But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint.
We have here an account of some disturbance given to Paul and his friends at Corinth, but no great harm done, nor much hindrance given to the work of Christ there. I. Paul is accused by the Jews before the Roman governor, Act 18:12, Act 18:13. The governor was Gallio, deputy of Achaia, that is, proconsul; for Achaia was a consular province of the empire.
Commenting on Acts 18:12-17
But if it be a question of words,.... "Or of the word", what the Jews called the word of God, which Gallio did not pretend to understand: "and names"; as the names of God, of Jesus, and of Christ, whether he is God, and the Messiah: and of your law; concerning circumcision, whether these Christians, and the proselytes they make, are obliged unto it: look...
Verse 14. About to open his mouth. In self-defence; ever ready to vindicate his conduct. A matter of wrong. Injustice, or crime; such as could be properly brought before a court of justice. Or wicked lewdness. Any flagrant and gross offence. The word used here occurs nowhere else in the New Testament.