Bible Strands
Acts 18:16
And he drove them away from the judgment seat.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Gallio pronounces this declaration after refusing to adjudicate a Jewish dispute over religious law, formally ending his official involvement in the case. He speaks to the accusers and synagogue leaders gathered before his tribunal in Corinth.
The words — The verb ἀπήλασεν (apēlasen) literally means "he drove away," describing a forceful removal. It acts on αὐτοὺς (autous) "them" from τοῦ βήματος (tou bēmatos) "the judgment seat."
The thread — This moment of official dismissal aligns with the New Testament principle that civil rulers judge only civil conduct, as outlined in Romans 13:3. It stands in contrast to the cosmic judgments depicted in Psalms 76:10 and Revelation 12:16.
Why it lands — A reader must recognize that institutional authority has defined limits and will not intervene in purely theological disputes. The text demands a clear distinction between civic jurisdiction and religious conviction.
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
And he drave them from the judgment seat.
Cross-references
- Psalms 76:10 Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself.
- Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval.
- Revelation 12:16 But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth.