¹⁷ Then they^[a] [^Cprobably Greeks, using the opportunity to vent their dislike for the Jewish population; less likely, the Jews, angry at Sosthenes for losing the case] all grabbed Sosthenes [^Cperhaps the person mentioned in 1 Cor. 1:1], the ·leader [official] of the synagogue, and beat him there before the ·court [tribunal; judgment seat]. But this ·did not bother [was of no concern to; was ignored by] Gallio.

Paul Returns to Antioch

¹⁸ Paul stayed with the ·believers [^Lbrothers (and sisters)] for many more days. Then he ·left [said farewell] and sailed for Syria, with Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchrea [^Ca port city east of Corinth] Paul cut off his hair [^Ca ritual sometimes performed when a promise was accomplished; perhaps this was a Nazirite vow; Num. 6:1–21], because he had made a ·promise to God [^Lvow]. ¹⁹ Then they went to Ephesus [^Ca major city across the Aegean Sea in western Asia Minor], where Paul left ·Priscilla and Aquila [^Lthem]. While Paul was there, he went into the synagogue and talked [or argued; reasoned] with the ·people [^LJews].