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R.C.H. Lenski · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Lenski adds that Corinth was an every more wicked city than "larger cities of the empire went at this period. The very term "Corinthian" came to mean a profligate. Korinthiazomai, "to Corinthianize," meant to practice whoredom; Korinthiastēs = a whoremonger; Korinthia korē (girl) = a courtesan."(The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles). B.H. Carroll wrote of Corinth “The religion was too vile to discuss publicly... no decent tongue could describe what occurred under the name of religion.” G Campbell
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Lenski points out that "The two imperfects (were believing...were...being baptized) plus the present participle (heard) describe a continuous influx of new members, all of whom were converts from heathenism. (The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles 15-28 - Page 748) And many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing - Heard is in the present tense - they were continually hearing. The many...Corinthians heard the Gospel and the Spirit worked in their hearts, which would have been necessary for them to be converted. Faith comes by hearing the word about Christ. They heard the Word, the Spirit birthed faith in their hearts and they exercised their faith in Christ (Ro 10:17). This does not preclude that the Corinthians also heard about the conversion of Crispus and this gave them courage to believe. Ultimately however it is the Gospel that saves, not the news of some famous person's salvation. This passage reminds me of the impact of the woman at the well in John 4 which records that.. From that city many of the Samaritans believed (pisteuo) in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed (pisteuo) because of His word; 42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:39-42). And (were) being baptized - The early church followed conversion with immersion in short order in contrast to many in the modern church, at least in America. There are many who claim to be believers but have never been baptized, but that was not the pattern in the early church. Baptism did not save them, but it was their way of confessing that they had truly been saved. Believed (aorist tense active voice indicative mood)...were believing (imperfect tense) (4100)(pisteuo from pistis; pistos; related studies the faith, the obedience of faith) means to consider something to be true and therefore worthy of one’s trust. To accept as true, genuine, or real. To have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something or someone. To consider to be true. To accept the word or evidence of. The respected Greek lexicon author W E Vine defines belief as consisting of (1) a firm conviction which produces full acknowledgment of God's revelation of Truth - (2Thes 2:11 -"in order that they all may be judged who did not believe[pisteuo] the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.") (2) a personal surrender to the Truth (Jn 1:12 "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe [pisteuo] in His name") and (3) a conduct inspired by and consistent with that surrender." In Paul's first letter we note that he himself baptized Crispus... I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name. 16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. (1 Cor 1:14-16) Don Fortner - Paul had seen little response to his message at Athens and had met with great opposition at Corinth, but he was faithful. God always honors faithfulness (1 Sam. 2:30). At the time appointed, God began calling out his elect at Corinth: first Justus; then Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue; then his household; then many of the Corinthians. Notice the order of events in verse 8. It is important. This is God’s method of grace. First, the gospel was preached. Second, many who heard believed. Third, those who believed were baptized. According to the pattern and the precept of the New Testament, baptism is for believers only (Acts 7:37). No infants were ever baptized because their parents were believers, only believers themselves. Believers follow Christ in baptism because he commands it (Mk. 16:15–16). By baptism we identify ourselves with Christ and his people, confess our faith in him, and renounce our former religion as darkness and idolatry (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:4–6). (Christ in Acts) Merida adds that "The work in Corinth started off rather slowly (especially during the tent-making phase), but over time Paul’s ministry produced fruit. This is a great indicator that we need to take the long view in terms of evaluating ministry effectiveness. Though it’s sometimes difficult to maintain patience in this fast-food, microwave culture, where we want to see immediate results, we will need to go through slow seasons before seeing fruit. So keep being faithful to the mission, and ask God to bless your efforts. (Ibid) Were...being baptized (907)(baptizo from bapto = cover wholly with a fluid; stain or dip as with dye; used of the smith tempering the red-hot steel, used of dyeing the hair; of a ship that "dipped" = sank) has a literal and a figurative meaning in the NT. In this context it refers to literal water baptism which was the outward confession of those who had