The Jewish religion was under the protection of the Roman power, and the accusers of Paul thought that if they could fasten upon him the charge of violating the laws of their religion, he would probably be delivered to them for trial and sentence. They hoped thus to compass his death. But Gallio was a man of integrity, and he refused to become the dupe of the jealous, intriguing Jews. Disgusted with their bigotry and self-righteousness, he would take no notice of the charge. As Paul prepared to speak in self-defense, Gallio told him that it was not necessary. Then turning to the angry accusers, he said, "If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: but if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. And he drave them from the judgment seat."

Den jødiske religion stod under den romerske regerings beskyttelse, og Paulus anklagere mente, at hvis de kunne pådutte ham en beskyldning for at bryde deres religions love, ville han sandsynligvis blive udleveret til dem for at blive forhørt og dømt. De håbede på denne måde at opnå hans død! Men Gallio var en retskaffen mand, og han afslog at lade sig narre af de skinsyge, rænkefulde jøder. Han væmmedes ved deres fanatisme og selvretfærdighed og ville ikke tage hensyn til anklagen. Da Paulus ville tale til sit forsvar, sagde Gallio til ham, at det ikke behøvedes. Derpå vendte han sig til de vrede anklagere og sagde: "Hvis der forelå en retskrænkelse eller grov uorden, jøder! ville jeg selvfølgelig have taget mod jeres klage. Men gælder det stridsspørgsmål om lære og navne og om den lov, I har, så må det blive jeres egen sag; jeg vil ikke være dommer over den slags ting." Dermed jog han dem bort fra domstolen.