Acts 18:12
What does Acts 18:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 18:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 18:12 means
Under Proconsul Gallio, the Jews unite to bring Paul before the Roman tribunal. This marks a shift from religious dispute to legal confrontation. The accusers hope that Rome will suppress the Christian message as illicit. The scene underlines how the gospel’s advance often triggers coordinated resistance. Yet it also positions a well-known official to render a decision with wider implications. Paul’s ministry, though spiritual, intersects public life, and courts must decide how to classify it. The stage is set for a ruling that will shape the church’s freedom to preach. God’s promise to Paul stands, even as he faces formal charges.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment-seat,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment-seat,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But when Gallio was ruler of Achaia, all the Jews together made an attack on Paul, and took him to the judge's seat,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Gallio being proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a rush with one accord upon Paul, and brought him unto the tribunal,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one consent rose against Paul and led him to the judgment-seat,
Context
After a season of peace and teaching, opposition takes legal form. Verse 12 sets the courtroom drama, naming Gallio, a historically verifiable figure. The following verse states the accusation, framing Christianity as unlawful worship. The subsequent verses will show Gallio’s response, which distinguishes civil crimes from internal religious matters and dismisses the case—an outcome that indirectly safeguards gospel work in Achaia.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 15:26
For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints that are at Jerusalem.
- Acts 14:19
But there came Jews thither from Antioch and Iconium: and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
- Romans 16:5
and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epænetus my beloved, who is the firstfruits of Asia unto Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints that are in the whole of Achaia:
- Acts 14:2
But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren.
- Acts 13:50
But the Jews urged on the devout women of honorable estate, and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders.
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