Acts 18:12

12. Gallio Marcus Annaeus Novatus was the brother of the celebrated philosopher, Seneca. Being, according to Roman custom, adopted into the family of the rhetorician Gallio, he assumed the name Junius Annaeus Gallio. His brother, Seneca, given him the highest character for a fascinating amiableness. “No one of mortals could be so dear even to a single friend as he was to all.” And the poet Statius gives him the epithet “sweet Gallio.” It is said, but not well authenticated, that he, like his brother Seneca, had the honour of death from the cruelty of Nero. Tacitus says, “He was appalled at the taking of his brother’s limb, and became a suppliant for his own.” Jerome states that he committed suicide A.D. 65.

Deputy (See note on Acts 13:7.) Here is disclosed another instance of Luke’s minute accuracy. Gallio was deputed by the Senate during the reign of Claudius, and was, therefore, a proconsul, as Luke says. But under the preceding reigns the ruler was sent by the emperor, and so was not a proconsul but a legatus. There is historical evidence that Gallio was in Achaia about the time of Paul’s visit, and he appears to have resigned his office on account of ill health, proclaiming that it was “a disease not of his body, but of the climate.”

Insurrection An onset upon him.

One accord Unanimously and spontaneously; but doubtless with Sosthenes, the new president of the synagogue, at their head.

Brought… judgment seat Nothing, it would seem, but the extravagance of passion in these unhappy men could have prompted to this bold course. For the Jews as a race were under the displeasure of the emperor at this time, who had lately banished all from Rome. They could ill have anticipated that a proconsul fresh from that same Rome would be their very hearty friend.