Verbum et Ecclesia (Mar 2016)
The accusation of 'world disturbers' (Acts 17:6) in socio-political context
Abstract
�Acts 17:1�9 presents a narrative of the consequences of Paul�s engagements in Thessalonica�s synagogue. Following Paul and Silas� reported successful 3-week mission, some Jews hauled Paul and Silas� host, Jason, and a number of Jesus followers before the authorities. The threefold accusation was that Paul and Silas turned the world upside down, acted against Caesar�s decrees and claimed another king, Jesus. This incident is investigated from the perspective of Acts� presentation of competing missions, in the context of the intersectionality of religion and politics in the 1st century CE. The article challenges a narrow theological interpretation of Acts 17, insisting on the need for and value of a socio-political interpretive lens to make sense of the rhetoric of this chapter.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article challenges a narrow theological interpretation of Acts 17, insisting on the need for and value of a socio-political interpretive lens to make sense of the rhetoric of this chapter.
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