12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. 13 “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.”

14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law – settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” 16 So he drove them off. Acts 18:12-16

Paul found an unlikely ally in Gallio. The Corinthian Jews believed they had a case against Paul, even though they never presented him with any evidence.

Gallio would have none of it.

He dismissed them with a few words.

Paul was probably surprised at Gallio’s actions. After all, Paul hadn’t met many leaders who were in favor of what he was doing. While Gallio didn’t say he was in favor, he didn’t condemn his actions either. It sounds like he considered the Corinthian Jews’ request an annoyance.

You and I will have these kinds of allies as well. But the unlikely ally that we should rejoice in is God Himself. It was highly unlikely that the Creator of the World could ever care about us. It was highly unlikely that God would ever try to have a relationship with us. And it was highly unlikely that God would send His Son into this rotten world to try to redeem it.

Rejoice today in your Unlikely Ally.