Acts 18:14

14 But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint.

Acts 18:14 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 18:14

And when Paul was now about to open his mouth
In his own defence, and plead his own cause, and answer to the charge exhibited against him:

Gallio said unto the Jews, if it was matter of wrong;
of injury to any man's person or property, as murder, theft

or wicked lewdness;
as fraud, forgery, perjury, treason

O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
his sense is, that it would be according to right reason, and agreeably to his office as a judge, to admit them and their cause, and try it, and hear them patiently, and what was to be said on both sides of the question, what the charges were, and the proof of them, and what the defendant had to say for himself. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "O men Jews"; and so Beza's ancient copy.

Acts 18:14 In-Context

12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.

13 “This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said.

14 But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint.

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.”

16 And he drove them away from the judgment seat.