Acts 17 8

Acts 17:8 kjv

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

Acts 17:8 nkjv

And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things.

Acts 17:8 niv

When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil.

Acts 17:8 esv

And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things.

Acts 17:8 nlt

The people of the city, as well as the city council, were thrown into turmoil by these reports.

Acts 17 verses

Acts 17 8 Meaning

Acts 17:8 conveys the significant and unsettling impact of the accusations against Jason and the Thessalonian believers upon the city's inhabitants and its governing body. When the "things" – specifically, the charge of proclaiming Jesus as "another king" (Acts 17:7) – were heard, they created widespread agitation and perturbation among both the general populace and the politarchs (city rulers). This suggests that the claims posed a perceived threat to civic order, Roman authority, and the stability of Thessalonica as a free city within the Roman Empire.

Acts 17 8 Context

Acts 17:8 follows Paul's ministry in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9), where he reasoned with Jews and God-fearing Greeks in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, explaining how Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and that Jesus was this Christ. Some Jews believed, along with a great multitude of devout Greeks and prominent women. However, unbelieving Jews became jealous and formed a mob of rabble, assaulting Jason's house in an attempt to find Paul and Silas. Failing this, they dragged Jason and other believers before the politarchs (city rulers), accusing them of "turning the world upside down" (Acts 17:6) and "acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus" (Acts 17:7). Verse 8 describes the immediate consequence of these politically charged accusations: both the populace and the rulers were deeply agitated and disturbed by the grave implications of such claims, necessitating a response to maintain public order and loyalty to Rome. The city of Thessalonica was a free city, priding itself on its loyalty to Rome, making any accusation of disloyalty, especially concerning "another king," a serious and dangerous charge that officials had to address.

Acts 17 8 Word analysis

• And (Καί - Kai): A conjunction, linking this consequence to the preceding accusations and actions. It signifies a direct result or outcome.
• they (ἐτάραξαν - etaraxan - implied subject of the verb): While grammatically linked to the previous action, "they troubled" here refers to the accusations and what was heard as the effective agent causing trouble. The news of "these things" (the charges) stirred the listeners.
• troubled (ἐτάραξαν - etaraxan): From the verb "tarassō," meaning to stir up, disturb, agitate, disquiet, or perplex. It implies mental, emotional, or social turmoil, not necessarily physical harm in itself, but a serious disturbance of peace and order. It highlights the profound disquietude created by the accusations.
• the people (τὸν ὄχλον - ton ochlon): Refers to the common crowd, the general populace or multitude of the city. Distinct from the established authorities. Their agitation signifies public unrest and potential for mob action, which was a constant concern for Roman administration.
• and the rulers (καὶ τοὺς πολιάρχας - kai tous poliarchas): The chief magistrates of the city, specific to Thessalonica, known as "politarchs." This term is a specific, historically attested title for the city officials of Thessalonica, confirming the historical accuracy of Luke's account. These officials were responsible for maintaining peace, enforcing Roman law, and demonstrating loyalty to Caesar.
• of the city (τῆς πόλεως - tēs poleōs): Clearly specifying Thessalonica, emphasizing that the trouble pertained to the local administration and its citizens.
• when they heard (ἀκούοντες - akouontes - participle modifying the people and rulers): A present participle, indicating a continuous or active hearing. It's not just a past event but the ongoing impact of these allegations that kept the people and rulers in a state of agitation as they processed the information.
• these things (ταῦτα - tauta): Refers directly to the accusations made in Acts 17:7, particularly the claim that Paul and his companions were "saying that there is another king, Jesus," in opposition to Caesar's decrees. This was a direct challenge to Roman authority, a charge of sedition.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• And they troubled: Connects the effect directly to the preceding events. The use of "troubled" emphasizes that the accusations weren't simply ignored but caused genuine societal and governmental perturbation.
• the people and the rulers of the city: Highlights that the agitation was widespread, affecting both the general public (whose peace and opinion were vital for stability) and the official authorities (who were directly responsible for civic order and loyalty to Rome). This joint disturbance indicates the severity of the alleged threat.
• when they heard these things: Points to the crucial role of information and how it's received. "These things" refers to the highly volatile accusations of a rival king and acting against Caesar, designed to alarm and provoke action. The act of hearing itself triggered the unrest.

Acts 17 8 Bonus section

The mention of "politarchs" in this verse is of particular significance for New Testament scholarship. For centuries, this title was unknown in classical Greek literature outside of Acts, leading some critics to question Luke's historical accuracy. However, archaeological discoveries, specifically an inscription on an archway in Thessalonica dating from the 1st century AD (the Vardar Gate inscription), provided unequivocal evidence for the existence and use of this specific magistracy. This finding served as a powerful confirmation of Luke's detailed and precise historical reporting, bolstering the overall credibility of the book of Acts. The meticulous attention to such details, like the correct title for city officials, demonstrates Luke's research and the trustworthiness of his narrative for describing the ancient world. The Thessalonian mob's tactic of weaponizing Roman loyalty by accusing Christians of allegiance to "another king" would become a recurring challenge for early believers, echoing the charges brought against Jesus Himself before Pilate.

Acts 17 8 Commentary

Acts 17:8 encapsulates the immediate, far-reaching ramifications of proclaiming the Gospel in a Roman-dominated city. The accusations, meticulously crafted by the jealous Jews to appeal to Roman fears, struck a nerve. By declaring Jesus as "another king" (Acts 17:7), the evangelists were effectively accused of treason, a capital offense. This wasn't merely religious dissent; it was a perceived political threat that "troubled" (etaraxan) the entire urban fabric. The fact that both the populace and the politically savvy politarchs were agitated demonstrates the accusations' potency. The citizens likely feared reprisal from Rome if sedition was tolerated in their midst, potentially jeopardizing their status as a "free city." The politarchs were compelled to act to safeguard the city's relationship with Caesar and maintain public order. This verse highlights the profound social and political implications of the early Christian message, which inevitably challenged prevailing allegiances and exposed the radical nature of professing Jesus as Lord over all, including Caesar. This constant tension underscores the cost of discipleship and the transformative, often disruptive, power of the Gospel.