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Gallio immediately recognizes that Roman law is being practiced by the Jews. Even though
there was a state religion in Rome, people are allowed to worship as they please. Gallio
observed a man being wronged by a religious group trying to use Roman law to settle a
religious argument. Because of Gallio’s excellent interpretation and use of Roman law, Paul is
free to teach the Word of God in Corinth for the next eighteen months.

Act 18:15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for
I do not want to be a judge of such matters."

But if it be a question of words (teachings) and names (of gods), and of your law (Jewish
religion), look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.

Gallio is saying, “If it is a religious question, you handle it. If it is a criminal act, I’ll handle it.”
The state has no right to solve a religious controversy, only to protect the people involved.

Act 18:16 And he drove them from the judgment seat.

And he drave them (threw them out) from the judgment seat.

Act 18:17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before
the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before (in
front of) the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none (was not concerned) of those things.
Apparently Sosthenes is with the religious mob who has tried to get rid of Paul. The Greeks in
the courtroom are impressed and ecstatic over the way Gallio handled the case, so after Gallio
leaves the bench, the mob apprehends Sosthenes and beats him before leaving the courtroom.
They are determined there will be no more religious mobs in Corinth.

Somehow, in spite of what happens, Sosthenes receives the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 1:1, Paul
refers to him as a brother in the Lord. Gallio knew what occurred after he left, but did not
become involved. It was still a religious matter, the Christian religion against the Jewish.

PAUL’S RETURN TO ANTIOCH (18-23)

Paul is released and remains in Corinth for an extended time. He eventually travels with Aquila
and Priscilla to Syria and then departs to Ephesus leaving his traveling companions behind.
Upon arriving in Ephesus, Paul reasons with the Jews in the synagogue and finally returns to
Antioch, then to the regions of Galatia and Phrygia to encourage the disciples.
PAUL STOPS IN EPHESUS

Verses 18-28 are transitional versus (“meanwhile, back at the ranch”). They actually lead up to
the Ephesus revival of chapter 19. Paul will spend more time in Ephesus than any other place in
his ministry: three years.