King James Version

What Does Acts 17:6 Mean?

Acts 17:6 in the King James Version says “And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 17:6 · KJV


Context

4

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

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.

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;

7

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

8

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the gospel 'turn upside down' contemporary cultural assumptions and values?
  2. What does enemy recognition of Christianity's revolutionary nature teach about faithful witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
μὴ1 of 23

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εὑρόντες2 of 23

when they found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

δὲ3 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοὺς4 of 23

them

G846

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

ἔσυρον5 of 23

they drew

G4951

to trail

τὸν6 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰάσονα7 of 23

Jason

G2394

about to cure; jason, a christian

καὶ8 of 23

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τινας9 of 23

certain

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀδελφοὺς10 of 23

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἐπὶ11 of 23

unto

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς12 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πολιτάρχας13 of 23

the rulers of the city

G4173

a town-officer, i.e., magistrate

βοῶντες14 of 23

crying

G994

to halloo, i.e., shout (for help or in a tumultuous way)

ὅτι15 of 23
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Οἱ16 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τὴν17 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκουμένην18 of 23

the world

G3625

land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire

ἀναστατώσαντες19 of 23

that have turned

G387

properly, to drive out of home, i.e., (by implication) to disturb (literally or figuratively)

οὗτοι20 of 23

These

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

καὶ21 of 23

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐνθάδε22 of 23

hither

G1759

properly, within, i.e., (of place) here, hither

πάρεισιν23 of 23

are come

G3918

to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 17:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 17:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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