Acts 18:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
ζήτημά
a question
G2213
ζήτημά
a question
Strong's:
G2213
Word #:
3 of 22
a search (properly concretely), i.e., (in words) a debate
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
λόγου
words
G3056
λόγου
words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
6 of 22
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀνομάτων
names
G3686
ὀνομάτων
names
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
8 of 22
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νόμου
law
G3551
νόμου
law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
10 of 22
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθ'
of
G2596
καθ'
of
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
12 of 22
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὄψεσθε
look ye
G3700
ὄψεσθε
look ye
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
14 of 22
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
αὐτοί·
G846
αὐτοί·
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 22
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
γὰρ
to it for
G1063
γὰρ
to it for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Cross References
Acts 25:19But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.Acts 23:29Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.Acts 25:11For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.Matthew 27:24When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.1 Timothy 6:4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Historical Context
Roman officials generally avoided involvement in religious disputes they considered superstitious. Gallio's dismissal freed Christianity from legal harassment in Achaia.
Questions for Reflection
- How should believers understand the proper relationship between civil and religious authority?
- What does Gallio's attitude teach about secular authorities' limitations in religious matters?
Analysis & Commentary
'But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it.' Gallio recognized the dispute as theological, not criminal. 'I will be no judge of such matters' established that Roman courts wouldn't adjudicate Jewish religious controversies.