Paul's Ministry in Corinth and Conflict
Acts 18:1-17
Acts.18.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Μετα: PREP,acc
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- χωρισθεις: VERB,aor,pass,part,nom,sg,m
- εκ: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- Αθηνων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- ηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- Κορινθον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 17:15 (structural): Reports how Paul was brought to Athens earlier in the narrative; Acts 18:1 functions as the immediate continuation indicating his departure from that city.
- Acts 17:16 (thematic): Describes Paul’s time and activities in Athens (his spirit provoked, preaching in the marketplace), providing the immediate context for his subsequent leaving in Acts 18:1.
- Acts 18:2 (structural): Recounts what happens upon Paul’s arrival in Corinth (meeting Aquila and Priscilla), serving as the direct narrative continuation of Acts 18:1.
- Acts 18:11 (structural): States the duration and purpose of Paul’s stay in Corinth (a year and six months teaching), showing the consequence of his move from Athens to Corinth described in Acts 18:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
- After this Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth.
Acts.18.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ευρων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- τινα: PRON,acc,sg,m
- Ιουδαιον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- Ακυλαν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Ποντικον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- γενει: NOUN,dat,sg,nt
- προσφατως: ADV
- εληλυθοτα: VERB,perf,act,ptc,acc,sg,m
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Ιταλιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- Πρισκιλλαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- γυναικα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- διατεταχεναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- Κλαυδιον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- χωριζεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- Ιουδαιους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Ρωμης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- προσηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
Parallels
- Romans 16:3-5 (verbal): Same couple, Aquila and Priscilla/Prisca, greeted by Paul; Paul calls them his fellow workers and refers to the church that meets in their house, linking the persons and their ministry to the Acts account.
- 1 Corinthians 16:19 (structural): Reference to 'the church that meets at the house of Aquila and Priscilla'—correlates with Acts' note that the couple hosted a house fellowship after leaving Rome.
- Acts 18:3 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Paul stays with Aquila and Priscilla because they are tentmakers, and he works with them—directly connected to the meeting described in 18:2.
- Acts 18:26 (thematic): Shows Priscilla and Aquila's active teaching role (they instruct Apollos more accurately), corroborating their leadership and influence introduced in 18:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to depart from Rome; and he came to them.
- There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus; recently he had come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to depart from Rome; and Paul went to see them.
Acts.18.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ομοτεχνον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- ειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εμενεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- παρ᾽αυτοις: PREP+PRON,dat,pl,3
- και: CONJ
- ηργαζετο: VERB,impf,mid,ind,3,sg
- ησαν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- γαρ: PART
- σκηνοποιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- τεχνη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 18:2 (verbal): Same immediate context identifying Priscilla and Aquila as 'tentmakers' (σκηνοποιοί); provides the background for Paul's stay and work with them.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 (verbal): Paul's statement 'we worked night and day' (ἐργαζόμενοι νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας) parallels his labouring to support himself while ministering, as in Acts 18:3.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:8-10 (quotation): Paul insists he and colleagues 'did not eat anyone's bread for free but worked night and day' and commands that the idle should work—directly reflecting the practice of self-support (tentmaking) seen in Acts 18:3.
- Acts 20:34-35 (thematic): Paul recalls working with his own hands to support the weak and to set an example, thematically echoing the idea of manual labour (as a tentmaker) accompanying his ministry in Acts 18:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for by trade they were tentmakers.
- He stayed with them and worked; for by trade they were tentmakers.
Acts.18.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- διελεγετο: VERB,impf,mid,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- συναγωγη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- παν: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- σαββατον: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- επειθεν: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- τε: CONJ
- Ιουδαιους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- Ελληνας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 17:2-3 (verbal): Paul’s customary practice of going into the synagogue and reasoning with people on successive Sabbaths from the Scriptures, similar wording and activity (arguing/teaching about Jesus as the Messiah).
- Acts 13:14 (structural): Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue on the Sabbath and address the congregation—same situational pattern of synagogue ministry on the Sabbath.
- Acts 28:23 (thematic): Paul explains and testifies about the kingdom of God from morning till evening, attempting to persuade Jews—parallel in method and intent (reasoning to convince Jewish and Gentile audiences).
- Acts 18:11 (structural): A close intra‑chapter parallel describing Paul’s extended stay and continued witnessing to Jews and Greeks—follows naturally from his Sabbath synagogue activity.
