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Read the Bible

THE MESSAGE

Acts 18:14

Just as Paul was about to defend himself, Gallio interrupted and said to the Jews, "If this was a matter of criminal conduct, I would gladly hear you out. But it sounds to me like one more Jewish squabble, another of your endless hairsplitting quarrels over religion. Take care of it on your own time. I can't be bothered with this nonsense," and he cleared them out of the courtroom.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Gallio;   Indictments;   Nolle Prosequi;   Paul;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Courts of Justice;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Achaia;   Acts, book of;   Corinth;   Corinthians, letters to the;   Sanhedrin;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Episcopacy;   Ordination;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Corinth;   Lewdness;   Sosthenes;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Corinth;   Gallio;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Acts;   Corinth;   Crimes and Punishments;   Gallio;   Greece;   Lewdness;   Luke, Gospel of;   Oration, Orator;   Persecution in the Bible;   Roman Law;   Romans, Book of;   1 Corinthians;   2 Corinthians;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Christian;   Gallio;   Thessalonians, Second Epistle to the;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Dispersion;   Gallio;   Jew, Jewess;   Lewd Lewdness ;   Man of Sin;   Nation (2);   Nazirite;   Persecution;   Wicked;   Word;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Gallio ;   Judgement-Seat,;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Gallio;   Obsolete or obscure words in the english av bible;   Sosthenes;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Lyd'ia,;   Paul;   Sos'thenes;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Apostolic Age;   Gallio;   Lewd;   Persecution;   Reason;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - Corinth;   Saul of Tarsus;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
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, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you Jews.
King James Version (1611)
And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said vnto the Iewes, If it were a matter of wrong, or wicked lewdnesse, O yee Iewes, reason would that I should beare with you.
King James Version
And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
English Standard Version
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint.
New American Standard Bible
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of some crime or vicious, unscrupulous act, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you;
New Century Version
Paul was about to say something, but Gallio spoke, saying, "I would listen to you if you were complaining about a crime or some wrong.
Amplified Bible
But when Paul was about to reply, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of some misdemeanor or serious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to put up with you;
New American Standard Bible (1995)
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you;
Legacy Standard Bible
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you;
Berean Standard Bible
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.
Contemporary English Version
Even before Paul could speak, Gallio said, "If you were charging this man with a crime or some other wrong, I would have to listen to you.
Complete Jewish Bible
Sha'ul was just about to open his mouth, when Gallio said to the Jews, "Listen, you Jews, if this were a case of inflicted injury or a serious crime, I could reasonably be expected to hear you out patiently.
Darby Translation
But as Paul was going to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If indeed it was some wrong or wicked criminality, O Jews, of reason I should have borne with you;
Easy-to-Read Version
Paul was ready to say something, but Gallio spoke to the Jews. He said, "I would listen to you if your complaint was about a crime or other wrong.
Geneva Bible (1587)
And as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio saide vnto the Iewes, If it were a matter of wrong, or an euill deede, O ye Iewes, I would according to reason maintaine you.
George Lamsa Translation
And as Paul was desirous to open his mouth and speak, Gal''li-o said to the Jews, If your accusations were based on something criminal, fraudulent, or vicious, I would welcome you properly, O Jews:
Good News Translation
Paul was about to speak when Gallio said to the Jews, "If this were a matter of some evil crime or wrong that has been committed, it would be reasonable for me to be patient with you Jews.
Lexham English Bible
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it was some crime or wicked villainy, O Jews, I would have been justified in accepting your complaint.
Literal Translation
But Paul being about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If, indeed, then, it was some wrong or wicked criminality, O Jews, according to reason I would endure you.
American Standard Version
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked villany, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
Bible in Basic English
But when Paul was about to say something, Gallio said to the Jews, If this was anything to do with wrongdoing or crime, there would be a reason for me to give you a hearing:
Hebrew Names Version
But when Sha'ul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Yehudim, "If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, Yehudim, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you;
International Standard Version
Paul was about to open his mouth when Gallio said to the Jews, "If there were some misdemeanor or crime involved, it would be reasonable to put up with you Jews.Acts 23:29;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
And when Paulos sought to open his mouth and speak, Galion said to the Jihudoyee, If it were concerning some thing of evil, or of wickedness, or of abomination, you would complain, O Jihudoyee, it would be proper for me to receive you;
Murdock Translation
And when Paul requested that he might open his mouth and speak, Gallio said to the Jews: If your accusation, O Jews, related to any wrong done, or any fraud, or base act, I would listen to you suitably.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And when Paul nowe was about to open his mouth, Gallio sayde vnto the Iewes: Yf it were a matter of wrong, or an euyll deede, O ye Iewes, reason woulde that I shoulde beare with you:
English Revised Version
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked villany, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
World English Bible
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you;
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If it were an act of injustice or wicked licentiousness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you.
Weymouth's New Testament
But, when Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it had been some wrongful act or piece of cunning knavery I might reasonably have listened to you Jews.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And whanne Poul bigan to opene his mouth, Gallion seide to the Jewis, If there were ony wickid thing, ether yuel trespas, ye Jewis, riytli Y schulde suffre you;
Update Bible Version
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked villany, O you Jews, there would be a reason that I should bear with you:
Webster's Bible Translation
And when Paul was now about to open [his] mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong, or hainous crime, O [ye] Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
New English Translation
But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of some crime or serious piece of villainy, I would have been justified in accepting the complaint of you Jews,
New King James Version
And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you.
New Living Translation
But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul's accusers and said, "Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case.
New Life Bible
Paul was ready to speak, but Gallio said to the Jews, "If this were something bad or a wrong doing, I would listen to you.
New Revised Standard
Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of crime or serious villainy, I would be justified in accepting the complaint of you Jews;
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
But, as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews - If, indeed, it had been some wrong or wicked recklessness, O Jews, with reason, in that case, should I have been bearing with you.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when Paul was beginning to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews: If it were some matter of injustice or an heinous deed, O Jews, I should with reason bear with you.
Revised Standard Version
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, I should have reason to bear with you, O Jews;
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
And as Paul was about to open his mouth Gallio sayde vnto ye Iewes: yf it were a matter of wronge or an evyll dede (o ye Iewes) reason wolde that I shuld heare you:
Young's Literal Translation
and Paul being about to open [his] mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, `If, indeed, then, it was anything unrighteous, or an act of wicked profligacy, O Jews, according to reason I had borne with you,
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Whan Paul was aboute to open his mouth, Gallio sayde vnto ye Iewes: Yf it were a matter of wronge or an euell dede (O ye Iewes) reason wolde that I shulde heare you:
Mace New Testament (1729)
and when Paul was going to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "if it were a matter of some injustice or something immoral, O Jews, it would be reasonable to hear you out.
Simplified Cowboy Version
Paul was about to respond to the allegations when Gallio stood up and said to the Jews, "If this man had shot someone or rustled some cattle, I'd listen to the case.

