Acts 17:7
Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
οὓς
Whom
G3739
οὓς
Whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὑποδέδεκται
hath received
G5264
ὑποδέδεκται
hath received
Strong's:
G5264
Word #:
2 of 16
to admit under one's roof, i.e., entertain hospitably
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗτοι
these
G3778
οὗτοι
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
5 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πράττουσιν
do
G4238
πράττουσιν
do
Strong's:
G4238
Word #:
11 of 16
to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,
Cross References
Luke 23:2And 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 16:21And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.John 19:12And 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.
Historical Context
This occurred in Thessalonica around AD 50 during Paul's second missionary journey. Under Claudius (AD 41-54), accusations of treason carried severe penalties, especially after his expulsion of Jews from Rome (Acts 18:2). Thessalonica was a 'free city' with local magistrates (politarchs) anxious to maintain Rome's favor, making them particularly vulnerable to such charges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does confessing 'Jesus is Lord' challenge the ultimate claims of modern political ideologies and secular authorities?
- When does Christian proclamation of Christ's kingship legitimately threaten earthly powers, and how should believers navigate this tension?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Whom Jason hath received—The charge against Jason is harboring (ὑποδέδεκται, hypodedektai, 'given hospitality to') those accused of sedition. The verb carries legal weight: Jason became legally responsible for his guests' conduct.
These all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar—The Greek τῶν δογμάτων Καίσαρος (tōn dogmatōn Kaisaros) refers to imperial edicts, likely including the Lex Julia Maiestatis prohibiting treason. The accusers frame Christian proclamation as political rebellion, a charge that would repeatedly threaten the early church (cf. John 19:12).
Saying that there is another king, one Jesus—Here is the theological flashpoint: βασιλέα ἕτερον (basilea heteron, 'another king') directly confronts Caesar's claim to absolute sovereignty. The accusers correctly identify that Christ's kingship is incompatible with totalitarian rule, though they misrepresent its nature. Jesus's kingdom is 'not of this world' (John 18:36), yet it demands ultimate allegiance that relativizes all earthly authority—a truth that remains politically subversive in every age.