Lexical Summary apelaunó: To drive away, to send away, to expel Original Word: ἀπελαύνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance drive away. From apo and elauno; to dismiss -- drive. see GREEK apo see GREEK elauno NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and elaunó Definition to drive away NASB Translation drove...away (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 556: ἀπελαύνωἀπελαύνω: 1 aorist ἀπήλασα; to drive away, drive off: Acts 18:16. (common in Greek writings.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance The verb behind Strong’s Greek 556 conveys decisive dismissal—forcing something or someone to leave a place or position of influence. It carries an authoritative tone: not a polite departure but an authoritative removal. While in secular Greek it could describe the driving off of animals or the expulsion of an unwelcome party, its single New Testament appearance shows it functioning in a formal, judicial setting. Occurrence in the New Testament Acts 18:16 records the sole use: “And he drove them away from the judgment seat” (Berean Standard Bible). The Roman proconsul Gallio refuses to let a theological dispute between Paul and the synagogue leaders become a civil-court matter. His dismissal is abrupt and unmistakable, and the verb underscores the finality of the decision. Luke’s choice of this word highlights both Gallio’s authority and the impotence of Paul’s accusers in that moment. Historical and Cultural Background Corinth was a Roman colony where the proconsul presided over legal cases in the agora’s open-air tribunal, the “bēma.” Litigants approached seeking official rulings. Gallio’s action reflects the Roman expectation that provincial governors maintain public order by preventing needless disturbances. By driving the complainants away, Gallio protects civic peace and implicitly preserves Paul’s freedom to continue gospel ministry in the city (compare Acts 18:9-11). Theological Reflection 1. God’s Providential Protection: Gallio’s dismissal becomes a tangible expression of divine safeguarding. What looked like a political hearing becomes a stage where the Lord shields His servant, affirming the promise, “Do not be afraid…for I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10). Practical and Ministry Applications • Confidence in Mission: The believer can trust that hostile agendas will be “driven away” when God deems necessary for gospel advance. Intertextual Connections • Psalm 68:1 “May God arise, may His enemies be scattered” captures the covenant motif of God expelling opposition. Summary Strong’s Greek 556 paints a vivid scene of authoritative expulsion that, in Acts 18:16, showcases God’s sovereign protection of Paul, delineates the proper scope of secular authority, and offers enduring lessons in courage, boundary-setting, and confidence in the unstoppable progress of the gospel. Forms and Transliterations απελάσω απηλασεν απήλασεν ἀπήλασεν apelasen apēlasen apḗlasenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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