Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. New Living Translation The people of the city, as well as the city council, were thrown into turmoil by these reports. English Standard Version And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. Berean Standard Bible On hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed. Berean Literal Bible And they stirred up the crowd and the city authorities hearing these things. King James Bible And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. New King James Version And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. New American Standard Bible They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. NASB 1995 They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. NASB 1977 And they stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. Legacy Standard Bible And they disturbed the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. Amplified Bible They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. Berean Annotated Bible On hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed. Christian Standard Bible The crowd and city officials who heard these things were upset. Holman Christian Standard Bible The Jews stirred up the crowd and the city officials who heard these things. American Standard Version And they troubled the multitude and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. Contemporary English Version The officials and the people were upset when they heard this. English Revised Version And they troubled the multitude and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. GOD'S WORD® Translation The crowd and the officials were upset when they heard this. Good News Translation With these words they threw the crowd and the city authorities in an uproar. International Standard Version The crowd and the city officials were upset when they heard this, NET Bible They caused confusion among the crowd and the city officials who heard these things. New Heart English Bible The crowd and the rulers of the city were troubled when they heard these things. Webster's Bible Translation And they troubled the people, and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. Weymouth New Testament Great was the excitement among the crowd, and among the magistrates of the city, when they heard these charges. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed. World English Bible The multitude and the rulers of the city were troubled when they heard these things. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they troubled the multitude and the city rulers, hearing these things, Berean Literal Bible And they stirred up the crowd and the city authorities hearing these things. Young's Literal Translation And they troubled the multitude and the city rulers, hearing these things, Smith's Literal Translation And they troubled the crowd and rulers of the city, having heard these. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they stirred up the people, and the rulers of the city hearing these things, Catholic Public Domain Version And they incited the people. And the rulers of the city, upon hearing these things, New American Bible They stirred up the crowd and the city magistrates who, upon hearing these charges, New Revised Standard Version The people and the city officials were disturbed when they heard this, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe authorities of the city and all the people were alarmed when they heard these things. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But the Governor of the city and all the people were alarmed when they heard these things. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd the multitude, and the rulers of the city, were troubled when they heard these things. Godbey New Testament And they excited the rabble and the city rulers hearing these things; Haweis New Testament And they greatly agitated the people and the city magistrates when they heard these things. Mace New Testament the people, and the magistrates upon hearing this were alarm'd: Weymouth New Testament Great was the excitement among the crowd, and among the magistrates of the city, when they heard these charges. Worrell New Testament And they troubled the multitude and the city-rulers, hearing these things; Worsley New Testament And they alarmed the people, and the rulers of the city upon hearing these things: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Uproar in Thessalonica…7and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” 8On hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed. 9And they collected bond from Jason and the others, and then released them.… Cross References On hearing this, Matthew 2:3 When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Acts 5:33 When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death. Acts 7:54 On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. the crowd and city officials Acts 16:19-22 When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. / They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil / by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” … Mark 15:11-15 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead. / So Pilate asked them again, “What then do you want me to do with the One you call the King of the Jews?” / And they shouted back, “Crucify Him!” … Luke 23:13-15 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, / and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. / Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. were greatly disturbed. Acts 4:1-2 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Acts 19:28-29 When the men heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” / Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. Acts 21:30-31 The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. / While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. Acts 16:20-21 They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil / by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.” John 19:12 From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” Acts 24:5-6 We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. Acts 21:28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” Matthew 27:37 Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Mark 15:26 And the charge inscribed against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. Treasury of Scripture And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. John 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. Jump to Previous Authorities Charges City Crowd Disturbed Excitement Great Heard Hearing Magistrates Multitude Officials Politarchs Rulers Stirred Thrown Troubled TurmoilJump to Next Authorities Charges City Crowd Disturbed Excitement Great Heard Hearing Magistrates Multitude Officials Politarchs Rulers Stirred Thrown Troubled TurmoilActs 17 1. Paul preaches at Thessalonica, where some believe,5. and others persecute him. 10. He is sent to Berea, and preaches there. 