Acts 18:14But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you;
The setting
Paul opens his mouth to defend himself, but Gallio raises his hand for silence. The proconsul will speak first—a sign he's already made his decision.
The emotion here: amazed at how God works through unexpected defenders and divine timing
The original word
kakourgema (κακούργημα) — serious criminal act, felony-level wrongdoing
Why it matters
Roman proconsuls had absolute authority and could execute or exile without appeal
Read with care
What most readers miss in Acts 18:14
Paul never gets to speak—God protects him through a pagan judge who stops him from talking
Common misconceptionPeople think Paul was denied a chance to witness. Actually, God protected him from saying something that might have made things worse.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Acts 18:14
Bible Genome reading
Acts 18:14 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Acts 18:14 comes from the book of Acts, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Gallio. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is conversational. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include judicial process, interrupted defense. Notable phrases: when Paul was about to open his mouth.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Acts 18:14 mean to you, today?
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