Acts 18:12-23
Acts 18:12-23 AMP
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia (southern Greece), the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, declaring, “This man is persuading people to worship God in violation of the law [of Moses].” But when Paul was about to reply, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of some misdemeanor or serious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to put up with you; but since it is merely a question [of doctrine within your religion] about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I am unwilling to judge these matters.” And he drove them away from the judgment seat. Then the Greeks all seized Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him right in front of the judgment seat; but Gallio paid no attention to any of this. [1 Cor 1:1] Paul stayed for a while longer, and then told the brothers and sisters goodbye and sailed for Syria; and he was accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchrea [the southeastern port of Corinth] he had his hair cut, because he was keeping a [Nazirite] vow [of abstention]. Then they arrived in Ephesus, and he left the others there; but he entered the synagogue and reasoned and debated with the Jews. When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he refused; but after telling them goodbye and saying, “I will return again if God is willing,” he set sail from Ephesus. When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church [at Jerusalem], and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time there, he left and traveled through the territory of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening and encouraging all the disciples.