Acts 17 6

Acts 17:6 kjv

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

Acts 17:6 nkjv

But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.

Acts 17:6 niv

But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here,

Acts 17:6 esv

And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,

Acts 17:6 nlt

Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. "Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world," they shouted, "and now they are here disturbing our city, too.

Acts 17 verses

Acts 17 6 Meaning

Acts 17:6 records a hostile accusation brought against Paul and Silas (though they were absent), and Jason along with other believers, before the city officials in Thessalonica. The accusers, a mob stirred by envious Jews, declared that "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also." This statement reflects the profound, unsettling impact the apostles' preaching of the Gospel had on the existing religious, social, and political structures of their time, from the perspective of those who opposed it.

Acts 17 6 Context

Acts chapter 17 opens with Paul and Silas's arrival in Thessalonica, a prominent city in Macedonia. For three Sabbaths, Paul reasoned with Jews and God-fearing Greeks in the synagogue, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, identifying Jesus as this Messiah (Acts 17:2-3). As a result, many were persuaded, including a large number of devout Greeks and not a few prominent women. This success, however, incited deep jealousy among some Jews who refused to believe. They gathered a mob from the marketplace, stirring up the city and attacking the house of Jason, where Paul and Silas were staying. Unable to find Paul and Silas, the mob seized Jason and other brethren, dragging them before the politarchs (city authorities) with the specific accusation laid out in verse 6, linking the apostles' activities to a widespread movement that fundamentally challenged the established order. This incident immediately precedes the more specific accusation in Acts 17:7 regarding an alternative king.

Acts 17 6 Word analysis

• And when they found them not: This indicates the primary targets of the mob's anger were Paul and Silas. Their absence led to others suffering on their behalf.
• they dragged Jason and certain brethren:
  • Dragged (Greek: ἕλκω - helkō): Implies force and violence, not a respectful summons. It suggests they were treated as criminals.
  • Jason: Likely a Jewish believer, hosting the missionaries, now suffering the consequences of Christian hospitality (cf. Rom 16:21).
  • Certain brethren: Signifies that persecution often encompasses the entire community of believers, not just the leaders.
• before the city authorities:
  • City authorities (Greek: πολιτάρχας - politarchas, 'politarchs'): This term is historically accurate for Thessalonica during the Roman period. Epigraphic evidence from Thessalonica has confirmed this specific title, attesting to Luke's meticulous accuracy as a historian. It signifies officials holding local civic power, under Roman oversight.
• shouting: Characterizes the agitated, unruly nature of the mob. It reflects an emotional, unreasoned outburst, typical of public disturbances rather than legal proceedings.
• "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,": This is the core of the accusation, highlighting both the perceived effect and scope of the Christian message.
  • These men (Greek: οὗτοι - houtoi): Refers to Paul and Silas, despite their absence, acknowledging them as the instigators.
  • Turned... upside down (Greek: ἀναστατώσαντες - anastatōsantes): A strong verb derived from anastatóō. It means "to stir up," "to trouble," "to cause to revolt," "to throw into confusion," or "to turn completely upside down." The passive voice used as active means "to be a stirrer up" or "a disturber." It depicts a radical subversion of existing order. The accusers felt the very foundations of their society and beliefs were being challenged and overturned.
  • The world (Greek: τὴν οἰκουμένην - tēn oikoumenēn): Literally "the inhabited earth" or "the Roman Empire." This shows the vast scale they perceived the apostles' impact to have. It's not just local trouble, but a movement that has shaken the entire known world and is now encroaching upon their city. This demonstrates a grudging recognition of the widespread, disruptive power of the nascent Christian movement.
  • Have come here also: Expresses alarm that this powerful, "world-shaking" influence has now reached their city, threatening their local stability and traditions.