- Luke 4:16-21 (allusion): Jesus’ Sabbath synagogue activity—reading Scripture and proclaiming its fulfillment—provides an Old Testament synagogue context for Sabbath teaching and proclamation echoed in Paul’s synagogue reasoning.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, persuading both Jews and Greeks.
- He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks alike.
Acts.18.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Ως: CONJ
- δε: CONJ
- κατηλθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Μακεδονιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τε: CONJ
- Σιλας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Τιμοθεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- συνειχετο: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- λογω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- διαμαρτυρομενος: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,m,sg
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- Ιουδαιοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- ειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 17:2-3 (verbal): Paul reasons in the synagogue from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise—parallels Acts 18:5's report of Paul testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
- Acts 13:32-39 (thematic): Paul's synagogue proclamation at Pisidian Antioch declares the good news about Jesus and that through him comes forgiveness and justification—another instance of Paul publicly testifying that Jesus is the Messiah.
- Acts 18:4 (structural): Immediate context: Paul is described as reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuading Jews and Greeks—this verse and 18:5 form a continuous narrative about his ongoing testimony about Christ.
- Luke 24:46-47 (thematic): Jesus' commission that repentance and forgiveness be proclaimed in his name to all nations undergirds the apostles' task; Paul's testifying that Jesus is the Christ in Acts 18:5 reflects this missionary mandate.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
- When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts.18.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- αντιτασσομενων: PART,pres,mid,gen,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- βλασφημουντων: PART,pres,act,gen,pl,m
- εκτιναξαμενος: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- ιματια: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- προς: PREP
- αυτους·Το: PRON,acc,pl,m
- αιμα: NOUN,nom,sg,neut
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- επι: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- κεφαλην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- υμων·καθαρος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εγω·απο: PRON,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- νυν: ADV
- εις: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εθνη: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- πορευσομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Acts 13:46 (thematic): Paul and Barnabas declare they will turn to the Gentiles after Jewish rejection—parallels Acts 18:6's decision 'from now on I will go to the Gentiles.'
- Acts 13:51 (structural): After opposition in a Jewish synagogue Paul and Barnabas 'shook off the dust of their feet'—Acts 18:6 similarly depicts Paul shaking out his garments as a symbolic break with the rejecting Jews.
- Matthew 10:14 (quotation): Jesus instructs disciples to 'shake off the dust' from a house or town that will not receive them; Acts 18:6 echoes this practice of symbolic rejection of hostile towns/people.
- Acts 20:26 (verbal): Paul's later claim 'I am innocent of the blood of all men' resonates with Acts 18:6's 'Your blood be on your own heads; I am clean,' both asserting Paul's moral/ministerial innocence concerning the hearers' response.
- Ezekiel 33:8-9 (thematic): Ezekiel's language about warning the wicked and the responsibility for their blood parallels Acts 18:6's motif of blood on one's own head—issues of warning, responsibility, and judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- But when they opposed and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads; I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
- But when they opposed and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, 'Your blood be on your own heads; I am clean; from now on I will go to the Gentiles.'
Acts.18.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- μεταβας: VERB,aor,act,part,m,sg,nom
- εκειθεν: ADV
- εισηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- οικιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- τινος: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- Τιτιου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιουστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- σεβομενου: VERB,pres,mid,part,m,sg,gen
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- οικια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- συνομορουσα: VERB,pres,act,part,f,sg,nom
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- συναγωγη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 16:14-15 (verbal): Lydia is explicitly described as a 'worshiper of God' (σεβομένη τὸν θεόν) and she opens her house to Paul—parallels the verbal description of Titius Justus as a God‑fearer who provides hospitality.
- Acts 10:1-2 (thematic): Cornelius is a Gentile 'devout and God‑fearing' (εὐσεβής) whose household is religiously open to God—illustrates the category of Gentile 'God‑fearers' to which Titius Justus belongs.
- Acts 17:4 (thematic): In Thessalonica 'a number of devout Greeks' (God‑fearers) believe—shows the broader phenomenon of non‑Jewish worshipers associated with synagogue contexts like the one beside Justus' house.
- Acts 18:8 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believes and many Corinthians are convinced—links Paul’s lodging next to the synagogue with subsequent conversions in Corinth.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he left there and entered the house of one named Titus Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue.
