And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
See how the Jews moved in unity against Paul, rushing him violently before Gallio without time to prepare. But their charge rings hollow: they accuse him of persuading men to worship God contrary to law, as if the remedy for false doctrine is force. The work of Christ goes forward at Corinth despite their insurrection, and no great harm comes of it.
AI summary
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.