Pictured to the left is a copy of the HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE ( HCSB ). The following quotation is taken from this version of the Holy Bible:
"The HCSB has used computer technology and telecommunications in its creation perhaps more than any Bible translation in history. Electronic mail was used daily and sometimes hourly for communication and transmission of manuscripts. An advanced Bible software program, Accordance, was used to create and revise the translation at each step in its production. A developmental copy of the HCSB itself was used within Accordance to facilitate cross-checking during the translation process-something never done before with a Bible translation." [ See HOLY BIBLE, HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE, AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, NEW YORK, Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers, p. vi. ]
Acts 18:14, 15 read as follows: "And as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, 'If it were a matter of a crime or of moral evil, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you Jews. But if these are questions about words, names, and your own law, see to it yourselves. I don't want to be a judge of such things.'" In verse 14, the phrase "moral evil" is used. At the first, this phrase would appear to be contradictory, since there is no such thing as righteous evil. However, it is necessary to consider the definition of the word "moral."
The word "moral" is defined as follows:
"adj. 1 Pertaining to character and behavior from the point of view of right and wrong, and obligation to duty; pertaining to rightness and duty in conduct. 2 Conforming to right conduct; actuated by a sense of the good, true, and right; good; righteous; virtuous. 3 Concerned with the principles of right and wrong; ethical: moral philosophy; moral values. 4 Acting or suited to act through man's intellect or sense of right: often opposed to physical: moral support. 5 Logic Probable as opposed to demonstrative: moral proof. . . ." [ See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 635. ]
Sense 5, of the above-given definition of the word "moral," agrees with the context of Acts 18:14, 15. Specifically, the word "probable" could be substituted for the word "moral," in the phrase "moral evil" in Acts 18:14, thus reading "probable evil."
Moreover, the word "probable," in the above-given definition of the word "moral," is defined as follows:
"adj. 1 Having more evidence than the contrary, but not proof; likely to be true or to happen, but leaving room for doubt. 2 That renders something worthy of belief, but falls short of demonstration: probable evidence. . . ." [ Ibid., p. 771. ]
Furthermore, the word "demonstrative," in the above-given definition of the word "moral," is defined as follows:
"adj. 1 Having the power of demonstrating or pointing out; convincing and conclusive. . . ." [ Ibid., p. 262. ]
With all of the preceding information in mind, if the situation ( please read Acts, chapter 18 ( especially verses 1-17 ), to get the context ) had been a matter of crime or probable evil, Gallio would have been willing to consider it. Whatever the case may be, there is no reason to panic regarding the phrase "moral evil" in Acts 18:14, provided that we are willing to to consider the definitions of a few words. As expressed in a previous posting to this weblog, I would like to encourage ( see 1 Timothy 4:13 ) you, the reader, to study the Holy Bible ( see 2 Timothy 2:15, for example ).
If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:
<rewillis1_1@juno.com>
<Russell E. Willis>
