Acts 18:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ζήτημά

G2213

a question

a search (properly concretely), i.e., (in words) a debate

ἐστιν

G2076

it be

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

περὶ

G4012

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

G3056

words

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ

G2532

and

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

ὀνομάτων

G3686

names

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

νόμου

G3551

law

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

#11

τοῦ

G3588

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

#12

καθ'

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#13

ὑμᾶς

G5209

your

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#14

ὄψεσθε

G3700

look ye

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

#15

αὐτοί·

G846

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

#16

κριτὴς

G2923

judge

a judge (genitive case or specially)

#17

γὰρ

G1063

to it for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#18

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#19

τούτων

G5130

of such

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

#20

οὐ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#21

βούλομαι

G1014

will be

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

#22

εἶναι

G1511

to exist

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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Paul