Acts 18:14

KJV

And when Paul was now about to open [his] mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O [ye] Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when Paul {G3972} was now about {G3195} to open {G455} his mouth {G4750}, Gallio {G1058} said {G2036} unto {G4314} the Jews {G2453}, If {G1487}{G3303}{G3767} it were {G2258} a {G5100} matter of wrong {G92} or {G2228} wicked {G4190} lewdness {G4467}, O {G5599} ye Jews {G2453}, reason {G2596}{G3056} would {G302} that I should bear {G430} with you {G5216}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha’ul was just about to open his mouth, when Gallio said to the Jews, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case of inflicted injury or a serious crime, I could reasonably be expected to hear you out patiently.

Berean Standard Bible

But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint.

American Standard Version

But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked villany, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:14 captures a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's ministry in Corinth, where the Roman proconsul Gallio decisively intervenes in a dispute brought by the Jewish community against Paul. As Paul prepares to defend himself against accusations of persuading people to worship God "contrary to the law," Gallio swiftly dismisses the case, declaring that his court will not arbitrate matters of religious doctrine but only genuine criminal offenses or serious civil wrongs. This ruling highlights the pragmatic nature of Roman justice and inadvertently provides a crucial period of legal protection for the nascent Christian movement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a significant period of ministry for Paul in Corinth, as detailed in [Acts 18:1-17](/acts/18-1-17 "Acts 18 - Paul in Corinth"). Following his arrival in Corinth, Paul had found lodging and work with Aquila and Priscilla, and had been actively proclaiming the gospel in the synagogue and among the Gentiles. Despite initial opposition, the Lord had encouraged Paul in a vision, assuring him, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city" ([Acts 18:9-10](/acts/18-9-10 "Acts 18:9-10 - God's Assurance to Paul")). The Jewish leaders' attempt to bring Paul before Gallio's judgment seat represents the direct fulfillment of the "attack" God promised to protect Paul from. Gallio's dismissal of the case directly precedes the account of Sosthenes, the synagogue ruler, being beaten, further emphasizing the volatile nature of the Jewish opposition and the unexpected turn of events.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Corinth, a prominent and wealthy Roman colony in Achaia, known for its strategic location, bustling trade, and diverse population. Gallio was the proconsul of Achaia, a position that can be historically dated to approximately 51-52 AD through the "Delphi Inscription," providing a crucial chronological anchor for Paul's ministry. Roman law, under which Gallio operated, distinguished clearly between civil offenses (crimes against the state or individuals) and religious disputes. The Jews' accusation that Paul was persuading people to worship God "contrary to the law" referred to Jewish law, not Roman law. Gallio's response demonstrates his understanding that his jurisdiction was limited to matters of *ius civile* (civil law), not *religio* (religious practices), especially those pertaining to a recognized, albeit often contentious, group like the Jews. The *bema* (judgment seat) was a raised platform in the agora (marketplace) where Roman officials conducted public legal proceedings.
* **Key Themes:** Gallio's intervention in [Acts 18:14](/acts/18-14 "Acts 18:14 - Gallio's Judgment") powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Roman Justice and Neutrality**, demonstrating the pragmatic and often hands-off approach of Roman authorities to internal religious disputes, as long as public order was maintained. This neutrality, though not pro-Christian, created a crucial window of legal protection for the early church, allowing it to grow under the umbrella of tolerated Jewish sects. Secondly, the event underscores **Divine Providence and Protection**, as Gallio's swift dismissal of the case is a clear manifestation of God's faithfulness to His promise to Paul in [Acts 18:10](/acts/18-10 "Acts 18:10 - God's Promise to Paul"), ensuring Paul's safety and the continued spread of the Gospel. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **Distinction Between Civil and Religious Matters**, with Gallio drawing a clear line between criminal offenses that warranted his intervention and theological disagreements that did not. This distinction was vital for the early church, which often faced accusations rooted in religious envy rather than actual civil wrongdoing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrong (Greek, _adíkēma'_):** This term refers to a civil injury, an offense, or a wrong deed that falls under the jurisdiction of a legal court. It denotes an act that is legally actionable or constitutes an injustice. Gallio was looking for an actual crime, not a theological difference.
* **wicked (Greek, _ponērós'_):** This adjective describes something as hurtful, evil, or morally culpable. When applied to actions, it implies malicious intent, depravity, or villainy. Gallio's use of this word indicates he was seeking evidence of serious, morally reprehensible criminal behavior.
* **lewdness (Greek, _rhaidioúrgēma'_):** This noun denotes easy-going behavior that extends to recklessness or, by extension, a crime. In this context, combined with "wicked," it signifies a mischievous, malicious, or depraved act, implying a serious criminal offense that would warrant the proconsul's direct intervention.
* **bear (Greek, _anéchomai'_):** This verb, in its middle voice, means "to hold oneself up against" or, figuratively, "to put up with," "endure," or "suffer." Gallio's statement "reason would that I should bear with you" means he would patiently and justly hear their case if it involved such actual crimes, indicating a willingness to entertain legitimate legal complaints.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Paul was now about to open his mouth":** This clause sets the scene, depicting Paul's readiness to defend himself against the accusations. It highlights the tension and the expectation that Paul would engage in a legal defense, similar to his previous encounters.
* **"Gallio said unto the Jews":** This signifies a dramatic interruption. Gallio, as the Roman proconsul, asserts his authority, taking control of the proceedings before Paul can even speak. His direct address to the Jewish accusers underscores his role as the ultimate arbiter of justice in this Roman province.
* **"If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews":** Gallio lays down the precise condition for his intervention. He specifies that his court is concerned only with *adíkēma* (a civil wrong or injustice) or *ponērós rhaidioúrgēma* (a serious, malicious criminal act). By using these terms, he clearly indicates that the accusations must pertain to violations of Roman civil law, not internal religious disputes. The vocative "O ye Jews" emphasizes his direct challenge to their basis for bringing the charges.
* **"reason would that I should bear with you":** This concluding phrase explains Gallio's judicial principle. He implies that if the charges were legitimate civil or criminal offenses, it would be logical and proper for him, as proconsul, to patiently hear and adjudicate the case. His refusal to "bear with" them on religious matters highlights his strict adherence to Roman legal jurisdiction.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is evident in the fact that the very authority the Jewish leaders hoped would condemn Paul instead becomes his unexpected protector, dismissing their charges. This also serves as a powerful instance of **Divine Providence**, as Gallio's seemingly secular decision directly fulfills God's earlier promise to Paul in [Acts 18:10](/acts/18-10 "Acts 18:10 - God's Assurance to Paul") that no one would harm him. Furthermore, the dialogue itself establishes a clear **Contrast** between the nature of Jewish religious law and Roman civil law, highlighting the distinct spheres of jurisdiction and the early church's position within the Roman legal framework. Gallio's precise legal language also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the broader Roman legal protections the early church would sometimes enjoy, even amidst persecution, as long as their activities were not deemed a threat to public order or Roman authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:14 offers profound insights into God's sovereign work through secular authorities and the nature of the early church's interaction with the governing powers. Gallio's decision, though motivated by Roman legal principles rather than theological conviction, demonstrates how God can use unexpected means and even the pragmatic neutrality of earthly rulers to protect His servants and advance His kingdom. This event underscores the principle that God's plan for the spread of the Gospel is often realized through the ordinary workings of society, including its legal systems. It also highlights the early church's need to navigate the complexities of civil law while remaining faithful to its divine mission, distinguishing between matters of faith and matters of state.

* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-14](/1_peter/2-13-14 "1 Peter 2:13-14 - Respect for Authority")
* [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 18:14 provides a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all earthly authorities and circumstances, actively working to protect His people and advance His purposes, even through unexpected channels. In the face of opposition or false accusations, this passage encourages believers to trust in God's providential care, knowing that He can orchestrate events to ensure the Gospel's continued spread. It also challenges us to discern carefully between genuine wrongdoing that falls under civil jurisdiction and theological disagreements or matters of conscience. Not every conflict warrants legal or severe intervention; some are internal matters of faith that require spiritual discernment and grace. This passage calls us to pray for and respect those in authority, recognizing that their decisions, even when seemingly secular, can be part of God's larger plan for justice and the flourishing of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Gallio's decision in Acts 18:14 encourage you when facing opposition or false accusations in your own life?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, better discern between matters of civil law and matters of religious conviction in our contemporary society?**
* **How does this passage inform our understanding of God's sovereignty over secular governments and legal systems?**

### FAQ
**Who was Gallio and why is his decision in Acts 18:14 so significant?**

Answer: Gallio was the Roman proconsul of Achaia, the province that included Corinth, during Paul's ministry there. His proconsulship is historically datable to approximately 51-52 AD, making this verse a crucial chronological anchor for dating events in Paul's missionary journeys. His decision is significant because he refused to arbitrate a religious dispute, viewing it as an internal matter of Jewish law rather than a violation of Roman civil law. This ruling provided a vital period of legal protection for the early Christian movement, as it effectively declared Christianity, at least for a time, to be a sect within Judaism and therefore a *religio licita* (a permitted religion) under Roman law, rather than a new, unauthorized cult. This allowed the Gospel to spread without immediate state suppression in Corinth.

**What does "wrong or wicked lewdness" mean in the context of Gallio's statement?**

Answer: In [Acts 18:14](/acts/18-14 "Acts 18:14 - Gallio's Judgment"), Gallio uses "wrong" (Greek: *adikēma*) to refer to a civil injury or an act of injustice that falls under legal jurisdiction. "Wicked lewdness" (Greek: *ponērós rhaidioúrgēma*) is a stronger phrase, denoting a malicious, depraved, or serious criminal act. Gallio's statement means that he would only intervene if Paul were accused of actual civil crimes or serious moral offenses that violated Roman law. He was not interested in mediating theological disagreements or disputes over Jewish religious practices, as these were not within his purview as a Roman magistrate. His focus was on maintaining public order and enforcing Roman statutes, not on adjudicating religious doctrines.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 18:14, though seemingly a secular legal event, resonates with profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Gallio's refusal to judge matters of religious law points to the nature of Christ's kingdom, which, as Jesus Himself declared to Pilate, "is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Christ's authority is spiritual and eternal, transcending earthly legal systems and human judgments. Furthermore, Gallio's dismissal of the charges against Paul, ensuring the continued spread of the Gospel, mirrors the ultimate vindication of Christ. Just as Paul was protected to fulfill his mission, Christ, through His resurrection, was vindicated as the righteous Son of God, enabling the very mission that Paul carried out. The "reason" (Greek: *logos*) Gallio speaks of, which would compel him to hear a legitimate case, ultimately finds its truest and most complete embodiment in Christ Himself, who is the [Logos, the Word of God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very essence of divine reason and truth. His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection are the ultimate "matter" that demands the world's attention and judgment, not according to human laws, but according to divine righteousness, culminating in His role as the [righteous Judge](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Christ") of all.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 3:14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

2 Corinthians 11:4

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

Acts 26:1

¶ Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

Acts 26:2

I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

Acts 21:39

But Paul said, I am a man [which am] a Jew of Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

Acts 22:2

(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)