Acts 18:17 At this, the crowd seized Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But none of this was of concern to Gallio.

◄ Acts 18:17 ►

New International Version
Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.

New Living Translation
The crowd then grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention.

English Standard Version
And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

Berean Standard Bible
At this, the crowd seized Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But none of this was of concern to Gallio.

Berean Literal Bible
Then all of them, having seized Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue, began to beat him before the judgment seat. And it mattered nothing to Gallio about these things.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.

New American Standard Bible
But they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. And yet Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.

NASB 1995
And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. But Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.

NASB 1977
And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. And Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. But Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.

Amplified Bible
Then the Greeks all seized Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him right in front of the judgment seat; but Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

Christian Standard Bible
And they all seized Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal, but none of these things mattered to Gallio.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then they all seized Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the judge’s bench. But none of these things concerned Gallio.

American Standard Version
And they all laid hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment-seat. And Gallio cared for none of these things.

Contemporary English Version
The crowd grabbed Sosthenes, the Jewish leader, and beat him up in front of the court. But none of this mattered to Gallio.

English Revised Version
And they all laid hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment-seat. And Gallio cared for none of these things.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then all [the governor's officers] took Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio couldn't have cared less.

Good News Translation
They all grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the court. But that did not bother Gallio a bit.

International Standard Version
Then all of them took Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and began beating him in front of the judge's seat. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

Majority Standard Bible
At this, all the Greeks seized Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But none of this was of concern to Gallio.

NET Bible
So they all seized Sosthenes, the president of the synagogue, and began to beat him in front of the judgment seat. Yet none of these things were of any concern to Gallio.

New Heart English Bible
Then all the Greeks took hold of Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But none of these things were of concern to Gallio.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
Then the people all set upon Sosthenes, the Warden of the synagogue, and beat him severely in front of the court. Gallio did not concern himself in the least about this.

World English Bible
Then all the Greeks seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. Gallio didn’t care about any of these things.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and all the Greeks having taken Sosthenes, the chief man of the synagogue, were beating [him] before the judgment seat, and Gallio was not even caring for these things.

Berean Literal Bible
Then all of them, having seized Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue, began to beat him before the judgment seat. And it mattered nothing to Gallio about these things.

Young's Literal Translation
and all the Greeks having taken Sosthenes, the chief man of the synagogue, were beating him before the tribunal, and not even for these things was Gallio caring.

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the Greeks having taken Sosthenes, ruler of the synagogue, beat before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of these.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And all laying hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, beat him before the judgment seat; and Gallio cared for none of those things.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But they, apprehending Sosthenes, a leader of the synagogue, beat him in front of the tribunal. And Gallio showed no concern for these things.

New American Bible
They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official, and beat him in full view of the tribunal. But none of this was of concern to Gallio.

New Revised Standard Version
Then all of them seized Sosthenes, the official of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of these things.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then the pagans seized Sos’the-nes, the priest of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gal’li-o disregarded these things.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And all the pagans were seizing Sosthenes, the Elder of the synagogue, and they were beating him before the judgment seat and Galion was disregarding these things.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment-seat. And Gallio cared for none of these things.

Godbey New Testament
And all taking Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, beat him before the tribunal; and nothing of these things was a care to Gallio.

Haweis New Testament
Then all the Greeks laid hold on Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the tribunal. And Gallio paid no regard to any of these things.

Mace New Testament
but the Greeks in a body fell upon Sosthenes the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the tribunal: whilst Gallio was unconcern'd about the matter.

Weymouth New Testament
Then the people all set upon Sosthenes, the Warden of the synagogue, and beat him severely in front of the court. Gallio did not concern himself in the least about this.

Worrell New Testament
But they all, having laid hold upon Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, were beating him before the judgment-seat. And Gallio was caring for none of these things.

Worsley New Testament
Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him even before the tribunal: but Gallio did not concern himself about the matter.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Paul Before Gallio
…16And he drove them away from the judgment seat. 17At this, the crowd seized Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But none of this was of concern to Gallio. 18Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

John 19:1-3
Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged. / The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and dressed Him in a purple robe. / And they went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapping Him in the face.

Matthew 27:26-30
So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. / Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company around Him. / They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. ...

