18:13a–b

“This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said: The Greek words are literally “saying that contrary to the law this (man) persuades people to worship God.” The phrase contrary to the law is emphasized in this clause.

The verb “saying” is first in the Greek. Consider where is the most natural place in your language. For example:

saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” (English Standard Version)

18:13a

This man: The Jews knew Paul’s name but use the phrase This man to show a lack of respect.

is persuading: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as is persuading implies evil purposes. For example:

influences/entices

the people: This phrase refers generally to all people, not just Jews or Gentiles.

18:13b

worship God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as worship refer to religious activities done for the purpose of honoring God.

the law: The Jews probably used the phrase the law to be deliberately vague. They did not call it “our law” (referring to Jewish law) or “your law” (referring to Roman law). They wanted Gallio to use any means to find Paul guilty.

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