Acts 18:15

"But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you;"

Key Reflection

This verse highlights how secular authorities often lack interest in religious disputes, focusing instead on matters of law and order. Gallio's dismissal suggests the Jews were engaging in a dispute over beliefs rather than behavior, which was outside his jurisdiction to address.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 15. Of words. A dispute about words; for such he would regard all their controversies about religion to be. And names. Probably he had heard something of the nature of the controversy, and understood it to be a dispute about names; i.e., whether Jesus was to be called the Messiah or not. To him this would appear as a matter pertaining to the Jews alone, and to be ranked with their other disputes arising from the difference of sect and name. Of your law. A question respecting the proper interpretation of the law, or the rites and ceremonies which it commanded. The Jews had many such disputes, and Gallio did not regard them as coming under his cognizance as a magistrate. Look ye to it.

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