Jason of Thessalonica
Jason hosted Paul and Silas in his home in Thessalonica during their brief but fruitful ministry there. When a jealous mob failed to find Paul and Silas, they dragged Jason and other believers before the city rulers instead, accusing them of harboring men who defied Caesar's decrees by proclaiming another king, Jesus. The officials, troubled by the charge, required Jason and the others to post a security bond before releasing them - likely a guarantee that Paul would leave the city, which he and Silas did that same night. Jason's willingness to risk his own security for the sake of hosting the missionaries reflects the real cost some early believers bore simply for supporting the spread of the gospel.
Biography
- Era
- New Testament
- Nationality
- Jewish
Did You Know?
The charge against Jason's guests - 'these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king' - is one of the earliest recorded political accusations against Christians.
Jason posted security money for men accused of treason against Caesar - risking his estate on the missionaries' behalf.
Paul later sends greetings from a Jason in Romans 16, whom he calls a kinsman - possibly the same host, now traveling with him.
Key Chapters
Key Passages
Jason's House is Attacked
Acts 17:5-9
Jason bears the legal and financial consequences of hosting Paul, illustrating the risk ordinary believers took to support the apostles' mission.
5ut the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.