Acts 17:8

And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. Acts 17:8

In the previous verse, those who came against the believers charged them with “acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there was another king – Jesus.” With that, it now continues, saying, “And they troubled the crowd.”

In stirring up those standing there, they would have more effect in their hopes of bringing harm to the believers. The word “crowd” is singular, giving the sense of a hive mind where everyone will act as a unified whole. In other words, verse 17:5 noted that a mob was gathered. This then “set all the city in an uproar.”

With this expanding frenzy, the whole multitude has become alarmed. It is the common tactic of incitement that builds from something small to something ubiquitous. Along with the multitude it next says, “and the rulers of the city.”

The city rulers see the excitement of the crowd and, being rulers, they knew they could easily become the object of the crowd’s displeasure. Were that to take place, they would be subject to harm or even death. This is what occurred “when they heard these things.”

The Jews of the synagogue started the trouble because of their envy. Enlisting miscreants to join them and stir up the masses, a general frenzy broke out. From there, the multitude began to fear the commotion. That led to fear by the rulers. From a little plan, a large turmoil has developed.

Life application: If the words of this account in Acts seem difficult to believe, just remember the events of January 6, 2020. The US government placed operatives in the midst of a peaceful group of protestors. They incited the people to act against the government. From there, the leaders in the capitol complex became exceedingly fearful and were quickly ushered out of the capitol building.

Just what the Jews instigated in Thessalonica is what the US government instigated against an entire party of people in the nation. This is a very simple way of gaining control over others. It has been used in communist rebellions many times in the past century.

All people should be extremely careful about joining large crowds that are being whipped into a frenzy. If you are a part of those who are to be targeted, your mere presence at the event may wind up with you being charged with sedition and rebellion. Be obedient to the rules of your land, but do not trust your government to do what is right. 

Lord God, it is so good that we have a hope that transcends this world. There is nothing here for us of any true value. We long for the day when we live for eternity solely under the loving care of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May that Day be soon. Amen.