genuinely been born again by grace through faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Baptizo in Acts - Acts 1:5; Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:13; Acts 8:16; Acts 8:36; Acts 8:38; Acts 9:18; Acts 10:47; Acts 10:48; Acts 11:16; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:3; Acts 19:4; Acts 19:5; Acts 22:16 Related Resource: Is baptism necessary for salvation? Does the Bible teach believer's baptism/credobaptism? What is baptismal regeneration? Does Acts 2:38 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does Acts 22:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does Galatians 3:27 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? QUESTION - Who was Crispus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - Crispus was a leader of the synagogue in Corinth, Greece (Acts 18:8). He was a Jewish religious leader but became a believer in Jesus after Paul shared the gospel with the Corinthians. Crispus’ conversion happened during Paul’s second missionary journey. The synagogue that Crispus was the leader of had opened its doors to Paul every Sabbath, and the apostle took the opportunity to testify that Jesus was the Messiah (Acts 18:5). But after an unspecified number of weeks, the unbelieving Jews in that synagogue “opposed Paul and became abusive” (verse 6). At that point, Paul “shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles’” (verse 6). Upon leaving Crispus’ synagogue, Paul went next door and began preaching in the home of Titius Justus. Crispus and his entire household also left the synagogue and followed Paul, having believed in the Lord Jesus (Acts 18:7). Later, Sosthenes, the man who replaced Crispus as the leader of the synagogue, tried to stir up trouble for Paul but was soundly rebuffed by the Roman proconsul (verses 12–17). Little else is known of Crispus. He is mentioned in one of Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth. In this letter, we learn that Crispus was one of the few people Paul baptized (1 Corinthians 1:14–16). Out of all the believers in Corinth, Paul had only baptized Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas; and he used that fact to show that his main objective was to preach the gospel, not to baptize (1 Corinthians 1:17). This statement by Paul is a strong argument against the idea of baptismal regeneration, which holds that baptism is necessary for salvation. If that were so, Paul would not have so clearly separated the two. Tradition holds that Crispus later served as the bishop of Chalcedon and was martyred for his faith. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches have canonized Crispus and declared him Saint Crispus of Chalcedon. Crispus was a saint, as are all those “baptized into Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Scripture declares no specific persons as “saints”; instead, the Bible calls everyone in the body of Christ “saints” (Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 9:1; Revelation 11:18). All that is required of God for sainthood is faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9–10). Acts 18:9 And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent KJV Acts 18:9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: the Lord said to Paul Acts 16:9; Acts 22:17-18 - Trance; Acts 23:11; Acts 27:23-25; 2 Cor 12:1-3 Do not be afraid any longer Isaiah 58:1; Jer 1:17; Ezek 2:6-8; 3:9-11; Jonah 3:2; Micah 3:8; Ephesians 6:19,20; 1 Th 2:2 Acts 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JESUS' PRESENCE AND PROTECTION OF PAUL Jesus was always near Paul and as in this passage made that reality even more "up close and personal." And while we may not see a vision of Jesus, He is near us to the end of our life and then throughout eternity. I am reminded of an old song by Wayne Watson called "Friend of a Wounded Heart" by Wayne Watson (perhaps you need to be reminded that you have a "Friend Who sticks closer than a brother" - Pr 18:24b - listen to this old classic for Jesus will meet you where you are!). Jesus, He meets you where you are Jesus, He heals your secret scars All the love you're longing for Is Jesus, the friend of a wounded heart This verse can be "outlined" The Presence of God The Protection of God The Purpose of God Robertson gives some context on this night vision - Evidently there were signs of a gathering storm before this vision and message from the Lord Jesus came to Paul one night. Paul knew only too well what Jewish hatred could do as he had learned it at Damascus, Jerusalem, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Thessalonica, Beroea. He had clearly moments of doubt whether he had not better move on or become silent for a while in Corinth. Every pastor knows what it is to have such moods and moments. In 2 Thes. 3:2 (written at this time) we catch Paul's dejection of spirits. He was like Elijah (1 Kings 19:4) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:15ff.). Warren Wiersbe makes an interesting point - The conversion of Crispus, an important Jewish leader, opened up more opportunities for evangelism and brought more opposition from the enemy! The Jewish community in Corinth was no doubt furious at Paul's success and did everything possible to silence him and get rid of him. Dr. Luke does not give us the details, but I get the impression that between Acts 18:8 and Acts 