him in Corinth, contrary to what had happened to him in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Whoever attempted to harm him would fall from the hand of the Lord. Thus the apostle stayed for a year and a half in this evil city, preaching the gospel without disturbance, dwelling beside the synagogue of the Jews, rejoicing in the fellowship of the redeemed.
In A.D. 53 Gallio was made proconsul of the province of Achaia, of which Corinth was the capital city. When Gallio was made the Roman governor for all of Achaia the Jews instigated a riot, an attempt to inflame persecution against the Christians. They did not charge Paul with being an enemy of Caesar or of propagating the divine King. They accused him of propagating a new religion, one that was contrary to Judaism and, therefore, contrary to Roman law. The latter had already recognized Judaism as a legitimate religion. Gallio, the governor, was, however, in principle against the Jews. He was of the party of Claudius Caesar, who had driven the people of the Old Testament out of Rome. The governor forcefully rejected the complaint and did not allow Paul to defend himself. Christ protected His servant, so that Paul had no need to say a word to defend himself.
The new ruler of the Jewish synagogue, who had been behind the complaint being raised against Paul to the governor, was unsuccessful. The professors at the synagogue took him out and gave him a severe beating before Gallio, for this new Jewish ruler had defamed their community in front of the new governor. This rabbi had attempted to keep Christ’s hand away from protecting Paul. Instead, it fell heavily upon him. No one can stop the founding of the church of God as long as the Lord protects His elect. So believe and do not keep silent. Speak and thank your Lord amid the fellowship of your brothers night and day.