Acts 18:15

But if it be a question of words and names, and [of] your law, look ye [to it]; for I will be no judge of such [matters].

But {G1161} if {G1487} it be {G2076} a question {G2213} of {G4012} words {G3056} and {G2532} names {G3686}, and {G2532} of {G2596} your {G5209} law {G3551}, look ye {G3700}{G846} to it; for {G1063} I {G1473} will be {G1014}{G1511} no {G3756} judge {G2923} of such {G5130} matters.

But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law, then you must deal with it yourselves. I flatly refuse to judge such matters.”

But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things.”

but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; I am not minded to be a judge of these matters.

Acts 18:15 (KJV) Commentary: Gallio's Neutrality in Corinth

Context

Acts 18:15 captures a pivotal moment during the Apostle Paul's ministry in Corinth, the capital of the Roman province of Achaia. After establishing a thriving church in Corinth, Paul faced intense opposition from some Jewish leaders who brought him before Gallio, the Roman proconsul. They accused Paul of persuading people to worship God in ways contrary to their law. This verse records Gallio's decisive response, refusing to involve himself in what he perceived as an internal religious squabble rather than a matter of Roman civil law.

Key Themes

  • Roman Legal Neutrality: Gallio's declaration highlights the Roman Empire's general policy of allowing various religious practices, provided they did not disturb public order or violate Roman law. He saw the dispute as an internal Jewish affair, not a criminal offense under Roman jurisdiction.
  • Distinction Between Civil and Religious Law: The proconsul clearly distinguishes between matters of state law (which he would judge) and matters of religious doctrine or tradition ("words and names, and of your law"). This separation inadvertently provided a degree of protection for the early Christian movement.
  • Divine Protection and Gospel Advancement: Gallio's refusal to prosecute Paul meant that the apostle was free to continue his ministry. This incident demonstrates how God can use unexpected avenues, even the impartiality of a Roman official, to protect His servants and ensure the gospel's spread.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "question of words and names, and of your law" (KJV) is significant. In the original Greek, "words" is logos (λόγος), referring to doctrines, teachings, or arguments. "Names" (onomata, ὀνόματα) could refer to the specific name of Jesus as Messiah, or perhaps the different factions and titles within Judaism. "Your law" specifically refers to the Mosaic Law and the Jewish oral traditions. Gallio's dismissal underscored that these were not matters of Roman jurisprudence, but theological debates specific to the Jewish community.

Practical Application

Acts 18:15 offers several enduring lessons:

  • Discerning Priorities: Believers are reminded to distinguish between essential doctrines and non-essential theological disputes. While truth is vital, not every disagreement warrants a legalistic or combative approach.
  • God's Sovereignty: This passage reinforces the truth that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even legal proceedings. He can use secular authorities to protect His people and advance His kingdom purposes, often in ways we don't expect.
  • The Nature of the Gospel: The gospel's core message is spiritual, focused on faith in Christ, not on adherence to a particular set of human-made laws or traditions. Gallio's perspective, though secular, highlights that the "crime" Paul was accused of was a matter of belief, not civil offense.

Gallio's decision to be "no judge of such matters" ultimately served to clear Paul and allowed the Word of God to continue to flourish in Corinth without undue interference from the Roman state.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 23:29

    Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

  • Acts 25:19

    But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

  • 1 Timothy 6:4

    He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

  • Acts 26:3

    Especially [because I know] thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

  • Acts 25:11

    For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

  • 1 Timothy 1:4

    Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: [so do].

  • Matthew 27:24

    When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].

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