18:9, the situation became especially difficult and dangerous. Paul may have been thinking about leaving the city when the Lord came to him and gave him the assurance that he needed. (Bible Exposition Commentary). Lenski has an interesting note on the night visions writing that they "show the immediate divine guidance in the spread of the gospel. It is never our work (ED: Certainly not our work alone) but always the Lord's even though we are now left to depend only on his providential guidance which opens doors here and closes them elsewhere." (The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles 15-28) And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision - Luke records at least 6 up close, personal encounters of Paul with the Lord Jesus in Acts. The first was for his salvation and the others were to give him instruction and encouragement, telling him no be fearful. Acts 9:3-8, 12+ As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.” 7 The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus....12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.” Acts 16:9+ A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Acts 22:17-18+ “It happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, 18 and I saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’ Acts 23:11+ But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” Acts 27:23-25+ “For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25“Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. Vision (3705)(horama from horáō = to see, behold; English - panorama) describes literally that which is seen, as opposed to a figment of one's imagination (Mt 17:9; Ac 7:31; 10:3, 17, 19; 18:9). It is something that is viewed with one’s eye. It describes a supernatural vision used to give divine communication and is distinct from a dream. In Matthew's use Jesus refers to His transfiguration, which is interesting for in the present passage Paul sees the Lord Jesus. Luke does not say exactly how the glorified risen Lord appeared. Do not be afraid any longer - The words any longer are not in the Greek. Recall that Paul latter wrote "I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling." (1 Cor 2:3) Do not be afraid is in the present imperative with a negative which means either stop being afraid or do not begin to fear. The Lord's words do support that Paul was fearful. Jack Andrews - Paul had already been stoned and thought to be dead in Lystra—He had already been beaten with rods and imprisoned in Philippi—He had already been threatened and run out of town in Thessalonica and Berea. He was not immune to persecution and trials, but we also note that he was not immune to fear and trepidation. The Lord commanded His servant not to fear, but to speak the Word of God and not be silent. Every preacher needs to hear this command and heed this command. Every Sunday school teacher, evangelist, and witness must not fear man, but be faithful to the Master. (Ibid) Be afraid (5399)(phobeo from phobos = fear from phebomai = to flee or to be startled; English "phobia") means to be in an apprehensive state that can range from mild uneasiness to stark terror as when one is frightened, terrified or alarmed. Phobeo can be a fear of man (Lk 20:19, Mt 2:22, Mt 21:26, 46) as when Peter feared "the party of the circumcision" (Gal 2:12) which motivated him "to withdraw and hold himself aloof." Pilate experienced fear when he was about to sentence Jesus to death (Jn 19:8). Fear of people kept religious leaders from laying hands on Jesus (Luke 20:19) But (alla) is a strong adversative conjunction or term of contrast. Here the contrast is fear (which might make one hesitant to speak the Gospel) versus in essence boldness to speak (cf 2 Ti 1:7+). When fear knocks at your door, let faith open it. Go on speaking (2980)(laleo) used originally just of sounds like the chatter of birds, the prattling of children, (but was also used) of the most serious kind of speech. It takes note of the sound and the manner of speaking. The Lord Jesus commanded Paul to go on speaking using the present imperative. As we have discussed all of God's commands include His enablement. Neither Paul nor us today can keep any of these supernatural commands in our natural strength. O yes, we might try and might even appear to succeed for a while, but ultimately we will fail. Obedience to the Lord's commands necessitates continual yielding to and dependence upon the filling with and empowering by the Holy Spirit. If you doubt this premise and are a husband just try to keep Eph 5:25+ in your own power during the week! You need to be filled and in that command you notice it is even given in close connection with the command to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18+). Related Resources: Discussion of the Need for the Holy Spirit to obey NT commands or "How to Keep All 1642 Commandments in the New Testament!" Filled with His Spirit/Richly Indwelt with His Word - Chart Comparing the two fillings How To Handle Fear (1) How to Handle Fear (2) How To Handle Fear (3) How to Handle Fear (4) Larkin sums up the Lord's threefold command which matches a threefold promise. (Compare Deut 31:6; Josh 1:5; Isa 41:10; 43:5; Jer 1:7-9): Do not be afraid (literally, "Stop being afraid")/I am with you Keep on speaking/No one is going to attack and harm you Do not be (literally, "become") silent/Because