- And he left there and entered the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God; his house was next door to the synagogue.
Acts.18.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Κρισπος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αρχισυναγωγος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- επιστευσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- συν: PREP
- ολω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- οικω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- πολλοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- Κορινθιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ακουοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- επιστευον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- εβαπτιζοντο: VERB,impf,mid,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 1:14 (verbal): Paul explicitly names Crispus (the same synagogue leader) as one he baptized in Corinth — direct personal/verbal link to Acts’ account of Crispus’ conversion and baptism.
- Acts 16:14–15 (verbal): Lydia’s conversion: ‘The Lord opened her heart… she and her household were baptized.’ Shares the household-conversion and baptism language found in Acts 18:8.
- Acts 16:30–34 (thematic): The Philippian jailer and his household believed and were baptized after hearing the gospel — a parallel narrative pattern of household faith and baptism.
- Acts 2:41 (structural): ‘Those who received his word were baptized’ and many were added — parallels the larger response in Corinth where many who heard believed and were baptized.
- Acts 17:4 (thematic): In Thessalonica/other cities some who heard were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas — similar motif of city-wide responses to Paul’s preaching leading to groups of new believers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household; and many of the Corinthians who heard believed and were baptized.
- Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord together with all his household; and many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.
Acts.18.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- νυκτι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- δι᾽οραματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- Παυλω·Μη: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- φοβου: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- λαλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- σιωπησης: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
Parallels
- Acts 23:11 (structural): The Lord appears to Paul at night to encourage him and renew his mission—telling him to take courage and that he must bear witness, a parallel narrative episode of divine reassurance and commission.
- Acts 27:24 (verbal): A heavenly messenger tells Paul 'Do not be afraid' and reassures him about his mission and safety—echoing the same imperative and theme of divine presence and encouragement.
- Acts 9:15-16 (thematic): God's commissioning of Paul as his chosen instrument to bear witness (despite suffering) parallels the commissioning aspect of Acts 18:9—calling Paul to speak boldly for the gospel.
- Joshua 1:9 (allusion): The command 'Do not be afraid... for the LORD your God is with you' closely parallels the reassurance in Acts 18:9, reflecting a common theological motif of divine presence enabling courage.
- Isaiah 41:10 (allusion): The words 'Fear not, for I am with you' mirror the promise underlying Acts 18:9, drawing on the prophetic tradition of God's comforting assurance to his servants.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Lord said to Paul in a night vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not be silent,
- And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.'
Acts.18.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- διοτι: CONJ
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- ειμι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- μετα: PREP
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- και: CONJ
- ουδεις: PRON,nom,sg,m
- επιθησεται: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κακωσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- διοτι: CONJ
- λαος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εστι: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- πολυς: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- πολει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ταυτη: PRO,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Jeremiah 1:19 (verbal): God tells Jeremiah that opponents will fight against him but will not prevail because 'I am with you'—language very close to Acts 18:10's assurance that no one will attack to harm Paul because the Lord is with him.
- Isaiah 41:10 (verbal): A direct promise of divine presence—'Fear not, for I am with you'—paralleling Acts 18:10's emphasis on God's presence as the basis for courage and protection.
- Joshua 1:5-9 (thematic): God's commissioning of Joshua includes repeated assurances of presence ('I will not leave you or forsake you') and commands to be strong and not fearful, similar in function to the vision given to Paul in Acts 18:9–10.
- Matthew 28:20 (thematic): Jesus' promise 'I am with you always' echoes the same foundational NT theme of Christ's abiding presence that undergirds Acts 18:10's assurance to Paul.
- Genesis 26:24 (verbal): God appears to Isaac saying 'I am with you and will bless you,' an earlier OT instance of the concise formula of divine presence and protection reflected in Acts 18:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- for I am with you, and no one will lay hold on you to harm you, for I have many people in this city."
- So he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Acts.18.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εκαθισεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ενιαυτον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- μηνας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- εξ: PREP
- διδασκων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 11:26 (verbal): Mentions a one-year period in which Paul and Barnabas (and others) 'met with the church and taught'—close verbal and thematic parallel about prolonged teaching in a city/community.
