Acts 17:7

KJV

Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whom {G3739} Jason {G2394} hath received {G5264}: and {G2532} these {G3778} all {G3956} do {G4238} contrary {G561} to the decrees {G1378} of Caesar {G2541}, saying {G3004} that there is {G1511} another {G2087} king {G935}, one Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And Jason has let them stay in his home! All of them are defying the decrees of the Emperor; because they assert that there is another king, Yeshua!”

Berean Standard Bible

and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”

American Standard Version

whom Jason hath received: and these all act contrary to the decrees of Cæsar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:7 encapsulates a critical juncture in the early Christian mission, revealing the clash between the nascent church and established Roman authority, fueled by jealous Jewish opposition in Thessalonica. This verse records the specific charge leveled against Paul, Silas, and their host Jason: that they were subverting imperial rule by proclaiming Jesus as a rival king to Caesar, thereby challenging the very foundation of Roman governance and order. It highlights the inherent tension between allegiance to Christ's spiritual kingdom and the demands of earthly powers, a conflict that would define much of early Christian experience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's second missionary journey, specifically during his time in Thessalonica, as recorded in [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Paul and Silas in Thessalonica"). Following Paul's custom, he first preached in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, reasoning from the Scriptures that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead, and that Jesus was this Messiah ([Acts 17:2-3](/acts/17-2-3 "Paul Preaches in the Synagogue")). A significant number, including some Jews, devout Greeks, and prominent women, were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas ([Acts 17:4](/acts/17-4 "Converts in Thessalonica")). This success, however, incited the jealousy of unbelieving Jews who, unable to counter Paul's arguments, gathered a mob of "lewd fellows of the baser sort" and attacked the house of Jason, where Paul and Silas were staying ([Acts 17:5](/acts/17-5 "Jewish Opposition in Thessalonica")). Failing to find Paul and Silas, they dragged Jason and other believers before the city authorities, accusing them of turning the world upside down and, crucially, of the seditious acts detailed in [Acts 17:6-7](/acts/17-6-7 "Accusations Against Paul and Silas"). This immediate context sets up the legal and political challenge faced by the early church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Thessalonica was a significant Roman city, a free city (civitas libera) with its own assembly (demos) and magistrates (politarchs), enjoying certain self-governing privileges. As a free city, it was particularly sensitive to any perceived threats to Roman authority or public order, as such disturbances could lead to the revocation of its privileges. The Roman Empire, while generally tolerant of diverse religions, was fiercely protective of its political stability and the emperor cult. Proclaiming "another king" was a direct challenge to Caesar's supreme authority (maiestas) and could be interpreted as treason (laesa maiestas), punishable by death. The Jews, while granted certain religious exemptions, were also under Roman rule and were keen to avoid any association with seditious movements that might jeopardize their own standing. The accusation in [Acts 17:7](/acts/17-7 "Accusation of Sedition") was therefore a shrewd and dangerous one, designed to leverage Roman law against the Christians.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several recurring themes in the book of Acts and early Christian history. Firstly, it highlights the **Misrepresentation of the Gospel**, where the spiritual truth of Jesus's kingship was deliberately twisted into a political threat. The apostles proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, the divine King whose kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), yet their opponents framed this as a challenge to Caesar. Secondly, it exemplifies the theme of **Persecution and False Accusations** faced by early believers. From Stephen's martyrdom in [Acts 7](/acts/7 "The Stoning of Stephen") to Paul's numerous trials, fabricating charges to incite Roman authorities was a common tactic against the church, fulfilling Jesus's prophecy that His followers would be "persecuted for righteousness' sake" ([Matthew 5:10](/matthew/5-10 "Blessed Are the Persecuted")). Lastly, it underscores the critical theme of **Allegiance to Christ**. The accusation forces a confrontation between loyalty to earthly rulers and supreme devotion to Jesus as Lord. Believers were called to acknowledge Jesus's ultimate authority, even when it brought them into direct conflict with the demands of the state, as seen in Peter's declaration in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Obeying God Rather Than Men") that "We must obey God rather than men."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **decrees (Greek, _dógma'_):** This term (G1378) refers to a law, ordinance, or authoritative pronouncement, whether civil, ceremonial, or ecclesiastical. In this context, it specifically denotes the official edicts or regulations of Caesar, emphasizing the legal and political framework that the accusers claimed Paul and Silas were violating. The charge was that their actions were "contrary to" (apénanti) these established imperial laws.
* **another (Greek, _héteros'_):** The word (G2087) signifies "another of a different kind." It emphasizes that Jesus was not merely a second king in the same vein as Caesar, but a king of a fundamentally different nature and authority. This distinction is crucial, as the accusers deliberately obscured it to portray Jesus as a direct political rival, rather than a spiritual sovereign.
* **king (Greek, _basileús'_):** This term (G935) denotes a sovereign or monarch. While it can refer to an earthly ruler, in the context of the Gospel, it carries profound theological weight, identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah, the King of Israel, and the universal sovereign whose reign transcends all earthly dominion. The accusers exploited the political connotations of "king" to make their charge of sedition stick.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whom Jason hath received:"** This clause establishes Jason's role as the host and benefactor of Paul and Silas. The Greek word _hypodéchomai_ (G5264) means "to admit under one's roof" or "to entertain hospitably." This act of hospitality, a virtue in ancient society, was here twisted into an act of complicity with alleged sedition, making Jason liable for the actions of his guests.
* **"and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar,"** This is the core of the legal accusation. The phrase "these all" (G3778 hoûtos, G3956 pâs) refers to Paul, Silas, and their associates, including Jason. To act "contrary to" (G561 apénanti) the "decrees of Caesar" (G1378 dógma, G2541 Kaîsar) meant to defy imperial law and authority. This was a grave charge, implying treason and a direct challenge to Roman sovereignty, designed to provoke a severe response from the city officials.
* **"saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus."** This final clause reveals the specific nature of the alleged sedition. The accusers claimed that Paul and Silas were "saying" (G3004 légō) or proclaiming that "there is" (G1511 eînai) "another" (G2087 héteros) "king" (G935 basileús), namely "Jesus" (G2424 Iēsoûs). This was a deliberate misrepresentation of the Gospel message. While Christians certainly proclaimed Jesus as King, they understood His kingdom to be spiritual, eternal, and heavenly, not an earthly political rival to Caesar. The accusers, however, framed it in purely political terms to ensure a Roman intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey the gravity and nature of the conflict. **Irony** is prominent, as the accusers, intending to condemn the Christians, inadvertently proclaim a profound theological truth: that Jesus is indeed a king, albeit not in the way they imagined. Their false accusation highlights the true spiritual kingship of Christ. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the accusation that Paul and Silas have "turned the world upside down" ([Acts 17:6](/acts/17-6 "Turning the World Upside Down")), though from a divine perspective, the Gospel truly was a world-changing force. The phrase "another king" also functions as a form of **Understatement** from the accusers' perspective; they knew the power of the word "king" in a Roman context and used it to maximum effect to imply a direct, treasonous challenge, rather than a mere religious difference. The entire accusation is a powerful example of **Misrepresentation**, where a spiritual message is deliberately distorted for political ends.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:7 presents a foundational theological tension: the nature of Christ's kingship versus earthly authority. The early church consistently affirmed Jesus as Lord and King, a truth that often brought them into direct conflict with imperial demands for absolute allegiance to Caesar. This conflict underscores the radical claim of the Gospel: that ultimate authority resides not in human rulers, but in the resurrected Christ. The believers' willingness to face persecution for this confession demonstrates their understanding that Christ's kingdom, though not of this world, demands total loyalty and redefines all other allegiances. This spiritual sovereignty of Christ challenges all earthly powers to submit to His ultimate rule, revealing the temporary and subordinate nature of human decrees in light of divine truth.

* [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World"): Jesus explicitly states that His kingdom is not of this world, otherwise His servants would fight. This clarifies the spiritual nature of His reign, contrasting with the political accusation in Acts 17:7.
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus"): This passage declares that God has highly exalted Jesus, giving Him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This universal kingship transcends all earthly decrees and rulers.
* [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords"): John's vision of Christ depicts Him as "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS," affirming His supreme and ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and powers, a truth that the Thessalonian accusers unknowingly highlighted.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:7 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today that proclaiming Jesus as Lord can still lead to misunderstanding, opposition, and even false accusations from a world that often misinterprets spiritual truths through a purely secular or political lens. Our allegiance to Christ must remain unwavering, even when our faith is distorted or used against us. This passage challenges us to understand deeply the true nature of Christ's kingdom – a spiritual reign over hearts and lives, transforming individuals and societies from the inside out, rather than a worldly political power structure. It calls us to articulate the Gospel with clarity, distinguishing between spiritual authority and earthly governance, while simultaneously living out our faith in a way that demonstrates the transformative power of Christ's reign. We are to be faithful citizens of our earthly nations, but ultimately, our highest citizenship and allegiance belong to the King of Kings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the world today misinterpret or misrepresent the spiritual claims of Christ's kingship?**
* **How can believers effectively communicate the nature of Jesus's kingdom in a way that avoids unnecessary political entanglement while remaining faithful to the Gospel?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to live under the "decrees" of King Jesus, even when they may seem "contrary" to the prevailing norms or expectations of society?**

### FAQ

**Was Jesus truly a rival king to Caesar, as the accusers claimed?**

Answer: No, Jesus was not a rival king to Caesar in the political or earthly sense that the accusers implied. The accusation in [Acts 17:7](/acts/17-7 "Accusation of Sedition") was a deliberate misrepresentation designed to provoke Roman authorities. Jesus Himself stated, "My kingdom is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). While Jesus is indeed a King, His reign is spiritual, eternal, and universal, extending over all creation, including earthly rulers. He establishes His kingdom in the hearts of believers and will ultimately return to reign physically, but His first advent was not to overthrow earthly governments but to establish a spiritual kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "The Kingdom of God")). The early Christians understood this distinction, even as their opponents exploited the political connotations of "king" to incite persecution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:7, though a record of false accusation, paradoxically points to the profound Christ-centered truth of Jesus's ultimate kingship. The accusers, by claiming Paul and Silas proclaimed "another king, one Jesus," unwittingly affirmed the very core of the Gospel: that Jesus is indeed the sovereign Lord. This fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of a coming King, the Messiah, who would reign forever ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "The Prince of Peace and His Everlasting Kingdom")). Unlike Caesar, whose decrees were temporal and whose reign was limited, Jesus's authority is eternal and universal. His reception by Jason and other believers foreshadows the global reception of Christ by all who believe, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in His name ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "The Great Commission")). The "contrary" nature of their actions to Caesar's decrees highlights the inherent tension between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, a tension resolved only when "every knee should bow" to Jesus as Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Ultimately, Acts 17:7, through its very opposition, magnifies the truth that Jesus is the true and everlasting King, whose reign is not merely "another" but the supreme and final authority over all creation, culminating in His future return as the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 23:2

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

Acts 16:21

And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

John 19:12

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

Daniel 6:13

Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which [is] of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

1 Peter 2:15

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

Ezra 4:12

Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls [thereof], and joined the foundations.

Ezra 4:15

That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city [is] a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.