Contextual Overview

12But when Gallio was governor of Achaia province, the Jews got up a campaign against Paul, hauled him into court, and filed charges: "This man is seducing people into acts of worship that are illegal." 14Just as Paul was about to defend himself, Gallio interrupted and said to the Jews, "If this was a matter of criminal conduct, I would gladly hear you out. But it sounds to me like one more Jewish squabble, another of your endless hairsplitting quarrels over religion. Take care of it on your own time. I can't be bothered with this nonsense," and he cleared them out of the courtroom. 17 Now the street rabble turned on Sosthenes, the new meeting-place president, and beat him up in plain sight of the court. Gallio didn't raise a finger. He could not have cared less.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

when: Acts 21:39, Acts 21:40, Acts 22:1, Acts 22:2, Acts 26:1, Acts 26:2, Luke 21:12-15, 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 3:15

If: Acts 23:27-29, Acts 25:11, Acts 25:18-20, Acts 25:26

bear: Acts 13:18, Mark 9:19, Romans 13:3, 2 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 11:4, Hebrews 5:2

Reciprocal: Exodus 18:16 - a matter Esther 1:16 - done wrong Matthew 5:2 - General Mark 4:15 - these John 10:20 - why John 18:35 - Amos I Acts 19:38 - have Acts 25:5 - if 1 Corinthians 6:1 - having

