Acts xviii. 17. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
WE are assured that not one jot or tittle of God's word has ever failed, or ever can fail. But, for the trial of our faith, and for the more abundant mani- festation of his own truth and faithfulness, God is often pleased to let events of so dark a nature arise,
that it shall appear almost impossible for his word to receive its accomplishment. Thus he did in relation to the Israelites in Egypt. He had promised to Abraham, that before the expiration of four hundred and thirty years, he would bring his posterity out of Egypt. The time appointed had just arrived, when he sent his servants, Moses and Aaron, to lead them forth ; but, so far from succeeding in their efforts, they only augmented the labours and sufferings of their oppressed countrymen : and, when the very last day had arrived, they were plainly warned by Pharaoh, that, if they attempted to come into his presence again, they should die. What now must become of the veracity of God ? Did his word fall to the ground ? No : that very night did God send a judgment, which caused the Egyptians to thrust them out. In like manner did the Lord Jesus act towards the Apostle Paul. It should seem that Paul had felt discouraged at the little success of his labours during his long stay of a year and six months at Corinth ; and that he had begun to yield to some desponding fears. Our blessed Lord, for his encouragement, appeared to him in a vision, and told him, he should be successful in planting a large Church there, and that " none should set on him to hurt him*' But be- hold, " when Gallio was deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment-seat, saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law." Here it is manifest that they did " set on him" and that too with the most brutal ferocity : but did they " hurt .him ?" No : the Governor would not listen to their complaints. This occasioned a great tumult in the court, insomuch that the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment-seat. Why did they not, in their rage, beat Paul 9 Why did they wreak their vengeance on a friend of Paul's, and not on Paul himself? God's word had been pledged for Paul ; and therefore not a hair of his head could be touched. Gallio, who should have been Paul's protector, " cared for none