Acts 17:5

But 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.

But {G1161} the Jews {G2453} which believed not {G544}, moved with envy {G2206},{G2532} took unto them {G4355} certain {G5100} lewd {G4190} fellows {G435} of the baser sort {G60}, and {G2532} gathered a company {G3792}, and set all {G2350} the city {G4172} on an uproar {G2350}, and {G5037} assaulted {G2186} the house {G3614} of Jason {G2394}, and sought {G2212} to bring {G71} them {G846} out {G1519} to the people {G1218}.

But the unbelieving Jews grew jealous; so they got together some vicious men from the riffraff hanging around in the market square, collected a crowd and started a riot in the city. They attacked Jason’s house, hoping to bring Sha’ul and Sila out to the mob.

The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people.

But the Jews, being moved with jealousy, took unto them certain vile fellows of the rabble, and gathering a crowd, set the city on an uproar; and assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them forth to the people.

Commentary

Acts 17:5 describes a significant moment in Paul and Silas's second missionary journey, illustrating the intense opposition they faced in Thessalonica. After experiencing success in proclaiming the Gospel, particularly among devout Greeks and leading women (Acts 17:4), the Jewish community that rejected their message reacted with hostility.

Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's successful three-Sabbath ministry in the synagogue of Thessalonica, where he reasoned from the Scriptures, proving that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 17:2-3). His message resonated with many, including a large number of Gentiles and prominent women, which stirred significant jealousy among those who did not believe. Thessalonica was a major Roman city, a free city with its own assembly, making any public disturbance a serious matter for the local authorities.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Envy as a Motivator for Opposition: The primary driver for the unrest was the "envy" (Greek: zelos, often used negatively as jealousy or intense rivalry) of the unbelieving Jews. Their resentment stemmed from Paul's success in winning converts, especially Gentiles, to a message they rejected. This highlights how envy can lead to destructive and violent actions, a sin frequently cautioned against in Scripture (e.g., Galatians 5:21).
  • Mob Mentality and Unscrupulous Alliances: The opponents did not act alone but recruited "lewd fellows of the baser sort." These were likely idlers or disreputable individuals from the marketplace, easily stirred to create chaos. This demonstrates how those seeking to suppress truth often resort to ignoble means and incite mob violence. This tactic of stirring up unrest is a recurring challenge for Paul's ministry, seen elsewhere in Acts.
  • Persecution of the Early Church: This incident in Thessalonica is a clear example of the persecution faced by the early Christian community. Paul and Silas, as well as their host Jason, became targets simply for sharing the Gospel. This experience aligns with the broader pattern of persecution Jesus warned His disciples about.
  • Disruption and Uproar: The ultimate goal was to "set all the city on an uproar," creating enough public disturbance to turn the authorities against Paul and Silas. This tactic aimed to discredit their message and force them out of the city.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "lewd fellows of the baser sort" translates the Greek term agoraios, literally meaning "belonging to the market-place." In this context, it refers to idlers, loafers, or those of a low social standing who frequented public spaces and could be easily swayed or hired for disruptive purposes. This highlights the unscrupulous and opportunistic nature of the opposition Paul and Silas faced.

Practical Application

Acts 17:5 reminds believers that the spread of the Gospel often meets with resistance, even violent opposition, fueled by envy or misunderstanding. It underscores the importance of standing firm in faith even when facing hostility, just as Paul and Silas did. It also serves as a warning against the destructive power of envy and the dangers of mob mentality. For those who are sharing their faith, it's a reminder that genuine spiritual fruit can provoke carnal reactions, and preparing for such challenges is part of the Christian walk.

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 5:26

    Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

  • Acts 17:13

    But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

  • Galatians 5:21

    Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:14

    For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews:

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:16

    Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

  • Acts 14:2

    But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

  • Romans 16:21

    ¶ Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.