David Bahn – Reflections

Acts 18:12-17

But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, ¹³ saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” ¹⁴ But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. ¹⁵ But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” ¹⁶ And he drove them from the tribunal. ¹⁷ And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

Red Rose | Belgrade, Serbia | April 2024

Lots of people seem to believe that the truth of God is entirely subjective. Like Gallio. For him, the questions surrounding Paul’s behavior and the charges brought against him were none of his business. It was a matter of their laws, words, and names, not his. They were a non-issue as far as he was concerned.

We’ve been traveling through eastern Europe these past few days and especially when it comes to Serbia and Croatia, the matters about names and laws are still very much alive. There are reminders everywhere about the war just before the turn of the century. A tower with bomb holes still in it. A hotel gutted and abandoned. Urban decay everywhere you look. Memorials to both survivors of the communist aggressors as well as the Serbian fighters. People here are living with a constant reminder that they must not forget the past. And there is a long and storied past in these parts of the world – dating back century upon century.

Most of us find it curious but somewhat distant. It’s time to let go, we think. Yes, there have been atrocities and abuses. We should not think it was nothing. And we should guard ourselves from falling prey to the evil designs of evil men.

Even more important, though, are the truths of God. We have our church buildings, ornate crosses, or Christian decorations at Christmas and Easter. These are reminders of an eternal truth of God’s redemption, grace, and love. They are good – not to be despised. But the greater truth – that is not just our truth – is that God’s love is given to be shared. His truth is the foundation of a life lived in service to one another. His love is the power for our acts of grace and kindness toward others.

This is true for all people.