What does Acts 18:12 mean?
The synagogue of Corinth rejects Paul's assertions that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah as prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. As have synagogues in many other towns, they reject Paul. Fortunately, some believe. Titius Justus is a Gentile God-worshiper who not only chooses to follow Jesus, his home is next door to the synagogue and he offers its use to Paul. In addition, the ruler of the synagogue, Crispus, believes and follows Paul to help him build the new church (Acts 18:6–8).The Jews are not satisfied—they want Paul out. They charge him with "persuading people to worship God contrary to the law" (Acts 18:13). In the Roman Empire, it was illegal to preach a god that was not authorized by the government. In addition, much of the wording used by Jesus-followers, including calling Jesus "king," was in direct conflict with emperor worship.
A proconsul was the ruler of a district that did not need a standing army. He answered to the Roman Senate, not the emperor. Lucius Junius Gallio was the proconsular governor of Achaia, which included the large island-like area, where Corinth was, as well as the thin strip of land that connected it to the mainland of Greece. Gallio was the brother of Seneca the Younger, the famous Roman Stoic philosopher, and had a reputation for being funny and amiable. An inscription shows he governed Achaia in AD 51 and 52.
In Pisidian Antioch, the Jewish leaders incited the leading women and men to drive Paul and Barnabas out of town (Acts 13:50). In Iconium, they joined with the Gentiles to harass them (Acts 14:5–6). In Philippi, Paul and Silas were charged before the city magistrates (Acts 16:19–20). In Thessalonica, the Jews created a mob out of some "wicked men" (Acts 17:5) and charged them before the city authorities.
In Corinth, the Jewish leaders make especially strong efforts. A rabble can force someone out of the city, but they can't make them stay out. Even the authority of the politarchs—city governors—of Thessalonica had limited authority. But a proconsul, backed by the authority of the Roman Senate, can restrict Paul's movements through the entire Empire. Fortunately for Paul and his partners, Gallio doesn't care.
