Acts 18:15
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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.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
if it be a question of words and names, and of your law . . . I will be no judge, &c.--in this only laying down the proper limits of his office.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. Paul's coming to Corinth, his private converse with Aquila and Priscilla, and his public reasonings with the Jews, from whom, when they rejected him, he turned to the Gentiles (Act 18:1-6). II. The great success of his ministry there, and the encouragement Christ gave him in a vision to continue his labours there, in hopes of further success (Act 18:7-11). III. The molestations which after some time he met with there from the Jews, which he got pretty well through by the coldness of Gallio, the Roman governor, in the cause (Act 18:12-17). IV. The progress Paul made through many countries, after he had continued long at Corinth, for the edifying and watering of the churches which he had founded and planted, in which circuit he made a short visit to Jerusalem (Act 18:18-23). V. An account of Apollo's improvement in knowledge, and of his usefulness in the church (Act 18:24-28).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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I found that the accusation involved questions about their own law, but there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment.
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.
he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
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!”
especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.
But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
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.”
or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
“You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied.