Acts 18:17

Authorized King James Version

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐπιλαβόμενοι

G1949

took

to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)

δὲ

G1161

Then

but, and, etc

πάντες

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ

G3588

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

Ἕλληνες

G1672

the Greeks

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

Σωσθένην

G4988

Sosthenes

of safe strength; sosthenes, a christian

τὸν

G3588

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

ἀρχισυνάγωγον

G752

the chief ruler of the synagogue

director of the synagogue services

ἔτυπτον

G5180

and beat

to "thump", i.e., cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows; thus differing from g3817 and g3960, whic

#10

ἔμπροσθεν

G1715

him before

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

#11

τοῦ

G3588

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

#12

βήματος·

G968

the judgment seat

a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

οὐδὲν

G3762

for none

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#15

τούτων

G5130

of those things

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

#16

τῷ

G3588

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

#17

Γαλλίωνι

G1058

Gallio

gallion (i.e., gallio), a roman officer

#18

ἔμελεν

G3199

cared

to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?

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