King James Version

What Does Acts 18:16 Mean?

Acts 18:16 in the King James Version says “And he drave them from the judgment seat. — study this verse from Acts chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he drave them from the judgment seat.

Acts 18:16 · KJV


Context

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.

17

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

18

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'He drave them from the judgment seat' - forcible dismissal emphasized Gallio's rejection of the case. This public rebuff humiliated the accusers and vindicated Paul before the Roman authorities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gallio's brusque dismissal showed impatience with what he considered trivial religious disputes. This provided Paul legal protection for continued Corinthian ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use even dismissive secular attitudes to protect His purposes?
  2. What encouragement comes from watching opposition fail publicly?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
καὶ1 of 6

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπήλασεν2 of 6

he drave

G556

to dismiss

αὐτοὺς3 of 6

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀπὸ4 of 6

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ5 of 6
G3588

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

βήματος6 of 6

the judgment seat

G968

a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal


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 18:16 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 18:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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