Acts 18:14

"saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”"

Key Reflection

In Acts 18:14, the accusers of Paul and Apollos accused them of promoting a form of worship that contradicted Jewish religious laws. This was significant because in first-century Judea, adherence to Mosaic law was not just a personal or private matter; it was a public and communal responsibility closely tied to maintaining social order and covenantal relationships with God. By suggesting that Paul and Apollos were teaching a form of worship contrary to the law, their accusers were challenging both their legitimacy as teachers within the Jewish community and their adherence to traditional religious practices, which could have had serious implications for their standing among fellow Jews.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 14. About to open his mouth. In self-defence; ever ready to vindicate his conduct. A matter of wrong. Injustice, or crime; such as could be properly brought before a court of justice. Or wicked lewdness. Any flagrant and gross offence. The word used here occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It denotes, properly, an act committed by him who is skilled, facile, or an adept in iniquity--an act of a veteran offender. Such crimes Gallio was willing to take cognizance of. Reason would, etc. Greek, "I would bear with you according to reason." There would be propriety or fitness in my hearing and trying the ease.

Related Verses

More from Acts 18

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion