Acts 17:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:9 describes the resolution of a volatile situation in Thessalonica, where Jason, Paul's host, and other believers were compelled to provide a legal guarantee to the city authorities. This "security," likely a bond or pledge, was required after a mob incited by jealous unbelieving Jews accused Paul and his companions of sedition. Their release allowed the nascent Christian community to continue its work, albeit under scrutiny, and enabled Paul and Silas to depart for Berea.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 17:9 concludes a dramatic confrontation in Thessalonica. Paul, Silas, and Timothy had arrived in the city, and for three Sabbaths, Paul preached in the synagogue, presenting Jesus as the Christ who suffered, died, and rose again ([Acts 17:2-3](/acts/17-2-3 "Acts 17:2-3 - Paul's Preaching in Thessalonica")). This preaching led to significant conversions among Jews, devout Greeks, and prominent women ([Acts 17:4](/acts/17-4 "Acts 17:4 - Conversions in Thessalonica")). However, this success provoked intense jealousy among some unbelieving Jews, who, filled with envy, gathered a mob of "lewd fellows of the baser sort" and assaulted the house of Jason, where Paul and Silas were staying ([Acts 17:5](/acts/17-5 "Acts 17:5 - The Mob in Thessalonica")). Unable to find Paul and Silas, they dragged Jason and other brethren before the city officials, known as politarchs, accusing them of turning the world upside down and proclaiming "another king, one Jesus," contrary to Caesar's decrees ([Acts 17:6-7](/acts/17-6-7 "Acts 17:6-7 - Accusations Against Jason and the Brethren")). The politarchs were troubled by these accusations and the resulting commotion, leading directly to the demand for security in verse 9.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Thessalonica was a significant city in Macedonia, a free city under Roman rule, meaning it had the right to govern itself through its own magistrates (the "politarchs" mentioned in [Acts 17:6](/acts/17-6 "Acts 17:6 - City Officials in Thessalonica")). This status made its officials particularly sensitive to any accusations of sedition or disloyalty to Rome, as such charges could lead to the revocation of their city's freedom. The accusation that Paul and his companions were proclaiming "another king, one Jesus" was a direct challenge to Roman authority, which recognized only Caesar as king and lord. In the Roman legal system, "security" (Greek: *hikanon*) was a common practice, akin to a bond or bail. It was a guarantee, often financial, provided by individuals to ensure the good conduct of others, or to ensure that an accused person would appear in court or not cause further disturbance. By requiring Jason and the others to provide security, the politarchs were exercising their authority to maintain public order and appease the agitated crowd, while also avoiding a direct confrontation with the Roman imperial system.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 17:9 powerfully illustrates several recurring themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **persecution and opposition** faced by the early church as the gospel spread. The violent reaction of the unbelieving Jews and the subsequent legal entanglement underscore the reality that proclaiming Christ often invited hostility, as Jesus himself warned in [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Believers"). Secondly, the verse demonstrates the **cost of discipleship** and the importance of **Christian hospitality**. Jason's willingness to host Paul and Silas put him directly in harm's way, incurring personal risk and financial obligation for the sake of the gospel. His actions embody the call to selfless service and courage in the face of adversity. Finally, the resolution, where Jason and the others are released and Paul and Silas are able to move on to Berea ([Acts 17:10](/acts/17-10 "Acts 17:10 - Paul and Silas Depart to Berea")), subtly points to **divine providence** and the unstoppable advance of God's kingdom, even amidst intense opposition. God's plan for the gospel's spread could not be thwarted by human malice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **security (Greek, _hikanós'_):** From G2425, meaning "competent," "ample," or "fit." In a legal context, it refers to a "sufficient" pledge, guarantee, or bond. Here, it signifies a satisfactory assurance given to the authorities, likely financial or a promise of good conduct, to ensure the release of Jason and the others and to prevent further disturbances from the Christian community. It was a legal mechanism to maintain public order.
* **taken (Greek, _lambánō'_):** From G2983, a primary verb meaning "to take," "to get hold of," or "to receive." This word emphasizes the active reception of the security by the politarchs. They didn't just allow it; they formally received the guarantee from Jason and his companions, making it a binding agreement.
* **let them go (Greek, _apolýō'_):** From G630, meaning "to free fully," "relieve," "release," or "dismiss." This word highlights the outcome of the transaction: Jason and the others were set at liberty. It implies a formal dismissal from custody or legal obligation, contingent on the security provided.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other,"**: This clause describes the action taken by the city authorities (the politarchs mentioned in [Acts 17:6](/acts/17-6 "Acts 17:6 - The Politarchs of Thessalonica")). Following the uproar and the accusations of sedition, they demanded a legal guarantee or bond. This "security" was obtained from Jason, Paul's host, and "the other" brethren who had been dragged before the officials. This act served as a legal resolution to the immediate crisis, ensuring public peace and accountability.
* **"they let them go."**: This final clause states the immediate consequence of the security being provided. Once the legal requirement was met, Jason and his companions were released from their detention or legal obligation. This allowed them to return to their homes and for the Christian community in Thessalonica to continue, albeit under the watchful eye of the authorities. It also facilitated the departure of Paul and Silas, who were then able to continue their missionary journey to Berea ([Acts 17:10](/acts/17-10 "Acts 17:10 - Paul and Silas Depart to Berea")).

