“When they could not find them [Paul and Silas], they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city magistrates, shouting, “These people who have been creating a disturbance all over the world have now come here.” ―Acts 17:6
Jason must have been aware of the many people in his hometown of Thessalonica who feared and despised the numerous Christians spreading throughout the city. However, the risk of ostracism didn’t threaten Jason; his heart was unconditionally open to truth, and he felt an intense tug to follow the teachings of Jesus. Jason bravely welcomed the Christian leaders Paul and Silas while they were preaching in Thessalonica, hoping to support their works by making them feel comfortable and appreciated.
It was during his second great missionary journey that Paul went to Thessalonica and came to know Jason. While there, Paul spent three Sabbaths preaching. While many Thessalonians in the synagogue were convinced and welcomed Christianity with joy, others became annoyed and aggravated.
A few intimidated citizens randomly pulled together a hapless group of men found loitering in the public square and riled them up. This outlandish group marched to Jason’s house, hoping to find Paul and Silas but they were not there. Instead they grabbed Jason and some others and riotously brought them before city officials, intending to scare Jason and his fellow brethren and end Christian influence in Thessalonica. The aggressors’ outrage over Jason’s claim that Jesus was a king worked to influence the magistrates―somewhat. Jason and his friends were fined and then allowed to go home. Ultimately, however, many Thessalonians welcomed Jesus into their hearts.
Now, thanks to Jason having welcomed Paul and Silas in Thessalonica, many people in present-day Thessaloniki (Greece) have a great devotion to Christ. A popular stop for tourists visiting Thessaloniki is the Vlatadon Monastery, which is the believed site of Jason’s house and sometimes called “The House of Jason.” In Corfu, there is a church named after Jason, helping people remember this brave embracer of the Faith.
His feast day is July 12.
For God’s Glory.
