Lives of Scripture

Jason hosted Paul and Silas in his home in Thessalonica during their mission there, at a time when Paul was reasoning from the Scriptures in the synagogue for three Sabbaths that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 17:1-4). Some Jews, jealous of the response Paul and Silas were getting, formed a mob "from the market place" and "set the city in an uproar," attacking Jason's house in an attempt to drag the missionaries out before the assembly (17:5). Not finding Paul and Silas there, the mob seized Jason and some other believers instead and hauled them before the city authorities, shouting a politically dangerous accusation: "These men who have upset the world have come here also... they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus" (17:6-7) -- a charge that could have meant serious trouble for Jason under Roman law. The city officials, disturbed, made Jason and the others post a bond or pledge of security before releasing them (17:8-9), likely a guarantee that Paul and Silas would leave the city -- which they promptly did that same night (17:10). Paul may refer to this same man in Romans 16:21, sending greetings from "Jason my kinsman," a believer who risked real legal and financial exposure simply for opening his home to the gospel.