Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 18:14. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising part of Paul's early ministry. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Paul was about to speak – he was about to deliver a speech or presentation. He was pausing, considering what he was going to say. What Gallio Says: Gallio, a Roman official, was speaking to the Jewish community. Gallio said something like this: “If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, I would bear with you.” What It Means – The Key Insight: Gallio was a Roman Official: He was a high-ranking officer in the Roman government, and he had authority over Jewish communities. “Wrong or Wicked Lewdness” - A Sensitive Topic: Gallio was suggesting that Paul’s message could be problematic for Jewish people – perhaps it wasn’t appropriate for them to listen to him. This phrase is a bit archaic and suggests something considered inappropriate, possibly related to sexual behavior or moral wrong. Gallio's Response: He was basically saying, “I would bear with you” - meaning he wouldn’t oppose Paul or his message. Why This Matters – It’s a Big Revelation: This is a huge moment because it shows that Paul wasn’t immediately facing opposition from the Jewish authorities. He wasn't being challenged for his beliefs or his message. He was essentially being granted permission to speak and deliver his message without fear of trouble. The Significance: This verse is significant because it demonstrates Paul’s incredible grace and freedom. It shows that God allowed him to be able to preach the gospel (the good news) even in a challenging situation, showing that God is willing to show mercy and allow people to share their faith. --- In short, this verse tells us that Paul was granted permission to speak, despite being in a potentially difficult situation, thanks to God’s favor. Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this explanation or perhaps discuss the context surrounding this passage?