- Acts 19:8-10 (thematic): Describes Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus (public teaching and daily lectures for about two years)—parallels Acts 18:11 in prolonged, intensive proclamation of the word to a city.
- Acts 20:31 (thematic): Paul reminds the Ephesian elders that he did not cease to warn and teach them 'night and day' for three years—another instance linking a multi‑year duration with sustained teaching ministry.
- Acts 5:42 (thematic): States the apostles 'every day... did not cease teaching and preaching'—echoes the continuous, committed teaching activity expressed in Acts 18:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- So he stayed there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
- Then Paul set sail from Corinth and came into Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila; he had his hair cut at Cenchrea because of a vow.
Acts.18.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Γαλλιωνος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ανθυπατου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- οντος: PART,pres,act,gen,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Αχαιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- κατεπεστησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- ομοθυμαδον: ADV
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- Ιουδαιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- Παυλω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ηγαγον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- βημα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
Parallels
- Acts 18:14-17 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Gallio, as proconsul, refuses to hear the Jewish case against Paul and dismisses the accusation.
- Acts 16:19-24, 16:37-40 (thematic): Paul and Silas are seized by a hostile crowd and brought before the city magistrates in Philippi; like Acts 18:12 this shows Christians being accused and transferred to civic authorities.
- Acts 24:1-9 (thematic): Jews bring formal accusations against Paul before the Roman governor Felix at Caesarea—another instance of Jewish leaders prosecuting Paul before a Roman official.
- Luke 21:12 (allusion): Jesus predicts his followers will be brought before governors and kings for witness; Acts 18:12 is an instance of that broader motif of disciples facing civil tribunals.
Alternative generated candidates
- But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat,
- And when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews, with one accord, made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.
Acts.18.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- λεγοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,masc
- οτι: CONJ
- Παρα: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- νομον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αναπειθει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ουτος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- ανθρωπους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- σεβεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 21:21 (thematic): Jews tell the Jerusalem crowd that Paul 'teaches all the Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake Moses,' a similar charge that he persuades people to abandon the Law.
- Acts 21:28 (verbal): Accusers seize Paul saying he taught 'against the people and the law and this place,' closely echoing the claim in 18:13 that he persuades people contrary to the law.
- Acts 16:20-21 (thematic): Local authorities accuse Paul and Silas of promoting 'customs which it is not lawful for us to accept,' another instance of charges that Christian teaching violated accepted law or practice.
- Acts 17:6-7 (thematic): Opponents accuse Paul’s movement of 'turning the world upside down' and acting 'contrary to the decrees of Caesar,' paralleling the pattern of public accusations against disruptive religious teaching.
- Acts 18:14-16 (structural): Gallio’s immediate response refuses to adjudicate a dispute over 'your own law' and dismisses the case—directly linked contextually and legally to the accusation in 18:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- saying, "This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law."
- They said, 'This man persuades men to worship God in ways contrary to the law.'
Acts.18.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- μελλοντος: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Παυλου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ανοιγειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- στομα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Γαλλιων: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- Ιουδαιους·Ει: NOUN,acc,pl,m+PART
- μεν: PART
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αδικημα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ραδιουργημα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- πονηρον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- Ιουδαιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- κατα: PREP
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αν: PART
- ανεσχομην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- υμων·: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- Acts 18:15 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: Gallio explicitly declines to adjudicate a case about 'the name' of Jesus, saying if it were a criminal matter he would have acted—directly follows and completes 18:14.
- Acts 25:19-21; Acts 26:31 (thematic): Roman governors distinguish religious disputes from prosecutable crimes. Festus and Agrippa treat Paul's case as a matter of religion or superstition rather than a secular crime, leading to referral or non‑condemnation—parallel concern with jurisdiction and limits of Roman authority.
- John 18:38; John 19:4,6 (verbal): Pilate's declarations that he finds no basis for a charge against Jesus echo Gallio's refusal to treat the Jews' accusations as a criminal matter; both governors disclaim juridical grounds for punishment.
- 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 (thematic): Paul's later instruction against believers suing one another before unbelievers resonates with the episode in which Jews brought a dispute about Paul into a secular Roman forum—same issue of Christian disputes and secular jurisdiction.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrong or wicked deed, O Jews, I would have reason to bear with you;
- But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, 'If it were a matter of wrongdoing or of a wicked crime, O Jews, I would have reason to bear with you.'
