Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

ACTS 17:7KJV
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Acts 17:7 (KJV)

What does Acts 17:7 mean?

Acts 17:7 reports an accusation made against Jason and other early Christians, claiming they have welcomed people who act against the laws of Caesar by declaring that there is another king, Jesus. The verse highlights the charge that Christian teaching challenges Roman authority by proclaiming Jesus as a rival king.

In this scene, local opponents are speaking to city officials in Thessalonica, accusing Jason—who had hosted Paul and Silas—of supporting people who undermine Roman rule. The key issue is the claim that Jesus is "another king," which Roman authorities would see as a threat to Caesar’s exclusive rule. This accusation is meant to stir up political trouble for the Christians by framing their message as rebellion.

The Greek behind Acts 17:7

  • βασιλεὺς (basileus, "king"): This word refers to a ruler or monarch. Using it for Jesus directly challenges the Roman idea that Caesar alone is king, making the accusation especially serious.
  • ἕτερος (heteros, "another"): This word means "another of a different kind." The accusers are not just saying Jesus is another king like Caesar, but a fundamentally different kind of king, which could be seen as even more subversive.
  • δόγματα (dogmata, "decrees"): This refers to official laws or edicts from Caesar. The charge is that Christians are acting against these official Roman laws, not just breaking local customs.

Why Acts 17:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that early opposition to Christianity was often political, not just religious, because the message about Jesus as king was seen as a challenge to the emperor’s authority.
  • It shows how quickly the message about Jesus spread beyond Jewish circles and became a concern for Roman officials, connecting the gospel to broader social and political issues.
  • Understanding the accusation helps explain why Christians sometimes faced persecution—not for private beliefs, but for being viewed as a threat to the established order.

Where else these words appear

“received” Greek G5264 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
  • Luke 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
  • James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

“Jason” Greek G2394 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 17:5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
  • 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;
  • Acts 17:9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

“decrees” Greek G1378 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
  • Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
  • Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

“contrary” Greek G561 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
  • Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.