Acts 17:5

The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people.

Study Bible

But the Jews
This phrase refers to a specific group within the Jewish community in Thessalonica. The Greek word used here is "Ἰουδαῖοι" (Ioudaioi), which can denote either Jews by ethnicity or those who adhere to Judaism. In the context of Acts, it often refers to those who were resistant to the message of Jesus as the Messiah. Historically, the Jewish community in the first century was diverse, with various sects and beliefs. The opposition from some Jews in Thessalonica reflects a broader pattern seen throughout Acts, where the early Christian message was met with resistance from certain Jewish leaders who saw it as a threat to their religious traditions and authority.

became jealous
The Greek word for "jealous" is "ζηλόω" (zēloō), which can mean to be zealous or to be envious. In this context, it indicates a negative form of zeal, where the Jewish leaders were envious of the attention and following that Paul and Silas were garnering. This jealousy is reminiscent of the Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' growing popularity during His ministry. It highlights a human tendency to resist change and protect established power structures, even at the expense of truth.

and they brought together
The phrase suggests a deliberate and organized effort. The Greek verb "προσλαμβάνω" (proslambanō) implies taking or bringing someone along with a purpose. This action indicates that the Jewish leaders were not acting impulsively but had a calculated plan to oppose Paul and Silas. It reflects the seriousness of their opposition and their willingness to go to great lengths to suppress the new Christian movement.

some wicked men
The term "wicked" is translated from the Greek "πονηρός" (ponēros), which means evil or morally corrupt. These were not just ordinary troublemakers but individuals known for their malicious behavior. By enlisting such men, the Jewish leaders were compromising their own moral standards to achieve their goals. This choice underscores the depth of their opposition and the lengths to which they were willing to go to protect their interests.

from the marketplace
The marketplace, or "ἀγορά" (agora) in Greek, was the center of public life in ancient cities. It was a place of commerce, social interaction, and public discourse. By recruiting men from the marketplace, the Jewish leaders were tapping into a pool of individuals who were likely familiar with public disturbances and could easily incite a crowd. This setting also suggests that the opposition to Paul and Silas was not just a religious issue but had social and economic implications as well.

and formed a mob
The Greek word "ὄχλος" (ochlos) refers to a crowd or multitude, often with a connotation of disorder. The formation of a mob indicates a shift from organized opposition to chaotic and potentially violent action. This reflects a common tactic in the ancient world, where public unrest could be used to pressure authorities and achieve political or social objectives. The mob mentality also illustrates how quickly public opinion can be swayed by charismatic leaders or persuasive rhetoric.

and started a riot in the city
The phrase "started a riot" translates the Greek "θορυβέω" (thorubeō), meaning to cause an uproar or disturbance. Riots were not uncommon in the ancient world, often resulting from political, social, or economic tensions. In this case, the riot was incited by religious leaders, highlighting the volatile intersection of religion and public life. The city of Thessalonica, being a major trade hub, would have been particularly sensitive to such disturbances, as they could disrupt commerce and attract unwanted attention from Roman authorities.

They rushed to Jason’s house
Jason was likely a prominent member of the local Christian community, possibly hosting Paul and Silas. The Greek verb "ἐπιστάντες" (epistantēs) means to stand over or attack, indicating a sudden and aggressive action. By targeting Jason's house, the mob was attempting to strike at the heart of the Christian movement in Thessalonica. This reflects a common strategy of targeting leaders or key figures to destabilize a movement.

in search of Paul and Silas
Paul and Silas were the primary targets of the mob's aggression. Their preaching had challenged the status quo and threatened the established religious order. The search for them underscores the personal risk faced by early Christian missionaries and the intense opposition they encountered. It also highlights the courage and commitment required to spread the Gospel in the face of such hostility.

to bring them out to the people
The intention was to publicly expose and possibly punish Paul and Silas. The Greek phrase "εἰς τὸν δῆμον" (eis ton dēmon) suggests bringing them before the public assembly or the people at large. This reflects a desire not only to stop their preaching but to make an example of them, deterring others from following their teachings. It underscores the public nature of the conflict between the early Christians and their opponents, as well as the potential for persecution and martyrdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Jews
Refers to certain Jewish leaders in Thessalonica who were envious of Paul and Silas's influence and the success of their ministry.

2. Troublemakers from the Marketplace
These were idle men, often referred to as "wicked men" or "worthless fellows" in other translations, who were easily incited to cause chaos.

3. The Mob
A group formed by the troublemakers, incited to create disorder and oppose the message of Paul and Silas.

4. Jason
A believer in Thessalonica who hosted Paul and Silas. His house was attacked by the mob.

5. Thessalonica
A major city in Macedonia where Paul and Silas preached the Gospel, leading to both conversions and opposition.

Teaching Points

Jealousy as a Root of Opposition
Jealousy can lead to destructive actions and opposition to God's work. Believers should guard their hearts against envy and seek to support rather than hinder the spread of the Gospel.

The Power of Mob Mentality
The passage illustrates how easily a crowd can be swayed to act against God's purposes. Christians should be discerning and not be led astray by the majority.

Hospitality and Risk
Jason's willingness to host Paul and Silas shows the importance of hospitality in the Christian community, even when it involves personal risk.

Perseverance in Persecution
Despite opposition, Paul and Silas continued their mission. Believers today are encouraged to persevere in their faith and witness, even in the face of adversity.

Community Support
The early church often faced opposition together, highlighting the importance of community support and solidarity among believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated the Jews in Thessalonica to oppose Paul and Silas, and how can we guard against similar attitudes in our own lives?

2. How does the reaction of the mob in Thessalonica compare to other instances of opposition in the Book of Acts, and what can we learn from these patterns?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate hospitality like Jason, and what risks might we face in doing so?

4. How can the experiences of Paul and Silas in Thessalonica encourage us to persevere in our own faith journeys?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your beliefs. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can guide you in future situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 13:45
Similar jealousy from the Jews is seen when Paul and Barnabas were in Pisidian Antioch, highlighting a recurring theme of opposition from Jewish leaders.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16
Paul later writes to the Thessalonians about the suffering they endured from their own countrymen, paralleling the opposition faced by the early church.

Matthew 5:11-12
Jesus speaks about persecution for righteousness' sake, which can be related to the experiences of Paul and Silas.