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.”
Parallel translations
- WEB but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves. For I don’t want to be a judge of these matters.”
- KJV But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
- NKJV But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.”
- NASB but if there are questions about teaching and persons and your own law, see to it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters.”
- NLT But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Gallio declined to rule on questions of Jewish words, names, and law, telling the accusers to settle it themselves.
Overview
To Roman eyes the dispute concerned internal Jewish matters, especially the name of Jesus and interpretation of the law. Gallio's refusal to act as judge shielded the young church from official persecution at that moment. Luke records it as evidence that the gospel posed no threat to civil order, fulfilling Christ's promise of protection in this city.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- Acts 23:29I found that the accusation involved questions about their own law, but there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment.
- Acts 25:19They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
- 1 Tim 6:4he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
- Titus 3:9But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
- Acts 26:3especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.
- Matt 27:24When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”
- 2 Tim 2:23But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
- 1 Tim 1:4or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
- Acts 25:11If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
- John 18:31“You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied.
- Matt 27:4“I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”
- Acts 24:6–8and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
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Original language
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