Acts 18:16
What does Acts 18:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 18:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 18:16 means
Gallio drives them from the judgment seat, physically removing the case from court. The scene underscores the finality of his decision: this is not Rome’s concern. For the church, this means continued freedom to preach without immediate legal hindrance. For the accusers, it is a humbling rebuff. The verse reminds us that God can close the mouths of adversaries through the ordinary operations of civil authority. While salvation is not accomplished by courts, the ability to proclaim it openly is often preserved through such decisions. Paul, spared from making a defense, sees the Lord’s earlier promise of protection quietly fulfilled.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he drove them from the judgment-seat.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he drave them from the judgment seat.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he drove them from the judgment-seat.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he sent them away from the judge's seat.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he drave them from the tribunal;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he drove them from the judgment seat.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he drove them from the judgment-seat.
Context
After Gallio’s explanation, action follows: the case is dismissed, and the accusers are expelled. This sets the stage for the crowd’s rough treatment of Sosthenes, the synagogue ruler, in the next verse. Gallio’s indifference to that violence underscores the limited, sometimes flawed, nature of civil peace, even when it benefits gospel proclamation.
v.15but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; I am not minded to be a judge of these matters.
v.16This passage
v.17And they all laid hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment-seat. And Gallio cared for none of these things.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 13:3
For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same:
- Psalms 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: The residue of wrath shalt thou gird upon thee.
- Revelation 12:16
And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 18
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 18.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…