Acts 18:15

Sunday, 9 July 2023

 

“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.” Acts 18:15

 

Gallio has just stated to the Jews that if the matter they had presented was something within his jurisdiction, he would put up with them. But he refused to be a judge of what they had brought forward. With that, he next says, “But if it is a question of words.”

 

Rather, it is singular – “But if it is a question concerning a word.” Paul preached a word concerning God. There was no reason for Gallio to get into semantics over how the Jewish faith was interpreted. He was not a religious scholar and had no care for listening to the two sides play Scripture tennis as they lobbed one verse or text across the court while the other lobbed a different one. Next, he says, “and names.”

 

It seems apparent that Gallio was aware of the Christian claim that Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews. If he had heard that, then he had heard counterclaims bandied about. “No! Jeremiah the prophet said...” or “But the prophet Zechariah said.” Each would claim a name from one of the prophets claiming the Messiah would be given a particular name. Maybe some Jews, as it is to this day, heralded a famous rabbi as the Messiah.

 

Gallio had heard enough to be completely uninterested in such squabbles. Next, he says, “and your own law.”

 

The Jews had come forward saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” They were attempting to disassociate what Paul taught from their religion, thus making what Paul taught illicit under Roman law. But Gallio knew better and shoved Paul’s stand right back in their faces by saying “your own law.” He has clearly noted that what Paul is preaching was an extension of Judaism. Thus, it is thus a legitimate form of worship according to Roman law. With that, he next says, “look to it yourselves.”

 

Rather, the verb is future, “you will see to it yourselves.” In other words, “This is not going to be addressed here. I know you will continue to bicker over this, and so you will see to it after you depart, but not now.”

 

He has no doubt based on his past experiences with the Jews and their whining about Jesus that he is not going to give them any foothold in his court. They will do what they are going to do, but they are not going to do it with his court’s concurrence. This will be exactingly seen in just two verses. For now, he next says, “for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.”

 

The Greek is emphatic, placing the word “judge” at the beginning of the statement, “Judge I of these not intend to be.” The matter is not within the jurisdiction of his seat, even if he could wade into it to try to help resolve it. Rather, they were on their own and would have to deal with it accordingly. It is a wise move because this is how Pilate got boxed in during the trial of Jesus. Gallio completely removes himself from such a possibility.

 

Life application: In the church, it is as common as bristles on a brush for people to argue over the true name of Jesus. They will adamantly condemn others for saying “Jesus” and then argue whatever name they think He should be called – Yeshua, Yahshuah, Yehoshua, etc. ad nauseam, as if that is the point and purpose of their faith.

 

But the Lord is both the Messiah of the Jews and the Christ of the Gentiles. A person named Charlie will be called Karl by Germans, Carlos by Hispanics, Chuckles by his close friend, and Chahdee by Asians who have difficulty with the whole “r” and “l” thing. Only a Charlie-dolt would be upset about the variety of names he is called, as long as he is called on time for dinner.

 

Jesus will not be unhappy with you if you use the name suited to your language. He is the One who divided the languages in the first place. Don’t get caught up in the ridiculous. Rather, honor the Lord with your life and He will be pleased with that. And, by the way, the correct Hebrew name is Yeshua.

 

Jesus, precious Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Savior of all mankind. May we honor You with our lives and bless You with our lips in whatever language You have given to us. Be glorified in our love and devotion to You, O exalted One! Amen.