the Gallio Inscription 52 AD

[dmday3000]

I was reading about the historical context of Paul's trial before Gallio, and came across a reference to evidence behind dating the event, the Gallio Inscription. This event takes place while Claudius is emperor, and 2 years after he expelled the Jews from Rome for making disturbances in the name of a man named "Chistus" (Suetonius, "Lives of the Caesars"ch25) It is also interesting to note that Gallio's brother was Seneca the famous philosopher that tutored Nero, who would eventually begin the persecution of Christians.

We know from Acts 18:12 that Gallio was proconsul of Achaia when Paul was brought before the judgment seat.

This event can be dated to 52 AD from an inscription found in Delphi in the late 1800's. the inscription is in fragments, however the full text has been reconstructed.

Here is the text...

"Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, Highest Priest, invested with tribunician authority for the twelfth time, acclaimed Imperator for the twenty-sixth time, Father of the Fatherland, Consul for the fifth time, Censor, sends greetings to the city of the Delphians. For a long time I have been well disposed toward the city of Delphi, but also solicitous for its prosperity, and I have always protected the cult of the Pythian Apollo .... But now since it is said to be destitute of citizens, as L. Junius Gallio, my friend and proconsul recently reported to me; and being desirous that Delphi should continue to retain intact its former rank, I order you to invite well-born people also from other cities to Delphi as new inhabitants and to allow them and their children to have all the privileges of Delphi as being citizens on equal and like (basis). For if some . . . were to transfer as citizens to these regions, ..."


What does this inscription tell us? First, it places Gallio as the procosul of Achaia in 52 AD which allows us to place Paul in Corinth at the same time.

Second, it gives us further insight into the pagan culture of the Roman Empire. Pagan religion was tied geographically to a place/city/temple. Pagan religions also had patrons who would expect good fortune in return for their service. In this case Claudius claims he is a patron of the cult of Apollo.

Contrast this to Christianity, where Christ's Kingdom resides in the hearts of its people and is not tied to a particular place or time. Interestingly Christians then and now still seek to venerate places/cities/temples as residence of their faith. All the while the Gospel is being carried into new nations and peoples, where the challenges that the post-apostolic Christians faced are being conquered all over again.