Acts 18:17
What does Acts 18:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 18:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 18:17 means
The crowd seizes Sosthenes, the synagogue ruler, and beats him before the judgment seat. Gallio remains unconcerned. The beating may reflect frustration at the failed prosecution or local hostility; Luke does not assign motives. What is clear is the volatility of public life and the moral limits of Roman officials. Gallio’s earlier protection of Paul does not extend to restraining mob violence here. The verse is sobering: vindication in court does not end suffering around the church. Still, the intended target, Paul, remains unharmed, in line with the Lord’s promise. God’s providence can shield His servant even as injustice continues in the wider scene.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they all made an attack on Sosthenes, the ruler of the Synagogue, and gave him blows before the judge's seat; but Gallio gave no attention to these things.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and all the Greeks having taken Sosthenes, the chief man of the synagogue, were beating <FI>him<Fi> before the tribunal, and not even for these things was Gallio caring.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And all laying hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And having all laid hold on Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue, they beat him before the judgment-seat. And Gallio troubled himself about none of these things.
Context
The legal case collapses into a public scuffle, showing that dismissal does not abolish hostility. Verse 17 closes the Gallio episode by contrasting official indifference with street-level violence. The narrative will now transition from courtroom to travel: Paul stays a bit longer, then departs Corinth with Aquila and Priscilla, moving the mission forward according to God’s timetable.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 1:23
but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness;
- 1 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, calledto bean apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
- Amos 6:6
that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief oils; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
- Acts 17:32
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again.
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