Acts.18.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ζητηματα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- περι: PREP
- λογου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ονοματων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- νομου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- καθ᾽υμας: PREP,acc,pl,m
- οψεσθε: VERB,fut,mid,ind,2,pl
- αυτοι·κριτης: PRON+NOUN,nom,pl,m,2
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ου: PART,neg
- βουλομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- ειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Luke 12:14 (structural): Jesus refuses to act as an arbiter in a private inheritance dispute—'Who made me a judge over you?'—parallel in refusing to adjudicate internal non‑criminal disputes.
- Romans 14:4 (verbal): Paul argues against judging 'another's servant' and disputable matters—echoes Gallio's refusal to judge questions of opinion and conscience.
- Colossians 2:16 (verbal): Paul warns against being judged regarding food, drink, festivals, sabbaths—parallels Gallio's refusal to adjudicate matters relating to 'your law' and religious observances.
- 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 (thematic): Paul rebukes believers for bringing lawsuits before secular courts rather than resolving disputes within the community—connects to theme of appropriate jurisdiction for religious or civil disputes.
Alternative generated candidates
- but if it is a question of words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I will not be a judge of such matters."
- But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, take it yourselves; I will be no judge of such matters.
Acts.18.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- απηλασεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- απο: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- βηματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
Parallels
- Acts 18:14 (structural): Same scene—Gallio refuses to adjudicate the Jews’ complaint (’Gallio cared for none of these things’), which explains why he drives them away from the bema.
- Acts 18:17 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the episode: the crowd beats Sosthenes before the judgment-seat, showing the outcome of the disturbance after Gallio dismisses the case.
- Acts 16:35-39 (thematic): Paul and Silas are publicly beaten and then dealt with by city magistrates; both passages show Roman/local authorities’ role in maintaining order and responding to Jewish accusations against Paul.
- Matthew 27:24 (thematic): Pilate publicly disclaims responsibility for Jesus’ condemnation (’I am innocent…’ and washes his hands); parallels a Roman official distancing himself from a Jewish religious dispute and refusing to be the arbiter.
- 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 (thematic): Paul’s instructions about believers suing before secular courts and the motif of the ‘judgment-seat’ (bema) relate to the issue of jurisdiction and the propriety of civil tribunals handling religious/community disputes.
Alternative generated candidates
- He drove them from the judgment seat.
- And he drove them from the tribunal.
Acts.18.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- επιλαβομενοι: VERB,aor,mid,part,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- παντες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- Σωσθενην: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αρχισυναγωγον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ετυπτον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- εμπροσθεν: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- βηματος·και: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- Γαλλιωνι: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- εμελεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 18:12-16 (structural): Immediate context: the account of Gallio's refusal to hear the Jewish case against Paul — these verses record Gallio's dismissal of the complaint just before the mob beats Sosthenes.
- 1 Corinthians 1:1 (verbal): Mentions a Sosthenes alongside Paul, possibly the same man identified here as the synagogue ruler who was beaten; a verbal link that suggests later association with Paul.
- Acts 16:22-24 (thematic): Paul and Silas are seized, beaten, and imprisoned by local authorities — parallels the motif of physical violence and clashes with civic/municipal powers.
- Acts 17:5-9 (thematic): Mob action against Paul’s companions (seizing Jason and bringing him before the city authorities) — similar pattern of communal violence and public legal disturbance surrounding missionary activity.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat; and Gallio paid no attention to any of these things.
- Then all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the tribunal; and Gallio paid no attention to any of these things.
After these things Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla—because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome—and he went to them.
Because they were of the same trade Paul stayed with them and worked; they were tentmakers by trade.
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, persuading both Jews and Greeks.
When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
When they opposed and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
Then he left there and entered the house of a man named Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house stood next to the synagogue.
Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with his whole household; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid, but speak; do not be silent.
For I am with you, and no one will set on you to harm you, for I have many people in this city." So he remained there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. But when Gallio became proconsul of Achaia, the Jews, with one accord, rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.
They charged, "This man persuades people to worship God contrary to the law."
As Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or of a serious crime, O men, I would listen to you;
but if it is a question of words and names and of your own law, look to it yourselves; for I will not be a judge of such matters." And he drove them from the judgment seat.
Then all the Greeks seized Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat; and Gallio cared for none of these things.