Acts 17:9

And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

And {G2532} when they had taken {G2983} security {G2425} of {G3844} Jason {G2394}, and {G2532} of the other {G3062}, they let {G630} them {G846} go {G630}.

so that only after Jason and the others had posted bond did they let them go.

And they collected bond from Jason and the others, and then released them.

And when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

Acts 17:9 records a pivotal moment in the early church's journey in Thessalonica, highlighting the legal and social challenges faced by believers. Following a tumultuous period where jealous unbelieving Jews stirred up a mob against Paul, Silas, and their host Jason, this verse details the resolution of the immediate crisis.

Context of Acts 17:9

The apostle Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, had arrived in Thessalonica and preached powerfully in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ who had to suffer and rise from the dead (Acts 17:3). A significant number of Jews, devout Greeks, and prominent women believed, leading to the formation of a vibrant Christian community. However, this success provoked intense jealousy among some unbelieving Jews. They gathered a mob, attacked the house of Jason, where Paul and Silas were staying, and dragged Jason and other brethren before the city authorities.

The accusation leveled against them was severe: they were charged with proclaiming "another king, one Jesus," thereby acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar (Acts 17:7). This charge of treason was highly inflammatory and could have led to harsh penalties. The city officials, known as politarchs, were troubled by these claims and the unrest they caused.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persecution and Opposition: This verse underscores the reality of persecution faced by early Christians for their faith. The mob's actions and the subsequent legal proceedings illustrate the immediate dangers and social pressures on believers.
  • Legal Navigation: The phrase "taken security" indicates that the city authorities required a legal guarantee, likely a bond or bail, from Jason and his companions. This was a common practice in the Roman legal system to ensure future good behavior or to guarantee that the accused (or those connected to them) would not cause further disturbance. It allowed for their release without outright imprisonment.
  • Cost of Discipleship: Jason's willingness to host the apostles and his subsequent legal entanglement highlight the personal cost of commitment to the gospel. His actions demonstrate courage and hospitality in the face of significant risk.
  • Divine Providence: Despite the intense opposition, Paul and Silas were enabled to move on to Berea (Acts 17:10), and Jason and the other believers in Thessalonica were released, allowing the nascent church to continue its work.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "taken security" translates the Greek word hikanon (ἱκανόν), which literally means "sufficient" or "adequate." In this legal context, it refers to a satisfactory pledge, guarantee, or bond. It implies that Jason and the others provided a sufficient assurance to the authorities—perhaps financial or a promise of good conduct—to secure their release. This was essentially a form of bail, ensuring that if any further trouble arose from Paul's group, Jason would be held responsible or forfeit the bond.

Practical Application

Acts 17:9 reminds believers today that standing for the truth of the Gospel can sometimes come with a cost. It illustrates the importance of Christian hospitality and courage in the face of adversity. Just as Jason and the Thessalonian believers faced legal and social pressures, Christians today may encounter various forms of opposition. The verse also subtly points to the wisdom of navigating legal systems when necessary, seeking appropriate channels for resolution while remaining steadfast in faith. It encourages us to pray for and support those who face consequences for their commitment to Christ, remembering that God's providence guides His people through challenging circumstances.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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