Sedition

Sedition, crime against the state. Though sedition may have the same ultimate effect as treason, it is generally limited to the offense of organizing or encouraging opposition to government in a manner (such as in speech or writing) that falls short of the more dangerous offenses constituting treason.
The Greek word staʹsis, which basically means “standing” (Heb 9:8), came to have the meaning “a standing [off]” or “sedition.” (Mr 15:7; Lu 23:19, 25, Int) It can also be rendered “dissension” (Ac 15:2), and sometimes it embraces the idea of violence.​—Ac 23:7, 10.
It was a capital offense under Roman law to engage in sedition or to promote or take part in a riot. Thus the city recorder was alerting the riotous mob in Ephesus of their peril when he said: “We are really in danger of being charged with sedition over today’s affair, no single cause existing that will permit us to render a reason for this disorderly mob.” (Ac 19:40) And Tertullus’ accusation before Roman Governor Felix that Paul was “stirring up seditions among all the Jews” was a very serious one. If found guilty, Paul would have been punished with death.​—Ac 24:5.
Category:Sedition