King James Version

What Does Acts 18:17 Mean?

Acts 18:17 in the King James Version says “Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Acts 18:17 · King James Version


Context

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.

19

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
'Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat.' Mob violence turned on the accusers. Sosthenes may later have converted (1 Corinthians 1:1). 'Gallio cared for none of those things' - Roman indifference to Jewish internal affairs.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sosthenes apparently succeeded Crispus as synagogue ruler. If he is the same Sosthenes Paul later calls 'brother' (1 Corinthians 1:1), this beating may have contributed to his eventual conversion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God sometimes use opposition's failure to advance His purposes?
  2. What might have changed Sosthenes from persecutor to brother in Christ?

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


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἐπιλαβόμενοι1 of 18

“took”

G1949

to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 18

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

πάντες3 of 18

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ4 of 18
G3588

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

Ἕλληνες5 of 18

“the Greeks”

G1672

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

Σωσθένην6 of 18

“Sosthenes”

G4988

of safe strength; sosthenes, a christian

τὸν7 of 18
G3588

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

ἀρχισυνάγωγον8 of 18

“the chief ruler of the synagogue”

G752

director of the synagogue services

ἔτυπτον9 of 18

“and beat”

G5180

to "thump", i.e., cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows; thus differing from g3817 and g3960, whic

ἔμπροσθεν10 of 18

“him before”

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

τοῦ11 of 18
G3588

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

βήματος·12 of 18

“the judgment seat”

G968

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

καὶ13 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

οὐδὲν14 of 18

“for none”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

τούτων15 of 18

“of those things”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

τῷ16 of 18
G3588

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

Γαλλίωνι17 of 18

“Gallio”

G1058

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

ἔμελεν18 of 18

“cared”

G3199

to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)


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 18:17 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 18:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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