12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one consent rose against Paul and led him to the judgment-seat, 13 saying, This [man] persuades men to worship God contrary to the law. 14 But as Paul was going to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If indeed it was some wrong or wicked criminality, O Jews, of reason I should have borne with you; 15 but if it be questions about words, and names, and the law that ye have, see to it yourselves; [for] I do not intend to be judge of these things. 16 And he drove them from the judgment-seat.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 18:12-16
Commentary on Acts 18:12-17
(Read Acts 18:12-17)
Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them, under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to speak slightly of a law and religion which he might have known to be of God, and which he ought to have acquainted himself with. In what way God is to be worshipped, whether Jesus be the Messiah, and whether the gospel be a Divine revelation, are not questions of words and names, they are questions of vast importance. Gallio spoke as if he boasted of his ignorance of the Scriptures, as if the law of God was beneath his notice. Gallio cared for none of these things. If he cared not for the affronts of bad men, it was commendable; but if he concerned not himself for the abuses done to good men, his indifference was carried too far. And those who see and hear of the sufferings of God's people, and have no feeling with them, or care for them, who do not pity and pray for them, are of the same spirit as Gallio, who cared for none of these things.