Topical Bible: Treason: Paul Falsely Accused of

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In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul faced numerous accusations and trials, one of which was the charge of treason. This accusation was a significant moment in Paul's ministry, as it highlighted the tension between the early Christian movement and the Roman authorities, as well as the Jewish leaders who opposed the spread of the Gospel.

The accusation of treason against Paul is most notably recorded in the Book of Acts. In Acts 17:6-7 , during Paul's missionary journey in Thessalonica, he and his companions were accused of defying Caesar's decrees, claiming that there is another king, Jesus. The passage states: "But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, 'These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus.'"

This accusation was a serious one, as it suggested that Paul and his followers were promoting a rival king to Caesar, which could be interpreted as an act of political rebellion. The Roman Empire was highly sensitive to any form of insurrection or challenge to its authority, and the claim that Jesus was a king could be seen as a direct threat to the emperor's rule.

Paul's defense against such accusations is evident in his speeches and letters. He consistently emphasized that the kingdom of God was not of this world and that the message of Jesus Christ was spiritual rather than political. In Acts 25:8 , during his trial before Festus, Paul declared, "I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar."

Furthermore, in his letter to the Romans, Paul instructed believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing their role as servants of God for maintaining order (Romans 13:1-7). This teaching underscores that Paul's mission was not to incite rebellion but to transform lives through the Gospel.

The false accusation of treason against Paul serves as a testament to the challenges faced by early Christians in proclaiming the message of Christ. It also reflects the misunderstandings and misrepresentations that can arise when the transformative power of the Gospel confronts established political and religious systems. Despite these challenges, Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission and his reliance on God's providence enabled him to continue spreading the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

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Acts 17:7
Whom Jason has received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
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Library

The Ninth Commandment
... and this was a preface to his treason.2 Sam 15 ... Paul was slandered as a mover of sedition,
and the head ... So, if you are slandered, or falsely accused, make a good ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 9 the ninth commandment.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... inveighed against him, and accused him falsely to Pilate ... and bring him within the
compass of treason, she was ... The viper, which leaped on Paul's hand, thought to ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

The Third Commandment
... who bound themselves with an oath and curse to kill Paul. ... Into the house of him that
sweareth falsely by my name ... vow made to God, was only to cover his treason. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm

The Era of Persecution
... of atheism as well as to that of treason. ... The fellow countrymen of Paul frequently
succeeded in stirring ... visited upon the believers, testified falsely that the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

Concerning the Lord's Supper
... He does not say, as this friar falsely asserts out ... from the charge of impiety, tyranny,
and treason against the ... these sayings of Christ and of Paul against thee ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/concerning the lords supper.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... his, which revived the fallacies of Paul of Samosata ... displace the Semiarians, had
contrived a double treason. ... but he is guiltless; falsely accused by designing ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... If they testify falsely, who can help it?"Although thousands may ... Paul when compared
with the Acts and with each ... alleging that he is guilty of treason; he is ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

The Religious Revolution
... Paul in the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians, and asserting his ability to prove
that ... by opening to them the word of God, which he asserted falsely had been ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... in the case of the ordination of Caecilianus by Felix of Aptunga, accused as a ... It
was derived in part from the teaching of Paul of Samosata through Lucian of ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... You see here, that Paul, being upon his arraignment, accused of many things, by
some that were violent for his blood; and being licensed to speak for himself ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm