First-century Roman jurisprudence at its best models for us what every state should be for the Christian: the protector of religious freedom and the promoter of religious toleration. At Corinth, the arena for the final stage of Paul's second missionary journey, Proconsul Gallio's decision sets a precedent of shielding the church from pagan and Jewish attacks and opens a decade-and-a-half-long period of opportunity for the gospel's progress.