Acts 17:8
And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλον
the people
G3793
ὄχλον
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 9
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Thessalonica was a free city and major port on the Via Egnatia (c. AD 50). As a Roman colony, it enjoyed self-governance but owed absolute loyalty to Caesar. The politarchs walked a dangerous line—failing to suppress sedition could cost the city its privileges, yet false accusations against innocent men violated Roman justice. The charge of treason (maiestas) was the most serious offense in Roman law.
Questions for Reflection
- How does confessing "Jesus is Lord" challenge the ultimate authorities and ideologies of your culture today?
- What does it cost you to align with a kingdom "not of this world" when earthly powers demand total allegiance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city—The Greek ἐτάραξαν (etaraxan, "troubled") conveys agitation, stirring up turmoil, the same word used of Jesus troubling the water at Bethesda. The mob's accusation that Christians preached "another king" (v. 7) was politically explosive in a Roman colony where loyalty oaths to Caesar were mandatory.
The rulers of the city (τοὺς πολιτάρχας, tous politarchas) were "politarchs"—a uniquely Macedonian civic office Luke accurately identifies. Archaeological inscriptions from Thessalonica confirm this title, vindicating Luke's historical precision. These officials faced a dilemma: Roman law demanded they investigate sedition, yet they found no evidence against Jason. The gospel's claim that Jesus is Lord (κύριος, kyrios) inherently challenged Caesar's claim to that same title—Christianity was politically subversive by its very nature.