Acts 18:16

KJV

And he drave them from the judgment seat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he drave {G556} them {G846} from {G575} the judgment seat {G968}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And he had them ejected from the court.

Berean Standard Bible

And he drove them away from the judgment seat.

American Standard Version

And he drove them from the judgment-seat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:16 captures a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's ministry in Corinth, where the Roman proconsul Gallio decisively dismissed the charges brought against Paul by hostile Jewish opponents. This verse signifies Gallio's refusal to adjudicate what he perceived as internal religious disputes rather than criminal offenses, thereby driving the accusers away from his tribunal and inadvertently providing a crucial period of legal protection for the burgeoning Christian movement in the Roman Empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 18:16 is situated within Paul's significant eighteen-month ministry in Corinth, a period marked by both fruitful evangelism and intense opposition. Prior to this verse, Paul had established a strong presence, teaching in the synagogue and then, due to Jewish resistance, moving to the house of Titius Justus next door, where many, including Crispus, the synagogue leader, believed ([Acts 18:7-8](/acts/18-7-8 "Acts 18:7-8 - Paul's Ministry in Corinth")). The escalating animosity from some Jewish leaders culminated in them seizing Paul and bringing him before Gallio, the newly appointed proconsul of Achaia, accusing him of persuading people to worship God contrary to Roman law ([Acts 18:12-13](/acts/18-12-13 "Acts 18:12-13 - Paul Brought Before Gallio")). Gallio's immediate and dismissive response, as highlighted in [Acts 18:14-15](/acts/18-14-15 "Acts 18:14-15 - Gallio's Dismissal of the Case"), sets the stage for the forceful expulsion described in verse 16, marking a clear legal victory for Paul and the early church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is crucial for understanding Gallio's actions. As a Roman proconsul, Gallio's primary responsibility was to maintain peace and order within his province, not to arbitrate religious squabbles, especially those involving a recognized religion like Judaism. Judaism enjoyed the status of a *religio licita* (legal religion) within the Roman Empire, meaning its adherents were permitted to practice their faith. Early Christianity, at this stage, was largely perceived by Roman authorities as a sect within Judaism, not a distinct, illicit religion. Therefore, when the Jewish accusers presented their case, Gallio recognized it as an internal dispute concerning "words and names and your own law" ([Acts 18:15](/acts/18-15 "Acts 18:15 - Gallio's Refusal to Judge")), rather than a violation of Roman civil law. His decisive action from the *bema*, the public judgment seat, underscored the official Roman stance of non-interference in internal Jewish religious affairs, which inadvertently provided a period of crucial protection for the nascent Christian movement.
* **Key Themes:** This incident in Acts 18 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Protection** over God's missionaries. Even through a seemingly indifferent pagan official, God orchestrates circumstances to protect Paul and enable the continued spread of the Gospel, demonstrating His sovereignty over human authorities and legal systems. Secondly, it highlights the **Distinction Between Civil and Religious Matters** from a Roman perspective. Gallio's refusal to judge matters of "your law" ([Acts 18:15](/acts/18-15 "Acts 18:15 - Gallio's Response")) underscores a pragmatic Roman approach that, for a time, shielded the early church from persecution under the guise of civil charges. Lastly, it exemplifies the **Challenges and Triumphs of Early Evangelism**. Despite intense opposition and legal threats, Paul's ministry not only persevered but thrived, demonstrating the unstoppable advance of God's kingdom even in the face of human resistance, a recurring motif throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drave (Greek, _apelaúnō'_):** From the Greek verb G556, meaning "to dismiss" or "to drive away." This is not a gentle request but a forceful, authoritative expulsion. Gallio's action was decisive and unequivocal, indicating a complete rejection of the charges and the presence of the accusers in his court. It conveys the proconsul's impatience and determination to clear the tribunal of what he considered a frivolous matter.
* **from (Greek, _apó'_):** From the Greek preposition G575, meaning "off," "away (from something near)," indicating separation, departure, or cessation. In this context, it emphasizes the physical removal of the accusers *away from* the place of judgment, reinforcing the finality of Gallio's dismissal. It underscores that they were not merely told to leave, but actively driven *away* from the immediate vicinity of the tribunal.
* **judgment seat (Greek, _bēma'_):** From the Greek noun G968, meaning "a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal." This refers to the raised platform or dais from which a magistrate or ruler would sit to deliver judgments or make official pronouncements. It was the public symbol of Roman legal authority and jurisdiction. Gallio's action from the *bema* carried the full weight of Roman law and administrative power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he drave them":** This clause describes the direct and forceful action taken by Gallio. The "he" refers to Gallio, the Roman proconsul. The verb "drave" (from *apelaúnō*) signifies a decisive expulsion, not a polite request. He was actively removing the Jewish accusers from his presence, indicating his complete rejection of their case and his authority to enforce that rejection.
* **"from the judgment seat":** This specifies the location from which the expulsion occurred. The "judgment seat" (*bēma*) was the official platform where the Roman magistrate sat to hear cases and render verdicts. By driving them *from* this seat, Gallio was not only physically removing them but also symbolically and legally discrediting their claims and refusing to grant them any legal standing in his court. It underscores that the matter was officially closed and would not be entertained further by Roman authority.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Acts 18:16 effectively employs several literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent in the "judgment seat" (*bēma*), which serves as a powerful symbol of Roman authority, law, and order. Gallio's action from this elevated platform underscores the official and binding nature of his dismissal, representing the full weight of imperial power. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** at play; Gallio, a pagan Roman official who likely cared little for the intricacies of Jewish or Christian theology, inadvertently becomes an instrument of divine protection for Paul and the nascent church. His secular indifference, focused solely on maintaining Roman law and order, serves God's purposes by providing a legal shield for the spread of the Gospel. Furthermore, the succinctness of "And he drave them from the judgment seat" provides a moment of **Climax** in this particular conflict, resolving the immediate legal threat to Paul with swift, authoritative action, allowing the narrative to move forward to Paul's continued ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Gallio's decisive action in Acts 18:16 profoundly illustrates the theological truth of God's sovereign control over all earthly authorities. Even in secular governance, God can use the decisions and dispositions of rulers, whether they are believers or not, to advance His divine purposes and protect His people. This incident demonstrates that the expansion of the Gospel is not solely dependent on human effort or favorable circumstances, but ultimately on God's providential hand, which can turn even indifference or opposition into opportunities for the church's flourishing. It reminds believers that God's kingdom operates on a different plane than earthly legal systems, yet He can intersect with and utilize those systems for His glory, ensuring that His mission cannot be thwarted by human schemes or legal challenges.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authority")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Controls Kings and Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Gallio's dismissal of the charges against Paul offers profound encouragement for believers facing opposition or legal challenges in their own lives and ministries. It reminds us that God's protection is not always manifested through miraculous interventions, but often through the seemingly mundane actions of secular authorities or the ordinary course of justice. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is able to open doors, close doors, and even use the indifference of others to further His kingdom purposes. This narrative also challenges us to discern between genuine Gospel issues and mere "words and names" or legalistic disputes that distract from the core message of Christ. Our focus should remain on proclaiming the transformative power of Jesus, rather than getting entangled in arguments that do not advance the Kingdom. Finally, Paul's perseverance in ministry despite facing intense opposition serves as a powerful example: we are to remain steadfast, confident that God will provide the necessary protection and open the right doors for His work to continue, even when circumstances seem daunting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Gallio's seemingly indifferent decision demonstrate God's providential care for Paul and the early church?**
* **In what ways might God be using secular systems or unexpected individuals today to protect or advance His kingdom purposes?**
* **How can we, like Paul, remain focused on the essential message of the Gospel when faced with distractions or disputes that do not pertain to Christ?**
* **What does this passage teach us about perseverance in ministry, even when facing significant opposition or legal challenges?**

