Paragraph 18:14–17

18:14a

But just as Paul was about to speak: This phrase in Greek is literally “Paul, being about to open the mouth.” This refers to just before Paul would begin to speak. Other ways to translate this clause are:

But when Paul was about to open his mouth (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Before Paul could open his mouth (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Even before Paul could speak (Contemporary English Version)

to speak: Paul would have begun to defend his actions. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly imply a different reason to speak. If that is true in your language, indicate the implied information. For example:

to defend himself

18:14b–15b

Gallio is not happy with the Jews bringing such an accusation. Gallio’s words imply that he is unhappy, annoyed, or even exasperated with them. Consider how to indicate or imply that Gallio feels that way.

18:14b

If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews: The Greek words are literally “If it was some wrong or evil crime, O Jews.” The address O Jews occurs in the middle of the sentence. In some languages, it is more natural to have the address first. For example:

O Jews, if it was some wrong or evil crime

The matter

The Greek words imply that the Jews did not have a valid complaint. Consider how your language uses an if-clause to speak of an event that did not happen. For example:

If it had been a question of crime or grave misdemeanour,…you Jews (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Listen, you Jews. If this were a misdemeanour or a crime (New Jerusalem Bible)

a wrongdoing or vicious crime: The word a refers here to any kind of wrongdoing or vicious crime. It refers generally to a wrongdoing and to a vicious crime, but does not name which wrongdoing or vicious crime.

wrongdoing: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wrongdoing refers to harming someone on purpose. Other ways to translate this word are:

misdemeanor (New International Version)
-or-
wrong (Good News Translation)
-or-
crime (New Century Version)

vicious: The Greek word is literally “evil.” Other ways to translate this word are:

serious (New International Version)
-or-
wicked (King James Version)

crime: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as crime refers to prank or deed that deceives people. The context implies that such a prank or deed was prohibited by law. Other ways to translate this word are:

villainy (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
illegal deception

18:14c

it would be reasonable for me: This clause indicates that listening to the accusation would be according to right behavior or according to proper reasoning. Other ways to translate this clause are:

I should have reason (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
it would be in order for me (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
reason would demand that (God’s Word)

18:14d

to hear your complaint: This clause in Greek is literally “I would endure your (complaint).” It indicates that Gallio would have listened patiently to the accusation of the Jews and what they said to support their accusation. Other ways to translate this clause are:

to bear with you (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
endured listening to your complaint/accusations

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