Mark 15:15-20
And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. / Then the soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called the whole company together. / They dressed Him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and set it on His head. ...

Luke 23:11
And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.

1 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

1 Corinthians 16:15-18
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, / to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. / I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ...

Romans 16:23
Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you greetings, as does our brother Quartus.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-15
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, / who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men,

2 Corinthians 11:25
Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.

1 Peter 4:14-16
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. / Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. / But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

Proverbs 19:25
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

Proverbs 21:11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.

Isaiah 50:6
I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

Isaiah 53:3-5
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Jeremiah 20:2
he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.

Treasury of Scripture

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.

Sosthenes.

1 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

the chief.

Acts 18:8
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

And Gallio.

Acts 17:32
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

Amos 6:6
That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

1 Corinthians 1:23
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

Jump to Previous

Attack Attention Beat Blows Care Cared Chief Concerned Court Front Gallio Greeks Hold Judgment Judgment-Seat Laid Paid Ruler Seat Seized Severely Showed Sosthenes Synagogue Tribunal Turned Warden Whatever

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Acts 18

1. Paul labors with his hands, and preaches at Corinth to the Gentiles.
9. The Lord encourages him in a vision.
12. He is accused before Gallio the deputy, but is dismissed.
18. Afterwards passing from city to city, he strengthens the disciples.
24. Apollos, being instructed by Aquila and Priscilla, preaches Christ boldly.

Berean Study Bible

So the crowd
The Greek word for "crowd" here is "ὄχλος" (ochlos), which often refers to a large group of people, sometimes unruly or easily swayed. In the context of Acts, this crowd likely consisted of both Jews and Gentiles who were present in Corinth. Historically, Corinth was a bustling city with a diverse population, and tensions between different religious and ethnic groups were not uncommon. This crowd's actions reflect the volatile nature of public opinion and mob mentality, which can be swayed by charismatic leaders or prevailing sentiments.

seized Sosthenes
"Sosthenes" is a Greek name, and he is identified as the "synagogue leader." The Greek term for "seized" is "ἐπιλαμβάνομαι" (epilambanomai), which implies a forceful or violent taking. Sosthenes, as a leader, would have been a prominent figure in the Jewish community. His seizure by the crowd indicates a significant shift in the dynamics of power and influence, possibly due to the growing tension between the Jewish community and the early Christians. Sosthenes is later mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:1, suggesting he may have become a believer, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel.

the synagogue leader
The term "synagogue leader" is translated from the Greek "ἀρχισυνάγωγος" (archisynagogos), indicating a person of authority and responsibility within the Jewish community. This role involved overseeing the synagogue's activities, teaching, and maintaining order. The position was one of respect and influence, making Sosthenes' public beating a significant event. It underscores the conflict between the Jewish authorities and the burgeoning Christian movement, as well as the societal upheaval caused by the spread of Christianity.

and beat him
The Greek word for "beat" is "τύπτω" (typtō), which means to strike or hit. This act of violence against Sosthenes was likely intended to serve as a public humiliation and a warning to others. In the historical context of Roman rule, such acts of public punishment were not uncommon and were often used to maintain order or express disapproval. The beating of Sosthenes reflects the intense opposition faced by early Christians and their associates, as well as the societal tensions in Corinth.

in front of the judgment seat
The "judgment seat," or "βῆμα" (bēma) in Greek, was a raised platform used by Roman officials to address legal matters and make public pronouncements. In Corinth, the bēma was located in the agora, the city's central marketplace, making it a place of significant public visibility. The fact that Sosthenes was beaten in front of the bēma highlights the public nature of this incident and the involvement of Roman authorities, represented by Gallio, in the affairs of the local community.

