Rev. George Varughese (Shaji Karackal)
Delphi Greece: Ancient Inscription Confirms Key Figure in the Book of Acts
Archaeologists have uncovered compelling evidence that directly supports the historical accuracy of the New Testament, with the discovery of a marble inscription mentioning a Roman official named in the Bible.
Known as the Gallio Inscription, the artifact consists of fragments of a letter from Emperor Claudius, dated to around AD 52. Found at the ancient sanctuary of Delphi in Greece, the text explicitly refers to “Lucius Junius Gallio, my friend and proconsul of Achaia.”
This matches precisely with the account in Acts 18:12-17, where Gallio serves as the Roman governor of Achaia and presides over the trial of the Apostle Paul in Corinth.
The inscription provides scholars with one of the most precise chronological anchors for the New Testament. It firmly dates Gallio’s term to AD 51–52, helping establish that Paul’s 18-month ministry in Corinth took place during this period.
For many, the find carries deep significance. It demonstrates that the writer of Acts recorded historical details with remarkable accuracy — naming the correct official, title, and province at the right time in history.
Once again, a piece of ancient stone quietly affirms the reliability of the biblical record, bridging the gap between scripture and archaeology in a powerful way. The Gallio Inscription remains one of the most important discoveries for understanding the world of the early church.
