18:15a
since: The Greek word is often translated as “if.” But it is likely true that Gallio is certain that the matter between the Jews and Paul is only disagreements about words and names and the Jewish law. Therefore many English versions translate the Greek word as since.
it is a dispute about: The pronoun it refers to the accusation against Paul. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
this concerns (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the things you are saying are (New Century Version)
words: These questions are matters of religion. Gallio saw this dispute only as a matter of the Jewish religion. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as words usually implies that these words cause arguments. For example:
⌊controversial⌋ words
-or-
words ⌊of religion⌋ ⌊that cause arguments⌋
names: This word may imply the argument that Paul said that Jesus should be named the Christ (18:5c) but the Jews disagreed. It is not known how much Gallio, as a Roman, knew about the problems that the Jews had with Christian beliefs. So you should translate the word literally.
your own law: This phrase refers to the Jewish laws.
18:15b
settle it yourselves: The Greek words here are literally “you will see (to it) yourselves.” The future tense here is used as a command from an official to those under his authority. The command tells the Jews to resolve the problem themselves. Other ways to translate this clause are:
see to it yourselves (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
you must deal with it yourselves (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
you will have to take care of it (Contemporary English Version)
18:15c
I refuse to be a judge of such things: The Greek words are literally “a judge, I, of these things, (I) do not intend/want to be.” It emphasizes “a judge, I, of these things.” It asserts strongly that Gallio has no desire at all to judge these matters of religion. Other ways to translate this clause are:
I myself have no intention of being a judge of these matters/questions
-or-
I, as judge of these things? I refuse.
-or-
No way do I want to judge these things!
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