Acts 17:6
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;
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀδελφοὺς
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὺς
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
10 of 23
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἐπὶ
unto
G1909
ἐπὶ
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 23
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βοῶντες
crying
G994
βοῶντες
crying
Strong's:
G994
Word #:
14 of 23
to halloo, i.e., shout (for help or in a tumultuous way)
ὅτι
G3754
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκουμένην
the world
G3625
οἰκουμένην
the world
Strong's:
G3625
Word #:
18 of 23
land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire
ἀναστατώσαντες
that have turned
G387
ἀναστατώσαντες
that have turned
Strong's:
G387
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, to drive out of home, i.e., (by implication) to disturb (literally or figuratively)
οὗτοι
These
G3778
οὗτοι
These
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
20 of 23
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 24:5For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:Acts 28:22But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.Luke 23:5And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.Matthew 24:14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.Amos 7:10Then Amaziah the priest of Beth-el sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.
Historical Context
In Thessalonica (AD 50), Jewish opposition accused Christians of treason against Caesar by proclaiming 'another king, one Jesus.' This charge threatened Roman peace and turned city rulers against believers, though it acknowledged Christianity's political implications.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the gospel 'turn upside down' contemporary cultural assumptions and values?
- What does enemy recognition of Christianity's revolutionary nature teach about faithful witness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The accusation that Paul and Silas 'turned the world upside down' inadvertently testified to the gospel's revolutionary power. The phrase captures Christianity's cultural disruption—its message challenged social, political, and religious status quo. The enemies' recognition of global impact ('world') shows the movement's rapid spread.