#### Literary Devices
Acts 17:9 employs several subtle literary devices. The incident serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the ongoing legal and social challenges the early church would face as it expanded into the Roman Empire. The demand for "security" and the subsequent release illustrate the **Irony** of the situation: while the gospel was accused of "turning the world upside down" ([Acts 17:6](/acts/17-6 "Acts 17:6 - Accusation of Sedition")), its adherents often sought to navigate existing legal frameworks to ensure peace and continue their mission. Furthermore, Jason's singular mention, followed by "and of the other," functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where Jason stands in for the broader group of believers who were implicated and had to provide the guarantee, emphasizing his prominent role as host and leader. The term "security" itself can be seen as **Metonymy**, representing the entire legal process and the precarious position of the early Christians within the Roman system.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:9 underscores the reality that the advance of God's kingdom often involves navigating earthly opposition and legal systems. The willingness of Jason and the other believers to provide security, even at personal cost, reflects a commitment to the gospel that transcends immediate comfort or safety. This incident highlights God's sovereign hand in preserving His people and enabling the spread of the gospel, even through challenging circumstances. While facing hostility, the early church did not resort to violence but sought to operate within legal bounds where possible, demonstrating both courage and wisdom. This episode reminds us that suffering for Christ is an expected part of the Christian journey, yet it is never outside of God's providential care.

* [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "Jesus Predicts Persecution")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Suffering for Christ")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "All Who Desire to Live Godly Will Suffer Persecution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:9 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that commitment to Christ and His gospel may come with significant personal costs, whether social, financial, or relational. Jason's courageous hospitality and willingness to stand with Paul and Silas, even to the point of personal jeopardy, challenge us to consider our own readiness to support God's work and people, especially when it involves risk. In a world where Christians may face various forms of opposition, from social ostracism to legal challenges, this verse encourages us to stand firm in our faith, to act with wisdom and integrity, and to trust in God's providential care. It also calls us to pray for and support those who are persecuted for their faith, recognizing that their struggles are a continuation of the challenges faced by the early church. Our perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful testimony to the truth of the gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jason's willingness to provide "security" challenge my understanding of Christian hospitality and commitment to the gospel?**
* **In what ways might I be called to "take security" for others in the body of Christ, whether through financial support, advocacy, or personal risk?**
* **How can I navigate societal or legal pressures that oppose my faith while remaining steadfast in my convictions?**
* **What does this passage teach me about God's providence in difficult circumstances, and how can I apply that trust in my own life?**

### FAQ

**What exactly was the "security" Jason and the others had to provide?**

Answer: The "security" (Greek: *hikanon*) was a legal guarantee or bond, similar to bail or a pledge of good conduct, required by the city officials (politarchs) of Thessalonica. It was likely a financial deposit or a formal promise that Jason and the other believers would ensure no further disturbances would arise from Paul's group, or that they would appear in court if required. This was a common Roman legal practice to maintain public order and hold individuals accountable, allowing for release without outright imprisonment while ensuring the authorities had recourse if trouble continued. It served to appease the agitated mob and demonstrate the politarchs' control over the situation.

**Who were "the other" mentioned alongside Jason?**

Answer: "The other" refers to the additional brethren who were dragged along with Jason before the politarchs by the mob ([Acts 17:6](/acts/17-6 "Acts 17:6 - Jason and Other Brethren Dragged Before Politarchs")). While Jason is singled out as Paul's host and likely a prominent figure in the nascent Thessalonian church, the phrase indicates that other members of the Christian community were also implicated in the disturbance and required to provide the security. This highlights that the persecution was not limited to Paul and Silas but extended to the local believers who associated with them.

**Why did Paul and Silas leave Thessalonica immediately after this incident?**

Answer: While Acts 17:9 states that Jason and the others were "let go" after providing security, the immediate departure of Paul and Silas to Berea ([Acts 17:10](/acts/17-10 "Acts 17:10 - Paul and Silas Depart to Berea")) was likely a strategic decision for several reasons. Firstly, their continued presence might have jeopardized Jason and the other believers, as the security they provided was likely contingent on no further disturbances. Secondly, the intense opposition from the unbelieving Jews made their ministry in Thessalonica unsustainable at that moment, and moving on allowed them to find new ground for preaching the gospel. This decision demonstrates Paul's wisdom in navigating dangerous situations, prioritizing the safety of the local church and the continued spread of the gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:9, though seemingly a mundane legal detail, points to the profound Christ-centered reality of the gospel's advance. Just as Jason and the other believers provided "security" for their release and the continuation of the mission, Jesus Christ is the ultimate "security" for humanity's freedom and the church's enduring mission. His life, death, and resurrection are the divine guarantee that evil and opposition will not ultimately prevail. Christ himself faced false accusations and legal injustice, being "dragged" before authorities ([John 18:28](/john/18-28 "John 18:28 - Jesus Before Pilate")), yet through His suffering and subsequent resurrection, He secured eternal release for all who believe ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Delivered for Our Offenses, Raised for Our Justification")). The "letting go" of Jason and the others foreshadows the greater spiritual liberation that Christ accomplishes, freeing humanity from the bondage of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness to Light")). The perseverance of the Thessalonian believers, enabled by this legal maneuver, reflects the church's enduring strength, secured not by human bonds, but by the unbreakable covenant established in Christ's blood ([Hebrews 13:20-21](/hebrews/13-20-21 "Hebrews 13:20-21 - The God of Peace Who Brought Back Jesus")). Thus, Acts 17:9, in its depiction of earthly security and release, subtly echoes the divine security and eternal freedom found only in the Risen Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.