13. Being persecuted by Jews from Thessalonica, 16. he comes to Athens, and disputes and preaches the living God, to them unknown; 32. whereby, though some mock, many are converted unto Christ. On hearing this This phrase refers to the reaction of the crowd and city officials upon hearing the accusations against Paul and Silas. The context is that Paul and Silas were preaching the gospel in Thessalonica, and some Jews, feeling threatened by their message, incited a mob against them. The "this" they heard likely includes the claim that Paul and Silas were promoting another king, Jesus, which was seen as a challenge to Roman authority and the emperor. the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul and SilasEarly Christian missionaries spreading the Gospel in Thessalonica. 2. Thessalonica A major city in Macedonia where Paul and Silas preached. 3. The Crowd The local populace of Thessalonica, stirred by the accusations against Paul and Silas. 4. City Officials The governing authorities in Thessalonica, responsible for maintaining order. 5. Jason A local believer who hosted Paul and Silas, implicated in the disturbance. Teaching Points The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Christ can lead to opposition and disturbance in society. Believers should be prepared for resistance when living out their faith. The Role of Authority Christians are called to respect governing authorities, but also to stand firm in their faith when those authorities oppose God's work. Community Support The early church relied on the support of fellow believers like Jason. Modern Christians should foster strong community ties to withstand external pressures. Courage in Witnessing Paul and Silas exemplify boldness in sharing the Gospel despite potential backlash. Believers today are encouraged to witness courageously. Understanding Opposition Opposition to the Gospel is not new and should be expected. Understanding this can help believers remain steadfast in their mission. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 17:8?2. How does Acts 17:8 demonstrate the impact of the gospel on society? 3. What can we learn from Acts 17:8 about opposition to Christian teachings? 4. How does Acts 17:8 connect with Jesus' warning about persecution in John 15:20? 5. How should believers respond when faced with societal unrest due to their faith? 6. What actions can we take to support leaders facing opposition for their beliefs? 7. How does Acts 17:8 challenge the authority of earthly rulers in a Christian worldview? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 17:8? 9. How does Acts 17:8 reflect the tension between early Christians and political authorities? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 17? 11. Who was Sosthenes in the Bible? 12. Since Leviticus 17 requires sacrifices at one specific location, how did ancient Israelites living far away or outside Israel consistently adhere to this command? 13. (1 Thess 1:8) Where is the historical documentation showing that the Thessalonian church's influence spread so widely, as claimed? 14. Who were the elders in the Old Testament? What Does Acts 17:8 Mean On hearing thisThe immediately preceding verse tells us that the missionaries were accused of “acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus” (Acts 17:7). • The accusation is serious treason in the Roman world, so the moment the words reach public ears, everyone snaps to attention. • Similar flash-points appear whenever the gospel confronts earthly authority—compare Acts 4:2-3; Acts 5:28. • The phrase reminds us that faith comes by “hearing” (Romans 10:17), yet hearts respond differently: some believe, others bristle. The crowd • Thessalonica’s marketplace thronged with merchants, travelers, and locals eager for news; sudden political rumors spread like wildfire (Acts 17:5). • Crowds often swing with emotion rather than truth—see Matthew 27:20 and Acts 19:28-32. • Here, the multitude senses a possible threat to civic peace and, by extension, their own security; fear drives their agitation rather than careful examination of the gospel claims (John 3:19-20). City officials • Luke singles out the “city officials,” civic magistrates responsible for keeping order under Rome (Acts 13:50). • Romans 13:3 notes that rulers fear upheaval because their charge is to maintain peace; any hint of sedition places them in jeopardy with higher imperial powers. • The officials’ reaction shows how the gospel inevitably intersects with public policy when it proclaims Jesus as Lord above every earthly power (Philippians 2:9-11). Were greatly disturbed • The verb pictures inner turmoil: hearts churning, minds racing, civic nerves jangling. • Like the Sanhedrin “greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people” (Acts 4:2), these leaders perceive the message of Christ as destabilizing. • John 11:48 records a parallel fear: “If we let Him go on like this… the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” • The gospel comforts the humble yet unsettles the self-reliant; disturbance often precedes repentance—or persecution (Acts 17:13). summary Acts 17:8 records the immediate emotional fallout when Christ’s exclusive kingship confronts a city invested in Rome’s authority and its own status quo. Hearing the charge that there is “another king, Jesus,” both crowd and officials experience a deep anxiety over political and personal security. Their disturbed reaction underscores two timeless truths: the gospel necessarily challenges every rival allegiance, and the human heart must choose either surrender to Jesus or resistance rooted in fear. Verse 8. - Multitude for people, A.V. (τὸν ὔχλον, not δῆμον).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek On hearingἀκούοντας (akouontas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. this, ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. crowd ὄχλον (ochlon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. city officials πολιτάρχας (politarchas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 4173: A ruler of a city, city magistrate. From polis and archo; a town-officer, i.e. Magistrate. were greatly disturbed. Ἐτάραξαν (Etaraxan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 5015: To disturb, agitate, stir up, trouble. Of uncertain affinity; to stir or agitate. 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