While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. “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 them, “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 drove them off. Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.

At times in this world, justice seems far away. Other times, it is swift. In Acts 5, Ananias and Saphira had quick justice for lying to God and the apostles and withholding money they had promised and gained credit for giving. Justice for Jesus’ wrongful death took centuries for God to merit out.

I have seen in my life those who deceive sometimes apparently succeed, and at other times swift justice is given.

I think in context, we see Paul and his companions suffer for the sake of the good news about Jesus (the Gospel). We also see here that God provided quick justice via the crowd against these lying rulers of the synagogue and allowed Paul to continue to minister.

Am I God’s servant in times of delayed justice just like I am when justice comes quickly? Will I stand fast on the rock, my foundation of faith in Jesus, at all times and be faithful to my mission and calling?

Lord, thank you for this passage that shows us you do act and merit out justice. Teach me to wait on you and your sovereign hand!