Acts 18:15

But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things."

Study Bible

But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law
This phrase highlights the nature of the conflict brought before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, by the Jews against Paul. The "words and names" likely refer to theological debates about Jesus as the Messiah and the interpretation of Jewish law. This reflects the early Christian struggle to define its identity within Judaism. The mention of "your own law" indicates Gallio's recognition of the issue as an internal religious matter, not a civil one. This distinction is crucial in understanding the Roman Empire's approach to religious disputes, often allowing local customs and laws to govern such issues unless they threatened public order.

settle it yourselves
Gallio's directive for the Jews to resolve the matter independently underscores the Roman policy of non-interference in religious affairs unless they disrupted the peace. This approach allowed for a degree of religious autonomy within the empire. The phrase also reflects the broader theme in Acts of the separation between civil authority and religious matters, a recurring issue for the early church. This autonomy is significant for the spread of Christianity, as it allowed the early church to grow without immediate Roman suppression.

I refuse to be a judge of such things.”
Gallio's refusal to adjudicate the matter illustrates the Roman officials' reluctance to involve themselves in what they perceived as internal religious disputes. This decision is pivotal, as it sets a precedent for the treatment of Christianity under Roman law, distinguishing it from political insurrection. Gallio's stance is consistent with Roman legal principles, which often avoided entanglement in theological debates. This moment in Acts is crucial for understanding the legal environment in which early Christianity spread, highlighting the protection and challenges faced by the nascent church.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul
A key figure in the early Christian church, Paul was a missionary and apostle who spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. In Acts 18, he is in Corinth, preaching and teaching about Jesus Christ.

2. Gallio
The proconsul of Achaia, Gallio was a Roman official who presided over the tribunal where Paul was brought by the Jews. His decision in this verse reflects his disinterest in religious disputes.

3. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, Corinth was a significant center for commerce and culture. It was also known for its diverse population and various religious practices.

4. Jews of Corinth
They brought Paul before Gallio, accusing him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. Their complaint was rooted in religious, not civil, matters.

5. Tribunal
The place where legal matters were judged. In this context, it was where Gallio dismissed the case against Paul, indicating that it was a religious issue, not a legal one.

Teaching Points

Understanding Jurisdiction
Gallio's refusal to judge religious matters highlights the importance of understanding the appropriate jurisdiction for resolving disputes. Christians should discern when to handle issues within the church community.

Respect for Authority
Gallio's decision reflects the Roman Empire's policy of religious tolerance to a degree. Christians are called to respect governing authorities while understanding the limits of their jurisdiction.

Focus on the Gospel
Despite opposition, Paul remained focused on his mission to preach the Gospel. Believers today should remain steadfast in their faith and mission, even when facing challenges.

Handling Disputes Wisely
The early church faced many internal and external disputes. Christians are encouraged to handle disagreements with wisdom and seek resolution in a manner that honors God.

Cultural Sensitivity
Paul's experience in Corinth reminds us of the importance of being sensitive to cultural and religious contexts while sharing the Gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Gallio's response in Acts 18:15 reflect the Roman Empire's approach to religious disputes, and what can we learn from this about handling conflicts within the church today?

2. In what ways does Paul's experience in Corinth, as described in Acts 18, encourage us to remain focused on our mission despite opposition?

3. How can we apply the principle of respecting authority, as seen in Gallio's decision, in our interactions with government and church leadership?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that disputes among believers are resolved in a manner that aligns with biblical teachings, as suggested in 1 Corinthians 6:1-6?

5. How can understanding the cultural and religious context of those we are ministering to, as Paul did in Corinth, enhance our effectiveness in sharing the Gospel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 23:29
Similar to Gallio's decision, this verse describes how Roman authorities often viewed disputes about Jewish law as outside their jurisdiction.

John 18:31
Pilate's response to the Jewish leaders about Jesus reflects a similar attitude to Gallio's, where Roman officials were reluctant to involve themselves in religious disputes.

1 Corinthians 6:1-6
Paul later advises the Corinthian church on resolving disputes among believers, emphasizing the importance of handling such matters within the church rather than in secular courts.