There Is Another King — Acts 15:36–17:15
Nov 10, 2026 14
How do you get accused of turning the world upside down? In Thessalonica, it was by saying there is another king. That’s exactly what Paul and his friends were proclaiming.
Acts 17:6–7
[6] And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, [7] and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” (ESV)
The Spirit Leads the Way
Paul’s second missionary journey begins with a sharp disagreement. Paul and Barnabas part ways, so Paul takes Silas, and Timothy soon joins them (Acts 15:36-16:5). Then the Holy Spirit stops them from preaching in Asia and calls them across to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10). That’s huge. The gospel heads into Europe for the first time, and Jesus’ promise is coming true. His witnesses are going to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
In Philippi, three very different people meet Jesus. The Lord opens the heart of Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman. A slave girl is freed from spiritual bondage. And a tough Roman jailer falls trembling before Paul and Silas and asks, “What must I do to be saved?” Their answer is simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30-31). That very night, he and his household believe and rejoice (Acts 16:32-34). As John Stott points out, God breaks down the barriers between very different people and unites them in Christ.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Another King, Jesus
Next stop, Thessalonica. As usual, Paul heads to the synagogue and reasons from the Scriptures.
Acts 17:2–3
[2] And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, [3] explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” (ESV)
“The Christ” means God’s promised King. Paul shows from the Old Testament that this King had to suffer and rise again. And that King is Jesus.
Some are persuaded, but others form a mob and drag Jason before the city authorities (Acts 17:4-9). The charge is serious. It’s treason. In the Roman Empire, you didn’t go around saying there’s another king.
And yet, in one sense, they’re right. Paul has no plans to overthrow Rome. But he is announcing that Caesar is not the true king. Jesus is King.
In Berea, the same message meets a different response. People receive the word with eagerness, examine the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so, and many believe (Acts 17:10-12). Then opposition follows Paul again, and he’s sent on to Athens (Acts 17:13-15).
That’s the goal for every Christian: to be part of turning the world upside down. Or really, turning it the right way up, as we help people see who the true King of the universe is.
The Good News is…
The Lord Jesus the jailer believed in is the King Paul proclaimed in Thessalonica, the King who had to suffer and rise (Acts 17:3). He died in our place for our sin, and God raised him to reign. That’s why another King is such good news. This King rules, and he saves. Anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus will be saved, just like the jailer and his household. So trust him as your Saviour, and follow him as your King.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 15:36-17:15
Reflection
Who in your life could you help to see that Jesus is the true King?
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited