Devine Scripture

Acts 17:7

What does Acts 17:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 17:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 17:7 means

The accusation sharpens: by welcoming Paul, Jason supports people who defy the decrees of Cæsar, claiming another king—Jesus. This frames the gospel as treason, appealing to Roman fears of rival sovereignty. It distorts the message, which proclaims Jesus as the true Lord yet does not foment political revolt. Still, because kingship implies allegiance, the charge carries weight in a Roman colony. Here, jealousy weaponizes imperial loyalty to suppress a spiritual message. The conflict reminds readers that confessing Jesus’ kingship has public implications, even when Christians seek to live peaceably. Opponents exploit that tension to pressure authorities into action against the new movement.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Whom Jason has taken into his house: and they are acting against the orders of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

whom Jason hath received; and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying another to be king--Jesus.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Whom Jason hath received. And these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

whom Jason has received; and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying, that there is another king, Jesus.

Context

Verse 7 adds a political edge to the sweeping allegation of verse 6. By invoking Cæsar’s decrees and rival kingship, the accusers aim to compel the magistrates’ intervention. The strategy works: leaders and crowd are disturbed (verse 8), resulting in the authorities taking security from Jason and others (verse 9). With the environment hostile, the believers immediately send Paul and Silas away to Beroea (verse 10). There, the focus returns to Scripture examination and belief (verses 11–12), though opposition will again follow (verse 13).

v.6And when they found them not, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

v.7This passage

v.8And they troubled the multitude and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 19:12

    Upon this Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou release this man, thou art not Cæsar’s friend: every one that maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar.

  • Acts 16:21

    and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.

  • Daniel 3:12

    There are certain Jews whom thou hast appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

  • Ezra 4:12

    Be it known unto the king, that the Jews that came up from thee are come to us unto Jerusalem; they are building the rebellious and the bad city, and have finished the walls, and repaired the foundations.

  • 1 Peter 2:15

    For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

  • Daniel 6:13

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

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