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.”
Ad Populum is a Latin phrase for the logical fallacy of appealing to the people, in effect believing something based on how many others believe it. It makes for unity, but not all unity is good. Think of the Nuremberg Rallies in Nazi Germany. There was tremendous unity but it led to near global terror. Here in Acts, there was unity but it was a united attack on God’s servant, Paul. He was in Corinth to plant the church there, an activity Satan hates. The attacks came swift and powerful, trying to have Paul arrested. After that plot failed, they were united in expending their pent up frustration on poor Sosthenes, who was beaten instead. Later, the unity of the church in Corinth itself would be against Paul as he was led to write multiple letters to this church to reform it from their various sins.
As Cape Community Church prepares to become a planted church in the Bible Fellowship Church, I am mindful that Satan does not like this either. I have people praying against the last ditch attempt of Satan to disrupt the plant. This prayer must continue as we seek to make disciples and love our neighbor. Please join us in prayer that any united attacks would be fractured by the power of prayer and that we would be united in our mission for Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, thank you that you build your church and are with us always. Help us to be united in Christ as we battle the evil one. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church