Unstoppable! 'Treason or Truth?' — Acts 17:6-7

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Not finding [Paul and Silas, the mob] dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. "Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world," they shouted, "and now they are here disturbing our city, too. And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus."

— Acts 17:6-7 NLT

Key Thought

Jason and his family were some of the first believers in Thessalonica. When the jealous Jewish troublemakers and their riotous crowd couldn't find Paul and Silas, they seized Jason and those close to him. The two charges were:

  1. These Christians who had "caused trouble all over the world" - or as more famously phrased, "have been turning the world upside down" (Acts 17:6 NRSV) - were "disturbing" Thessalonica's peace, too.
  2. These believers in Jesus were "guilty of treason against Caesar" because they expressed their loyalty to Jesus alone as Lord and King.

Both charges were serious in the eyes of the Romans. The riotous mob, described in different translations as "troublemakers," "ruffians," and "wicked men," was incited by the Jewish leaders (Acts 17:5) and ensured that Paul and the mission team would have to leave, at least for a while. Leaving these new disciples grieved Paul. He used deeply emotional language to describe his pain caused by this separation. Over time, Paul's feelings for both the Thessalonians and the Philippians grew into a deeper affection, and they developed a partnership. Paul's letters, along with the emotional language used in them for these Macedonian believers, and his repeated visits made these Macedonian Christians some of the closest friends he had in churches.* For me, the essential message I must hear today is clear: Persecution, hardship, and hostility cannot derail the unstoppable message of Christ and the love we have for his people!

* Our Related Scripture Readings give more insight into this emotional separation for Paul.

Today's Prayer

O Father, draw my heart to your children in other places, especially places where your sons and daughters face persecution and hardship. When I travel, help me connect to my brothers and sisters, and use the Holy Spirit to help our hearts resonate with affection for each other. I recognize that you have adopted every disciple of Jesus into your family as your precious child. Use me to affirm our relationship in Christ and demonstrate your love to them as my brothers and sisters. I ask this in Jesus' powerful, yet tender, love. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

In the Center of My Will
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower of the Way, The growth of My Kingdom will not necessarily be an easy undertaking. Spreading the good news of the Father's grace is..."
To the Ends of the Earth
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
God uses the most amazing connections and people to fulfill his promises to bless all people! James Nored and Phil Ware share Jesus' plan to reach all peoples, like the Ethiopian Nobleman and the people in the farthest reaches of the earth, with the goodness of grace.
Friends with Forever Purpose
Article by Phil Ware
What in the world did were they for? Jesus' resurrection fills all of our life with meaning.

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 17:6-7 NLT — Not finding [Paul and Silas, the mob] dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. "Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world," they shouted, "and now they are here disturbing our city, too. And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, August 30, 2025

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God's Army that Is With Us' (2 Ki. 6:16-17)
"Elisha said, "Don’t be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us." Then Elisha prayed, "Lord, open my servant’s eyes, and...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Accepting Children' (Mt. 18:5)
"[Jesus continued,] "And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.""
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'All Who are Godly Rejoice' (Ps. 97:11-12)
"Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord and praise his holy name!"
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Empowered to Serve' (2 Ti. 1:3-10)
"Dear Father, seer of my inmost thoughts, Give me a clear conscience in my service to you. Then fill my mouth with prayers to you as I intercede for....."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!