How does Acts 18:15 connect with Jesus' teachings on judging others? Setting the Scene in Acts 18:15 “ But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things.” (Acts 18:15) Gallio Knows the Boundaries of His Judgment • Gallio, a Roman proconsul, sees that the complaint against Paul is theological, not criminal. • He deliberately steps back, recognizing that spiritual matters belong to those who hold the faith in question. • His response models a civil ruler limiting his judgment to civil jurisdiction. Jesus on Judging Others • “Do not judge, or you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1) • “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2) • “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned.” (Luke 6:37) • “Stop judging by appearances, and make a right judgment.” (John 7:24) Connections between Acts 18:15 and Jesus’ Teaching • Proper Scope of Judgment – Gallio limits himself to matters God has placed under civil authority. – Jesus teaches His followers to recognize the limits of their own understanding before pronouncing judgment (Matthew 7:3–5). • Avoiding Hypocritical or Uninformed Judging – Gallio declines because he lacks standing in Jewish law; it would be uninformed judgment. – Jesus warns that judging without self-examination is hypocrisy (Matthew 7:5). • Respecting God-Given Jurisdictions – Gallio’s refusal keeps civil authority from meddling in church doctrine, leaving spiritual discernment to believers. – Jesus affirms a similar principle: righteous judgment belongs to those rightly submitted to God (John 7:24). • Encouraging Internal Accountability – By turning the matter back to the Jews, Gallio expects them to handle it within their own community. – Jesus calls His disciples to first deal with their own sins before addressing others (Matthew 7:5), emphasizing accountability inside the fellowship rather than seeking outside arbitration. Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Judge righteously, not rashly—examine facts and motives before speaking (Proverbs 18:13). • Recognize your limits; issues of conscience and doctrine are weighed by God’s Word and the Spirit, not by secular standards (1 Corinthians 2:14–15). • Maintain humility; the same standard will be applied to you (James 2:13). • Keep civil and spiritual spheres distinct: submit to governing authorities in civil matters (Romans 13:1), yet let the church handle doctrinal purity (1 Corinthians 6:1–6). |
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