Overview:
Jason is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistle to the Romans. He is recognized for his hospitality and support of the early Christian missionaries, particularly the Apostle Paul. Jason's actions and experiences provide insight into the challenges faced by early Christians and the communal nature of the early Church.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 17:5-9 :
Jason is introduced in the context of Paul's second missionary journey. While Paul and Silas were in Thessalonica, they preached in the synagogue, leading to the conversion of some Jews and a large number of God-fearing Greeks. However, their success incited jealousy among certain Jews, who formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. Unable to find Paul and Silas, the mob dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, accusing them of harboring men who were "turning the world upside down" and acting against the decrees of Caesar by proclaiming Jesus as king. Jason and the others were released after posting bond.

2. Romans 16:21 :
In his letter to the Romans, Paul sends greetings from several of his companions, including Jason. This mention suggests that Jason was with Paul during his time in Corinth, indicating his continued involvement in the missionary efforts and his close association with Paul.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Jason's role as a host to Paul and Silas highlights the importance of hospitality in the early Christian community. Providing shelter and support to traveling missionaries was a significant contribution to the spread of the Gospel. The early Church relied heavily on the generosity and courage of individuals like Jason, who risked persecution for their faith and commitment to the Christian mission.

The incident in Thessalonica reflects the tension between the nascent Christian movement and the established religious and political order. The accusation that Christians were proclaiming another king besides Caesar underscores the perceived threat Christianity posed to Roman authority and traditional Jewish beliefs.

Theological Significance:

Jason's account exemplifies the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand firm in faith amidst opposition. His willingness to face legal repercussions for the sake of the Gospel serves as an enduring example of Christian commitment and sacrifice. Jason's actions also illustrate the communal nature of the early Church, where believers supported one another in both spiritual and practical ways.

Legacy:

Jason's legacy is one of faithfulness and hospitality. His brief but significant appearances in the New Testament remind believers of the vital role that seemingly ordinary acts of service and support play in the advancement of God's kingdom. Jason's example encourages Christians to offer their resources and homes for the work of the Gospel, trusting in God's provision and protection.

Paul and Silas in Macedonia
... They attacked Jason's house, so as to bring Paul and Silas out before the people,
and when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul and silas in macedonia.htm

Thessalonica and Berea
... 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 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/thessalonica and berea.htm

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... To the latter of these is appended an epitome of the five books of Jason of Cyrene,
containing the history of the Maccabean struggle, beginning with Heliodorus ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm

Jason's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jason's (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:5 And the unbelieving
Jews, having been moved with envy, and having taken ...
/j/jason's.htm - 6k

Jason (5 Occurrences)
... The Jews assaulted his house in order to seize Paul, but failing to find him, they
dragged Jason before the ruler of the city (Acts 17:5-9). He was apparently ...
/j/jason.htm - 12k

Onias
...Jason, the brother of Onias, having offered the new king larger revenue, secured
the priesthood, which he held until he himself was similarly supplanted by ...
/o/onias.htm - 10k

Jaspar (1 Occurrence)

/j/jaspar.htm - 6k

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