and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The accusers twist Jesus' kingship into a political threat, framing it as treason against Caesar. This highlights how easily religious truth can be distorted into sedition when viewed through a lens of fear and political power, making the very proclamation of Christ's kingdom a dangerous accusation.
and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Jews in Thessalonica, stirred by envy, falsely accused Paul and Silas of sedition to the city officials. They claimed that Jason, who had hosted the apostles, was harboring men acting against Roman law by proclaiming Jesus as a king, which was a serious charge implying treason against Caesar. This accusation, designed to incite unrest and get Paul and Silas arrested, twisted the apostles' message about Christ's spiritual kingdom into a political threat.
Imagine being accused of treason, not for rebellion, but for proclaiming a king. That's exactly what Paul and Silas faced in Thessalonica.
The charge against Jason and the apostles was serious: 'acting against the decrees of Caesar.' In Roman society, proclaiming a king other than Caesar was considered high treason. The Thessalonians, stirred up by their accusers, were told that these preachers claimed 'another king, one Jesus.'
This accusation wasn't a misunderstanding; it was a deliberate twisting of the truth. The apostles' message was about Jesus' spiritual kingdom, not a political one that threatened Rome. Yet, their accusers used the powerful language of loyalty to Caesar to incite fear and anger, aiming to silence the Gospel by making it seem like a threat to the state.
Jason opened his home to Paul and Silas, a simple act of welcome that quickly turned into a dangerous liability.
The verse mentions that 'Jason has received them.' This wasn't just a casual hello; it meant offering hospitality, shelter, and support to traveling missionaries. In the charged atmosphere of Thessalonica, with accusations of sedition flying, Jason's kindness made him a target too. He was implicated by association, accused of harboring men who claimed a rival king.
This highlights the courage and commitment of early believers like Jason. Providing a safe place for God's servants, even when it carries personal risk, is a vital part of standing with the Gospel. It shows that being a disciple often involves more than just personal belief; it means actively supporting those who share the message, sometimes at great cost.
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Understand the original words
dogma · Greek Noun
Refers to official rulings, laws, or edicts issued by a sovereign authority, which in this context represents the political standards set by the Roman state.
basileus · Greek Noun
A title used for a sovereign ruler or monarch; in the New Testament, it is used exclusively to denote the absolute sovereignty and messianic authority of Jesus Christ over heaven and earth, often in direct contrast to human rulers.
The accusation against Jason and the believers wasn't about a literal political uprising, but a clever manipulation of Roman law. Proclaiming Jesus as 'King' was twisted into treasonous sedition, playing on Roman fears of rival rulers and exploiting the specific laws against claiming kingship without imperial approval.
c. 49 AD
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius issues an edict expelling Jews from Rome due to disturbances, likely related to disputes over 'Chrestus' (possibly Christ). This highlights Roman sensitivity to any perceived social or religious unrest involving Jewish communities.
c. 50-51 AD— this verse
Paul and Silas Preach in Thessalonica
Paul and Silas, traveling through Macedonia, establish a church in Thessalonica, a major Roman port city. They preach about Jesus as the Messiah and King, which is central to their message.
c. 50-51 AD
Uprising Against Paul and Silas
Envious unbelieving Jews incite a riot, attacking Jason's house where Paul and Silas are staying. Failing to find them, they drag Jason and other believers before the city officials.
c. 50-51 AD
Accusation of Sedition
Jason and the believers are accused of acting against Caesar's decrees by proclaiming 'another king, one Jesus.' This charge exploits Roman law against sedition and unauthorized kingship.
c. 50-51 AD
Believers Sent to Berea
After the city officials take security from Jason, Paul and Silas are sent away by the believers at night to the nearby city of Berea for their safety.
Jesus directly states to Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world, echoing the defense used by early Christians against accusations of treason. This passage highlights the spiritual nature of Jesus' kingship, contrasting with the political accusations leveled against Paul and Silas.
Matthew 22:21Jesus' famous response, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's,' provides a foundational principle for understanding the Christian's relationship with secular authorities. It shows that acknowledging Jesus as King does not inherently negate civic duties or loyalty to earthly rulers.
Philippians 3:20Paul speaks of our citizenship being in heaven, from where we eagerly await our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. This heavenly citizenship offers a profound perspective on loyalty that transcends earthly kingdoms and resonates with the accusation made in Acts 17:7.
1 Timothy 2:1-2Paul instructs believers to pray for kings and all in authority, demonstrating a commitment to praying for the well-being of governing powers. This shows that their allegiance to Christ as King did not preclude them from respecting and praying for Caesar and his decrees.
ellicottActs 17:7: "Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus."
(7) These all do contrary to the decrees of Cæsar. —Thessalonica, though a free city, was yet under the imperial government, and the Jews therefore appeal to the emperor’s decree, probably to the edict of Claudius ( Acts 18:2 ), as at least showing the drift of the emperor’s policy, even though it was not strictly binding except in Rome and the coloniæ. This,…
pooleActs 17:7: "Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus."
Hath received; privily, and with design. Contrary to the decrees of Caesar: the Romans, before they were brought under their emperors, (and after that), did not suffer any to be called king without their allowance and approbation; which was also much valued by such unto whom that honour was bestowed by them. Another king, besides Caesar, who was called the lor…
The accusers twist Jesus' kingship into a political threat, framing it as treason against Caesar. This highlights how easily religious truth can be distorted into sedition when viewed through a lens of fear and political power, making the very proclamation of Christ's kingdom a dangerous accusation.
The Jews in Thessalonica, stirred by envy, falsely accused Paul and Silas of sedition to the city officials. They claimed that Jason, who had hosted the apostles, was harboring men acting against Roman law by proclaiming Jesus as a king, which was a serious charge implying treason against Caesar. This accusation, designed to incite unrest and get Paul and Silas arrested, twisted the apostles' message about Christ's spiritual kingdom into a political threat.
The Jews in Thessalonica, stirred by envy, falsely accused Paul and Silas of sedition to the city officials. They claimed that Jason, who had hosted the apostles, was harboring men acting against Roman law by proclaiming Jesus as a king, which was a serious charge implying treason against Caesar. This accusation, designed to incite unrest and get Paul and Silas arrested, twisted the apostles' message about Christ's spiritual kingdom into a political threat.
"and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”" — The accusers twist Jesus' kingship into a political threat, framing it as treason against Caesar. This highlights how easily religious truth can be distorted into sedition when viewed through a lens…
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Last reviewed October 2026