Acts 18:15

15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.”

Acts 18:15 in Other Translations

KJV
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.
ESV
15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things."
NLT
15 But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.”
MSG
15 But it sounds to me like one more Jewish squabble, another of your endless hairsplitting quarrels over religion. Take care of it on your own time. I can't be bothered with this nonsense,"
CSB
15 But if these are questions about words, names, and your own law, see to it yourselves. I don't want to be a judge of such things."

Acts 18:15 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 18:15

But if it be a question of words
"Or of the word", what the Jews called the word of God, which Gallio did not pretend to understand: "and names"; as the names of God, of Jesus, and of Christ, whether he is God, and the Messiah:

and of your law;
concerning circumcision, whether these Christians, and the proselytes they make, are obliged unto it:

look ye to it;
suggesting that this was a matter that lay before them, and they were the proper judges of, and might determine for themselves, since they had the free exercise of their religion, and a right of judging of everything that respected that within themselves, and for which they were best furnished, as having a more competent knowledge of them; as the Arabic version renders it, "and ye are more learned in these things"; and most conversant with them:

for I will be no judge of such matters;
and it would be well if every civil magistrate would act the same part, and not meddle with religious affairs, any further than to preserve the public peace.

Acts 18:15 In-Context

13 “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.”
14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you.
15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.”
16 So he drove them off.
17 Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Acts 23:29; Acts 25:11,19
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