Cross-References

Genesis 18:1
God appeared to Abraham at the Oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. It was the hottest part of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing. He ran from his tent to greet them and bowed before them.
Genesis 18:10
One of them said, "I'm coming back about this time next year. When I arrive, your wife Sarah will have a son." Sarah was listening at the tent opening, just behind the man.
Numbers 11:23
God answered Moses, "So, do you think I can't take care of you? You'll see soon enough whether what I say happens for you or not."
Deuteronomy 7:21
So don't be intimidated by them. God , your God, is among you— God majestic, God awesome. God , your God, will get rid of these nations, bit by bit. You won't be permitted to wipe them out all at once lest the wild animals take over and overwhelm you. But God , your God, will move them out of your way—he'll throw them into a huge panic until there's nothing left of them. He'll turn their kings over to you and you'll remove all trace of them under Heaven. Not one person will be able to stand up to you; you'll put an end to them all.
1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come on now, let's go across to these uncircumcised pagans. Maybe God will work for us. There's no rule that says God can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop God from saving when he sets his mind to it."
2 Kings 4:16
Elisha said to her, "This time next year you're going to be nursing an infant son." "O my master, O Holy Man," she said, "don't play games with me, teasing me with such fantasies!"
Job 36:5
"It's true that God is all-powerful, but he doesn't bully innocent people. For the wicked, though, it's a different story— he doesn't give them the time of day, but champions the rights of their victims. He never takes his eyes off the righteous; he honors them lavishly, promotes them endlessly. When things go badly, when affliction and suffering descend, God tells them where they've gone wrong, shows them how their pride has caused their trouble. He forces them to heed his warning, tells them they must repent of their bad life. If they obey and serve him, they'll have a good, long life on easy street. But if they disobey, they'll be cut down in their prime and never know the first thing about life. Angry people without God pile grievance upon grievance, always blaming others for their troubles. Living it up in sexual excesses, virility wasted, they die young. But those who learn from their suffering, God delivers from their suffering.
Psalms 93:1
God is King, robed and ruling, God is robed and surging with strength. And yes, the world is firm, immovable, Your throne ever firm—you're Eternal!
Psalms 95:3
And why? Because God is the best, High King over all the gods. In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns, in the other hand grasps the high mountains. He made Ocean—he owns it! His hands sculpted Earth!
Micah 7:18
Where is the god who can compare with you— wiping the slate clean of guilt, Turning a blind eye, a deaf ear, to the past sins of your purged and precious people? You don't nurse your anger and don't stay angry long, for mercy is your specialty. That's what you love most. And compassion is on its way to us. You'll stamp out our wrongdoing. You'll sink our sins to the bottom of the ocean. You'll stay true to your word to Father Jacob and continue the compassion you showed Grandfather Abraham— Everything you promised our ancestors from a long time ago.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

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, c.

or wicked lewdness as fraud, forgery, perjury, treason, c.

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.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

About to open his mouth - In self-defense, ever ready to vindicate his conduct.

A matter of wrong - Injustice, or crime, such as could be properly brought before a court of justice.

Or wicked lewdness - Any flagrant and gross offence. The word used here occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It denotes properly an act committed by him who is skilled, facile, or an adept in iniquity an act of a veteran offender. Such crimes Gallio was willing to take cognizance of.

Reason would ... - Greek: “I would bear with you according to reason.” There would be propriety or fitness in my hearing and trying the case. Thai is, it would fall within the sphere of my duty, as appointed to guard the peace, and to punish crimes.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Acts 18:14. Paul was now about to open his mouth — He was about to enter on his defense; but Gallio, perceiving that the prosecution was through envy and malice, would not put Paul to any farther trouble, but determined the matter as follows.

If it were a matter of wrong — αδικημα, Of injustice; any thing contrary to the rights of the subject.

Or wicked lewdness — ραδιουργημα πονηρον, Destructive mischief. (Acts 13:10, where the word is explained.) Something by which the subject is grievously wronged; were it any crime against society or against the state.

Reason would that I should bear with you. — κατα λογον αν ηνεσχομην υμων, According to reason, or the merit of the case, I should patiently hear you.


 
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