Acts Chapter 18 · Verse 13
Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
Original Language Analysis
λέγοντες
Saying
G3004
λέγοντες
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
Παρὰ
contrary
G3844
Παρὰ
contrary
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
to the law
G3551
νόμον
to the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
5 of 12
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
οὗτος
This
G3778
οὗτος
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
6 of 12
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Judaism was a religio licita (permitted religion) in Rome. If Christianity was seen as distinct from Judaism, it could be prosecuted as illegal superstition.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did opponents try to sever Christianity from Judaism legally?
- How did Christianity's relationship to Judaism affect its legal status?
Analysis & Commentary
The accusation - 'This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law' - sought Roman condemnation of Christianity as illegal religion. The charge attempted to distinguish Christianity from Judaism, which enjoyed legal protection.