Acts 18:15

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:15 records the Roman proconsul Gallio's pivotal judgment concerning the Apostle Paul in Corinth. When Jewish leaders accused Paul of promoting a religion contrary to their law, Gallio, discerning the dispute as an internal religious matter rather than a civil offense, decisively refused to adjudicate. His declaration that he would not be a judge of "words and names, and of your law" effectively dismissed the charges, inadvertently granting early Christianity a period of legal protection under Roman law and allowing Paul's ministry in Corinth to continue unhindered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 18:15 is situated within Paul's significant eighteen-month ministry in Corinth, as detailed in [Acts 18:1-18](/acts/18-1-18 "Acts 18:1-1-8 - Paul's Ministry in Corinth"). Having established a thriving church, Paul faced intense opposition from some Jewish factions who, incensed by his success among both Jews and Gentiles, brought him before the newly appointed proconsul, Gallio. The preceding verses describe the accusation: Paul was charged with "persuading men to worship God contrary to the law" ([Acts 18:13](/acts/18-13 "Acts 18:13 - The Accusation Against Paul")). This specific verse captures Gallio's immediate and definitive refusal to engage with the dispute, highlighting his perception of the matter as purely religious and outside Roman civil jurisdiction. His decision directly follows Paul's attempt to speak in his own defense, which Gallio preempts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth, the capital of the Roman province of Achaia, was a cosmopolitan hub known for its trade, wealth, and diverse religious practices. As a Roman proconsul, Gallio (Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus) held significant judicial and administrative authority, responsible for maintaining Roman law and order. The Roman Empire generally tolerated various religions, particularly those with ancient roots like Judaism, which was recognized as a *religio licita* (licit religion). This status meant Jews were largely exempt from emperor worship and could practice their faith freely, provided they did not disturb public peace. The accusation against Paul aimed to portray Christianity as a new, illicit cult, distinct from Judaism, and therefore a potential threat to Roman order. Gallio's ruling, however, effectively categorized the emerging Christian movement under the umbrella of Judaism for legal purposes, thus affording it the same protections.
* **Key Themes:** Gallio's ruling in [Acts 18:15](/acts/18-15 "Acts 18:15 - Gallio's Judgment") underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Roman Legal Neutrality** towards internal religious disputes, particularly when they did not threaten public order. Gallio's pragmatism avoided entanglement in what he considered theological minutiae. Secondly, it emphasizes the crucial **Distinction Between Civil and Religious Law**. Gallio clearly delineated his role as a civil judge, refusing to arbitrate matters of doctrine or religious tradition, which he deemed "your law" (i.e., Jewish law). This distinction inadvertently created a legal space for the early church to grow without immediate state persecution. Thirdly, and most significantly from a theological perspective, the incident demonstrates **Divine Protection and Gospel Advancement**. God sovereignly used a secular Roman official's impartiality to protect Paul, allowing the apostle to continue his vital ministry in Corinth and beyond, ensuring the unimpeded spread of the gospel message, as seen in Paul's continued teaching for "a year and six months" ([Acts 18:11](/acts/18-11 "Acts 18:11 - Paul's Extended Ministry in Corinth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **question (Greek, _zḗtēma'_):** From Strong's G2213, this term refers to "a search (properly concretely), i.e. (in words) a debate." Gallio uses it to characterize the accusation against Paul not as a criminal charge but as a contentious theological dispute or a matter of internal Jewish debate. His choice of word dismisses the gravity the accusers intended, reducing their complaint to a mere argument.
* **words (Greek, _lógos'_):** From Strong's G3056, *logos* signifies "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." In this context, it refers to doctrines, teachings, or arguments central to the Jewish faith. Gallio views Paul's alleged transgression as a matter of religious discourse, not a violation of Roman civil statutes.
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** From Strong's G3551, *nomos* denotes "law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), generally (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle)." Here, it specifically refers to the Mosaic Law and the broader body of Jewish religious traditions and interpretations. Gallio's phrase "your law" explicitly distances Roman jurisprudence from the intricacies of Jewish religious legalism.
* **judge (Greek, _kritḗs'_):** From Strong's G2923, *kritēs* means "a judge." Gallio's emphatic declaration, "I will be no judge of such matters," underscores his refusal to arbitrate religious disputes. He asserts the limits of his authority, clearly distinguishing between the realm of civil law, which he was appointed to uphold, and the realm of religious doctrine, which he considered outside his purview.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if it be a question of words and names":** Gallio immediately frames the accusation as a theological or doctrinal dispute, not a criminal one. The "words" refer to teachings or doctrines, and "names" could refer to the specific name of Jesus as Messiah, or perhaps the various titles and factions within Judaism (e.g., whether Jesus was the Christ, or whether Paul's followers were a distinct sect). This opening dismisses the very premise of the Jewish leaders' complaint as irrelevant to Roman law.
* **"and [of] your law":** This phrase further clarifies Gallio's understanding: the dispute concerns the internal religious laws and traditions of the Jewish people. By emphasizing "your law," he explicitly states that these are not matters of Roman law or public order, which would fall under his jurisdiction. He views it as an internal, sectarian squabble.
* **"look ye [to it]; for I will be no judge of such [matters].":** This is Gallio's decisive verdict. "Look ye to it" is an imperative, essentially telling the accusers to deal with their own religious issues. His declaration, "I will be no judge of such matters," firmly establishes the boundary between Roman civil authority and religious doctrine. He refuses to arbitrate theological debates, thus dismissing the case and effectively protecting Paul from legal persecution by the Roman state on these grounds.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the Jewish leaders' fervent religious accusations with Gallio's pragmatic, secular indifference. This highlights the fundamental difference between the spiritual nature of the gospel and the worldly concerns of Roman governance. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: a pagan Roman official, through his disinterest in religious affairs, becomes an unwitting instrument of divine providence, safeguarding the nascent Christian movement. Gallio's declaration also acts as a form of **Legal Dismissal**, a formal rejection of the charges based on their perceived lack of legal merit within the Roman system, rather than a judgment on the truth of Paul's teachings. This moment serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the complex relationship between the Roman Empire and Christianity, initially one of tolerance (or indifference), which would later evolve into periods of intense persecution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:15 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand in protecting His servants and advancing His kingdom, even through the actions of secular authorities. Gallio's dismissal of the charges against Paul was not out of sympathy for Christianity, but out of a pragmatic Roman legal policy that distinguished between civil offenses and internal religious disputes. This incident underscores that the gospel's message, centered on faith in Jesus Christ, transcends human legal systems and political agendas. It is a spiritual truth, not a civil crime. God can use unexpected means and individuals, even those indifferent to spiritual matters, to ensure His purposes are fulfilled and His Word continues to spread unhindered. This divine orchestration provided a crucial window of opportunity for the early church to grow and establish itself without immediate state-sponsored persecution.

* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"): Paul himself taught about the divine institution of governing authorities, and Gallio's actions demonstrate how God can use even secular rulers to maintain order and, at times, protect His people.
* [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"): Jesus declared that His kingdom is "not of this world," a truth echoed in Gallio's inability or unwillingness to judge matters of spiritual allegiance and doctrine, which are fundamentally distinct from earthly legal systems.
* [Philippians 1:7](/philippians/1-7 "Philippians 1:7 - Paul's Defense of the Gospel"): Paul often found himself "defending and confirming the gospel," and Gallio's ruling, though not a theological endorsement, served to legally confirm Paul's right to preach without state interference in this instance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gallio's pragmatic dismissal in Acts 18:15 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that not all disagreements, even within the broader Christian community, are matters for legal or combative resolution. We are called to discern between essential doctrines of the faith, which are worth contending for, and non-essential "questions of words and names" that can distract from the core mission of the gospel. This passage also powerfully reinforces the sovereignty of God; He is able to work through secular systems and individuals, even those who are indifferent or hostile to the faith, to accomplish His divine purposes. Just as Gallio's neutrality protected Paul, God continues to orchestrate circumstances to protect His church and advance His kingdom. Our focus should remain on proclaiming the transformative power of Christ, trusting that God will provide the necessary protection and open doors for the gospel to flourish, rather than becoming entangled in endless disputes that detract from our primary calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern between essential theological truths worth defending and "questions of words and names" that might distract from the gospel's core message?**
* **In what ways might God be working through secular authorities or unexpected circumstances in our own lives or communities to protect and advance His kingdom?**
* **How can we maintain a focus on the spiritual nature of the gospel, rather than allowing it to be reduced to a set of legalistic rules or cultural traditions?**

### FAQ
**Why was Gallio so dismissive of the charges against Paul?**

Answer: Gallio's dismissal stemmed from his understanding of Roman law and his role as proconsul. He viewed the accusations against Paul as an internal dispute concerning Jewish religious law and doctrine ("words and names, and of your law"), not a matter of Roman civil or criminal law. The Roman Empire generally tolerated established religions like Judaism, considering them *religio licita* (licit religions). Gallio's pragmatic approach was to avoid entanglement in sectarian squabbles that did not threaten public order or violate Roman statutes. By declaring he would be "no judge of such matters," he effectively stated that the case fell outside his jurisdiction and was irrelevant to the Roman state, thus protecting Paul from legal prosecution on these grounds. This decision inadvertently provided a period of legal protection for the nascent Christian movement, as it was implicitly treated as a sect of Judaism rather than a new, illicit cult.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gallio's declaration in [Acts 18:15](/acts/18-15 "Acts 18:15 - Gallio's Judgment") serves as a powerful, albeit indirect, testament to the Christ-centered nature of the gospel. The "questions of words and names, and of your law" that Gallio dismissed were precisely the issues that Jesus Christ came to fulfill and transcend. The Old Covenant law, with its intricate regulations and traditions, found its ultimate purpose and completion in Christ ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Paul's preaching was not about adherence to a legalistic system, but about faith in the person and work of Jesus, who is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")). Gallio's inability to comprehend the spiritual significance of Paul's message, viewing it merely as a "question of words," ironically highlights the profound spiritual shift inaugurated by Christ. His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it governed by earthly laws or human traditions ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). The freedom Paul experienced from Roman legal entanglement foreshadows the spiritual freedom from the condemnation of the law that Christ offers to all who believe in Him ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Thus, Gallio's secular judgment, though devoid of theological insight, providentially cleared the way for the proclamation of a gospel whose power lies not in human jurisprudence, but in the divine work of Christ on the cross.

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

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].