But none of this was of any concern to Gallio
Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, is mentioned here. The Greek phrase "οὐδὲν τούτων τῷ Γαλλίωνι ἔμελεν" (ouden toutōn tōi Galliōni emelen) indicates Gallio's indifference. Gallio's lack of concern can be understood in the context of Roman governance, which often allowed local disputes to be settled internally unless they threatened Roman peace or authority. Gallio's dismissive attitude suggests that he viewed the conflict as an internal Jewish matter, not warranting Roman intervention. This reflects the broader Roman policy of religious tolerance, provided that it did not disrupt public order. Gallio's indifference also allowed the Christian message to continue spreading without immediate Roman interference, illustrating God's providential hand in the early church's growth.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(17) Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue.--The better MSS. omit the word "Greeks," which was probably inserted as an explanatory interpolation by some one who thought it more likely that a ruler of the synagogue should have been assaulted by the Greek bystanders than by those of his own race. Taking the better reading, and assuming the natural construction of the sentence to be "all of them (sc., the Jews) took Sosthenes and beat him," we have to ask for an explanation of conduct which seems so strange. This is probably found in the appearance of the same name in 1Corinthians 1:1, as associated with St. Paul in the Epistle to the Church of Corinth. It is a natural inference that Sosthenes, like his predecessor or partner in office (it does not necessarily follow that he succeeded him) became a convert to the new faith. If so, it is probable that he was already suspected of tendencies in that direction, and when the Jews at Corinth found their plans frustrated, it was natural that they should impute their failure to the lukewarmness or treachery of the man who ought to have carried them to a successful issue. They did not shrink from giving vent to their rage even before the tribunal of the proconsul.

And Gallio cared for none of those things.--More accurately, And Gallio cared nothing for these things. The words have become almost proverbial for the indifference of mere politicians and men of the world to religious truth. We speak of one who is tolerant because he is sceptical, as a Gallio. It may be questioned, however, whether this was the thought prominent in St. Luke's mind as he thus wrote. What he apparently meant was that the proconsul was clear sighted enough to pay no regard to the clamours of St. Paul's accusers. If they chose, after failing in their attack on Paul, to quarrel among themselves, what was that to him? "Laissez faire, laissez alter" might well be his motto in dealing with such a people. The general impression, however, as to his character is not without its truth. The easy-going gentleness of his character ill fitted him to resist the temptations of Nero's court, and after retiring from Achaia in consequence of an attack of fever (Sen. Ep. 104), he returned to Rome, and, to the distress of Burrhus and his own brother, Seneca, he took part in ministering to the emperor's vices (Dio. lxi. 20). He finally fell under the tyrant's displeasure, and, according to one tradition, was put to death by him. Another represents him as anticipating his fate by suicide; Tacitus, however (Ann. xv. 73), only speaks of him as terrified by his brother's death, and supplicating Nero for his own life.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 17. - And they all laid hold on for then all the Greeks took, A.V. and T.R.; ruler for chief ruler, A.V., as ver. 8. The R.T. has far more manuscript support than either the T.R. or another reading, which has "Jews" instead of "Greeks." All means all the crowd of bystanders and lookers-on, mostly, no doubt, Greeks. The Jews, always unpopular, would be sure to have the Corinthian rabble against them as soon as the proconsul drove them from the judgment seat. Sosthenes. There is no probability whatever that he is the same person as the Sosthenes of 1 Corinthians 1:1. The name was very common. He appears to have succeeded Crispus as ruler of the synagogue, and would be likely, therefore, to be especially hostile to Paul.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

At this,
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the crowd seized
Ἐπιλαβόμενοι (Epilabomenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1949: To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent).

Sosthenes
Σωσθένην (Sōsthenēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4988: From the base of sozo and that of sthenoo; of safe strength; Sosthenes, a Christian.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

synagogue leader
ἀρχισυνάγωγον (archisynagōgon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 752: From arche and sunagoge; director of the synagogue services.

[and] beat [him]
ἔτυπτον (etypton)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5180: To beat, strike, wound, inflict punishment.

in front of
ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen)
Preposition
Strong's 1715: From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

judgment seat.
βήματος (bēmatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 968: From the base of basis; a step, i.e. Foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e. A tribunal.

[But]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

none
οὐδὲν (ouden)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

of this
τούτων (toutōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

was of any concern
ἔμελεν (emelen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3199: It is a care, it is an object of anxiety, it concerns. A primary verb; to be of interest to, i.e. To concern.

to Gallio.
Γαλλίωνι (Galliōni)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1058: Of Latin origin; Gallion, a Roman officer.

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NT Apostles: Acts 18:17 Then all the Greeks laid hold (Acts of the Apostles Ac)