I have many people in this city For Paul—or for us—to be afraid is to doubt the last promise of the risen Lord (Mt 28:20). (IVP New Testament Commentary Series – Acts) The fear of man must never stop the mouths of God’s servants (Jer. 1:8–10) (Fortner) And do not be silent - While this is not a command in Greek, it functions much like one. The Lord Jesus desires that Paul would not be silent but vocal. And clearly in the context (cf Acts 18:11 "teaching the word of God") the Lord is telling Paul to not shrink back from proclaiming the Gospel because of fear of men. Proverbs 29:25 says "The fear of man brings a snare (Heb = moqesh), But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted." NET Note on "fear of man" says "This uses an objective genitive to describe a situation where fearing what people might do or think controls one's life." Note also that in this proverb the "fear of man" is in opposition to trust in the LORD. Indeed, faith trumps fear in the spiritual realm and the Lord Jesus is in essence telling Paul to trust Him in what He is commanding him to carry out. This reminds me of Paul's final testimony regarding the faithfulness of the Lord to strengthen and encourage him as His chosen instrument for the task to which he had been called (Acts 9:15-16+) At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued (rhuomai) out of the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue (rhuomai) me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.(2 Ti 4:16-18+) In this same letter Paul encouraged Timothy to guard and preach the Gospel Paul reminding him that although he himself (Paul) had experienced "persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them ALL the Lord rescued (rhuomai = brought out of severe danger) me!" (2 Ti 3:11+) Lenski on do not be silent - not to become silent (the aorist subjunctive in a negative command, punctiliar, ingressive, "fall silent"). The idea, of course, is that of relative silence. He is to work quietly so that the vicious Jews would hear little of his work and not be stirred to violence. This was not an order to cast prudence to the winds. This virtue is always in place. (The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles 15-28) Be silent (4623)(siopao from siope = silence, a hush, properly, muteness, i.e. involuntary stillness, or inability to speak) means to hold one's peace, to say nothing or to stop speaking. In classic Greek it was a command to “be silent” (Iliad 23.568; Odyssey 17.513) describing Socrates before a jury. Compare the example of Plato before the popular assembly on Aegina, where he was on trial for his life and "did not say a single word." Be silent—1. keep silent, say nothing Mt 26:63; Mk 3:4; 9:34; 14:61; Ac 18:9.—2. stop speaking, be or become quiet Mt 20:31; Mk 10:48; Lk 18:39 v.l.; 19:40. Lose the ability to speak Lk 1:20.—Lord's command to the sea - Mk 4:39. [Gives us English word aposiopesis, apo + siopao, breaking off in the expression of a thought] Siopao - 10x/10v -become silent(1), hush(1), kept silent(4), quiet(2), silent(2). Matt. 20:31; Matt. 26:63; Mk. 3:4; Mk. 4:39; Mk. 9:34; Mk. 10:48; Mk. 14:61; Lk. 1:20; Lk. 19:40; Acts 18:9 Septuagint uses - Num. 30:14; Deut. 27:9; Jdg. 3:19; 1 Ki. 22:3; 2 Ki. 2:3; 2 Ki. 2:5; 2 Ki. 7:9; 2 Chr. 25:16; Neh. 8:11; Job 16:6; Job 18:3; Job 29:21; Job 30:27; Job 41:12; Isa. 36:21; Isa. 42:14; Isa. 62:1; Isa. 62:6; Isa. 64:12; Isa. 65:6; Jer. 4:19; Lam. 2:10; Lam. 2:18; Lam. 3:28; Dan. 10:15; Amos 5:13; As documented in Acts 18:11 Paul obeyed and did not remain silent! THOUGHT - Paul's response to Jesus' command reminds me of Jeremiah who declared "But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it." (Jer 20:9) May God's Spirit grant you grace to be willing to pray - "O Lord, may the Good News become like a "burning fire" in my bones, to the point I grow weary of not speaking to those around me about the free gift of God of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.. Amen" (Ro 6:23+) Acts 18:10 for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city. KJV Acts 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. I am with you Exodus 4:12; Joshua 1:5,9; Judges 2:18; Isaiah 8:10; 41:10; 43:2; Jer 1:18,19; Mt 1:23; 28:20; 2 Cor 12:9; 2 Timothy 4:17,22 no man will attack you in order to harm you, Isaiah 54:17; Jer 15:20,21; Mt 10:30; Luke 21:18; Ro 8:31 for I have many people in this city. Acts 15:14,18; John 10:16; 11:52; Ro 10:20,21; 1 Cor 6:9-11 Acts 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries IMMANUEL: I AM WITH YOU! Immanuel is Jesus' great Name described by the angel in Mt 1:23 " THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” Could there be any more encouraging words spoken to us than these of Jesus' presence? Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, He is with us. Notice in this passage first Jesus not only gives Paul the assurance of His presence but also gives him His promises (no man will attack...I have many people). For (dioti) means because and is a term of explanation. In this context it is easy to see what Jesus is explaining to Paul. He is giving Paul assurance of His presence to motivate him to speak and not shrink back and be silent. I am with you (cf Ps 23:4, Ps 121:4, Ps 118:6, Ps 56:11, Isa 41:10, Isa 41:13, Neh 4:14, 1 Sa 12:20, 21, 22, ) - It is worth noting that statements like this remind us that Paul was not "Superman," but a man just like all of us. Yes he was an apostle and supremely gifted, but he was still a human being and had feelings including fears like we all have, especially when we begin to take a stand for Jesus. Beloved, while Jesus spoke audibly and personally to Paul, He speaks no less audibly and personally to us in His living and active Word. Do not forget that when the Bible speaks, God speaks. That is truth you can stake your life on. Indeed, He Himself promised "lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age." (Mt 28:20+). He is in us (Col 1:27+) and His Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus [Acts 16:7+], the Spirit of Christ [Ro 8:9+] , is in us to enable us and empower us to take a stand for Jesus and not remain silent but speak out (cf the source of boldness in the early church in Acts 4:31+). Remember the words of John that "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 Jn 4:4+) And in Hebrews the Lord promised "“I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?” (Heb 13:5-6+) Do you believe Him? Then "go on speaking" and "do not be silent" about Jesus. The world is dying and going to an eternal hell and we have the only message that can rescue them into an eternal heaven! Merida on I am with you - This same promise was made during the callings of Moses (Exod 3:2-12), Joshua (Josh 1:1-9), and Jeremiah (Jer 1:5-10). Kent
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Lenski explains it slightly different noting that "No political crime is charged against him. The Jewish religion was regarded as a religio licita, ("approved religion") it could be freely practiced and had the privilege of making converts, although not among Roman citizens. The charge against Paul was not that he practiced a religio illicita (see note) but that he contravened Roman law by the way in which he practiced the Jewish religion, namely by persuading them to worship God in a way which they as orthodox Jews had to repudiate. They, of course, do not explain that this was done by preaching that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah, a claim which they utterly rejected. Their point is that by deviating from the regular Jewish way of worshipping God, which was sanctioned by Roman law, Paul transgressed that law and its sanction, was acting contrary to the law . (Borrow (The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles) Persuades (374)(anapeitho from ana - emphatic + peitho = persuade) means to persuade in a bad sense, to induce, to incite, to persuade a different opinion. Gilbrant - In classical Greek anapeithō means “to persuade or convince.” However, it is also used in the negative sense of seducing or misleading someone, sometimes appearing in the context of bribery. The papyri retain this negative sense and employ anapeithō to convey the sense of fraudulent or deceitful persuasion. There is one use in the Septuagint “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your diviners deceive (Lxx = anapeitho - present imperative) you, and do not listen to the dreams which they dream.(Jer 29:8) Comment - The Septuagint uses anapeithō to translate nāshâ’, which in Jeremiah 29:8 means to “be deceived.” Jeremiah warned Israel not to be deceived (i.e., carried away into error) by the false prophets. Worship (4576)(sebomai from sébas = reverential awe <> stem seb originally = “to fall back before", sacred, awe) means to hold in high esteem, show reverence or awe (veneration) by someone who his devout. Alway in the middle voice indicating of the personal involvement in the veneration. Sebomai stresses the outward (religious) expression of inner piety. Contrary is para, a conjunction which in this context is a marker of that which is contrary to what should be or to expectation. The Jews saw Paul's preaching as turning men away from the keeping of the Law. And their use of the verb anapeitho supports that Paul's preaching was persuasive and was having an impact. It there had been no response to Paul's teaching the Word of God, the Jews would not have been so incensed and insistent that he was going against the OT laws of Moses. Acts 18:14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you KJV Acts 18:14 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: NET Acts 18:14 But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of some crime or serious piece of villainy, I would have been justified in accepting the complaint of you Jews, CSB Acts 18:14 As Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of a crime or of moral evil, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you Jews. when Paul was about to open his mouth, Acts 21:39,40; 22:1,2; 26:1,2; Luke 21:12-15; 1 Peter 3:14,15 If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime Acts 23:27-29; 25:11,18-20,26 it would be reasonable for me to put up with you Acts 13:18; Mark 9:19; Ro 13:3; 2 Cor 11:1,4; Hebrews 5:2 Acts 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries But when Paul was about to open his mouth - Paul was just at the point of offering his side of the story and undoubtedly preparing to share the Gospel with Gallio. Gallio said to the Jews - Gallio immediately recognized that the complaint of the Jewish mob had nothing to do with the Roman law and so he stepped in before Paul could speak. Alexander