Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
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;
Verse Takeaways
1
A Pivotal Legal Victory
Commentators emphasize the profound importance of Gallio's decision. By dismissing the case as an internal Jewish religious dispute, he effectively set a legal precedent across the Roman Empire. This ruling treated Christianity as a legal religion (religio licita), protecting it from persecution and allowing the gospel to be preached freely for nearly a decade. This moment is seen as a crucial turning point for the early church.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Acts
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
7
18th Century
Presbyterian
About to open his mouth. In self-defense; ever ready to vindicate his conduct.
A matter of wrong. Injustice, or crime; such as coul…
When Paul was about to open his mouth (μελλοντος του Παυλου ανοιγειν το στομα). Genitive absolute again. Before Paul could speak, …
19th Century
Anglican
When Paul was now about to open his mouth.—The phrase always implies, as has been noticed (see Note on Acts 8:35), the beginning of a set …
Consider supporting our work
Baptist
Persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matte…
The word “law” (GK 3795) in v.13 is somewhat ambiguous. Undoubtedly when it was first used by Paul’s antagonists in their synagogue, it referred to…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And when Paul was now about to open his mouth In his own defence, and plead his own cause, and answer to the charge …
Get curated content & updates
Paul was about to show that he did not teach people to worship God contrary to the law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him a…