King James Version

What Does Acts 18:14 Mean?

Acts 18:14 in the King James Version says “And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdnes...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

Acts 18:14 · King James Version


Context

12

And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

13

Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

14

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:

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.

16

And he drave them from the judgment seat.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Gallio's refusal - 'If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, I would reason with you' - distinguished criminal from religious matters. His judicial restraint protected Paul while establishing precedent for Roman treatment of Christianity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gallio's ruling that Christianity was an internal Jewish dispute effectively protected it from prosecution throughout his jurisdiction. This precedent influenced subsequent Roman policy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Gallio's ruling benefit the spread of Christianity?
  2. What does this teach about God's use of secular authorities for His purposes?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
μέλλοντος1 of 29

“was now about”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

δὲ2 of 29

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦ3 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παύλου4 of 29

“when Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἀνοίγειν5 of 29

“to open”

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

τὸ6 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

στόμα7 of 29

“his mouth”

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

εἶπεν8 of 29

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὁ9 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Γαλλίων10 of 29

“Gallio”

G1058

gallion (i.e., gallio), a roman officer

πρὸς11 of 29

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς12 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαῖοι13 of 29

“the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

Εἰ14 of 29

“If”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὲν15 of 29
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

οὖν16 of 29
G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἦν17 of 29

“it were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἀδίκημά18 of 29

“matter of wrong”

G92

a wrong done

τι19 of 29

“a”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἢ20 of 29

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ῥᾳδιούργημα21 of 29

“lewdness”

G4467

easy-going behavior, i.e., (by extension) a crime

πονηρόν22 of 29

“wicked”

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

ὦ23 of 29

“O”

G5599

as a sign of the vocative case, o; as a note of exclamation, oh

Ἰουδαῖοι24 of 29

“the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

κατὰ25 of 29

“reason”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

λόγον26 of 29
G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἂν27 of 29

“would”

G302

whatsoever

ἠνεσχόμην28 of 29

“that I should bear”

G430

to hold oneself up against, i.e., (figuratively) put up with

ὑμῶν·29 of 29

“with you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 18:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 18:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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