☀️
← Back to Lexicon
G1058 · Greek · New Testament
Γαλλίων
Galliōn
Proper noun, masculine
Gallio (He who sucks milk; or from Latin: Gallus)

Definition

The Greek name Galliōn (G1058) refers to Lucius Junius Gallio, the Roman proconsul of Achaia (Greece) during Paul's time in Corinth (Acts 18:12-17). Born Marcus Annaeus Novatus, he was adopted by the rhetorician Junius Gallio and took his name. He was the brother of the philosopher Seneca.

Usage & Theological Significance

Gallio's dismissal of the Jewish charges against Paul — "I refuse to be a judge of these things" (Acts 18:15) — was providentially significant for the early church. His ruling effectively declared Christianity a matter of Jewish internal dispute rather than a Roman legal offense, giving Paul and the church legal breathing room in the Roman Empire. Gallio's indifference to spiritual matters is a warning; his inadvertent service to the gospel is a reminder of God's sovereignty over pagan rulers.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 18:12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal.
Acts 18:14 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.'
Acts 18:15 '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.'
Acts 18:17 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.
Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️