### FAQ
**Who was Gallio, and why was his role significant in this account?**

Answer: Gallio (Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus) was the Roman proconsul of Achaia, a province that included Corinth, from 51-52 AD. His role was highly significant because, as the highest Roman official in the province, his legal judgment carried immense weight. His decision to dismiss the charges against Paul, viewing them as internal Jewish religious disputes rather than violations of Roman law, effectively granted Christianity a period of legal protection. This allowed Paul to continue his ministry in Corinth and elsewhere without immediate Roman interference, as Christianity was still largely considered a sect of Judaism, which was a *religio licita* (legal religion) in the Roman Empire. His impartiality, though likely born of disinterest in religious squabbles, served God's purpose in protecting the early church.

**Why did Gallio "drave them from the judgment seat"?**

Answer: Gallio "drave them" (expelled them forcefully) from the judgment seat because he deemed the accusations against Paul to be outside his jurisdiction as a Roman magistrate. As stated in [Acts 18:15](/acts/18-15 "Acts 18:15 - Gallio's Refusal to Judge"), he declared, "If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: 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." He saw the charges as an internal religious dispute among Jews, not a criminal offense against Roman law. His action was a decisive refusal to arbitrate theological disagreements, thereby maintaining Roman order and avoiding entanglement in what he considered trivial religious quarrels.

**What was the "judgment seat" (bēma) and its importance?**

Answer: The "judgment seat" (Greek: *bēma*) was a raised platform or tribunal where a Roman magistrate, like Gallio, would sit to conduct official legal proceedings, hear cases, and deliver judgments. In Corinth, the *bema* was a prominent public structure in the agora (marketplace). Its importance lies in its symbolic representation of Roman authority and the rule of law. When Gallio acted from the *bema*, his decision carried the full weight of Roman legal power. His act of driving the accusers away from this seat was a public and authoritative declaration that their case had no legal standing in Roman eyes, effectively legitimizing Paul's activities under Roman law for the time being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 18:16, while seemingly a straightforward account of Roman justice, finds its deepest fulfillment and significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Gallio's earthly judgment seat, from which he dismissed a case concerning "words and names" and "your law," foreshadows the ultimate and true judgment seat of Christ, before which all humanity will stand ([Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ"); [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat of Christ")). Unlike Gallio, who dismissed the case due to disinterest in religious matters, Jesus Christ is the righteous Judge who perfectly discerns truth from falsehood, and whose verdict is final and eternal. Furthermore, Gallio's unwitting protection of Paul illustrates Christ's ongoing sovereign care for His church. Just as Paul was protected from earthly legal threats, believers in Christ are ultimately secure in His hands, for He has all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")) and His kingdom is not of this world, yet it triumphs over it ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). The temporary reprieve granted by Gallio points to the eternal liberty and vindication that Christ secures for His people, having already triumphed over all spiritual principalities and powers through His cross and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, Gallio's *bema* serves as a faint echo of the ultimate authority and protective power of the King of kings, Jesus Christ.

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

Psalms 76:10

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Revelation 12:16

And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

Romans 13:3

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Romans 13:4

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.