Acts 18:13

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

“This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said.

American Standard Version (1901)

saying, This man persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

Bible in Basic English

Saying, This man is teaching the people to give worship to God in a way which is against the law.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Saying: This man persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

Free Bible Version

“This man is persuading people to worship God illegally,” they declared.

Geneva Bible 1599

Saying, This fellow persuadeth me to worship God otherwise then the Lawe appointeth.

King James (Authorized) Version

Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

Plain English Version

and they told that boss, “This man is teaching people wrong. He is telling them to break our Jewish law. He is telling them the wrong way to show respect to God.”

Translation for Translators

saying, “This man is teaching people a false religion, leading them to worship God in ways that are contrary to our Jewish laws.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

they said, “This man persuades people to worship God contrary to the law.”

Noah Webster Bible

Saying, This man persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

World English Bible

saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”

Young's Literal Translation

saying — 'Against the law this one doth persuade men to worship God;'

Context

Paul before Gallio

¹²While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.¹³“This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said.

Sermons

Homily 39 on the Acts of the Apostles

St. John Chrysostom

Summary

In Acts 18:13, we see the Jewish accusers of Paul bringing him before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, accusing him of persuading people to worship God in ways that were contrary to the law. This incident reflects the ongoing opposition and persecution faced by early Christians as they spread the Gospel. Despite the false accusations and hostility, Paul's commitment to sharing the message of Jesus Christ remained steadfast, demonstrating his unwavering faith and dedication to fulfilling his mission. The passage serves as a reminder of the challenges and trials that believers may encounter in proclaiming the truth, yet also showcases the divine protection and guidance that sustains them in the face of adversity.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Persuaded men to worship God contrary to the law - This accusation was very insidious. The Jews had permission by the Romans to worship their own God in their own way: this the laws allowed. The Roman worship was also established by the law. The Jews probably intended to accuse Paul of acting contrary to both laws. "He is not a Jew, for he does not admit of circumcision; he is not a Gentile, for he preaches against the worship of the gods. He is setting up a worship of his own, in opposition to all laws, and persuading many people to join with him: he is therefore a most dangerous man, and should be put to death."