The repulsion of the Jews

“But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and they attacked the house of Jason and were seeking to bring them out to the people.” (1) When God-fearing Gentiles began to be saved, persecution from the Jews arose. The same thing happened during the first missionary journey (in Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra). (2) It was the Jews who incited the trouble, but it was carried out by “wicked men from the marketplace.” (3) The mob attacked Jason’s house. (a) Jason was a newly converted Jew. (b) Jason welcomed Paul and Silas into his home and provided a base for their evangelistic work. (c) The mob broke down the door of the house and entered, attempting to capture Paul and Silas to drag them before the city court. (d) However, they were unable to find Paul and Silas. Therefore, they seized Jason and several other believers and brought them before the city officials (dragged them to the court). (4) In Philippi, magistrates (strategoi) appeared, but in Thessalonica, officials (politarches) are mentioned. “Politarches” is a title for officials in a free city. “These men who have upset the world have come here also.” (1) This is an accusation of treason. “They all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” From these words, it is clear that the Jews were behind the riot. Indeed, Paul was preaching the message that the Messiah would return as King. (2) The crowd and the officials were disturbed, but the officials responded calmly. (a) They were different from the magistrates in Philippi. (b) They took a pledge from Jason and the others before releasing them. (c) Paul and Silas were made to promise to leave Thessalonica immediately and not return. (d) If the disturbance settled down, the pledge would be returned. “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea.” (1) Paul and Silas were likely hidden somewhere. That night, the two left the city and headed to Berea. (2) Although persecution against the church intensified, the faith of the Christians in Thessalonica grew. (3) Paul had to leave Thessalonica within a short period. This later led Paul to write two letters to the church in Thessalonica. Ultimately, the will of the Lord was accomplished.