Acts 18:15

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Gallio, the Roman proconsul, addresses Jewish accusers who have brought Paul before his tribunal. He interrupts the proceedings at the moment Paul is about to speak.

The words — ζητήματα (zētēmata) means "questions" or "disputes," and λόγου (logou) translates to "word." These terms classify the Jewish complaint as a technical debate rather than a criminal charge.

The thread — The dismissal of internal religious disputes by secular authority appears in Acts 23:29 and Acts 25:19, while 1 Timothy 6:4 identifies an unhealthy obsession with such controversies as a sign of spiritual conceit.

Why it lands — The passage requires readers to separate civil jurisdiction from theological debate, recognizing that secular courts have no mandate to resolve internal religious disagreements.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Acts 23:29 I found that the accusation involved questions about their own law, but there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment.
Acts 25:19 They 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 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
Matthew 27:24 When 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.”
Acts 25:11 If, 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!”
Acts 26:3 especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.
1 Timothy 1:4 or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
2 Timothy 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
Matthew 27:4 “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”