Boys · Greek · New Testament · classic · Early church
Jason
/JAY-sun/
Ἰάσων
"Healer; the one who cures"
Acts 17:5
RoleHost of Paul in Thessalonica
Etymology
From the Greek 'iasthai' (ἰᾶσθαι), meaning to heal or to cure. In classical Greek mythology, Jason led the Argonauts; in the New Testament, Jason is a Christian who risked everything to host Paul.
Who they were
Jason appears in Acts 17 as a Christian in Thessalonica who hosted Paul and Silas. When a mob formed — jealous of the gospel's success — they could not find Paul, so they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials. The charge was explosive: 'These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.' Jason had to post bond to secure his release. His crime was hospitality — opening his home to preachers of a message that the authorities found subversive. Paul may refer to him again in Romans 16:21 as a kinsman and co-worker. Jason's name means healer, but his role in the story is host — the one who took the risk of welcome when the cost was his safety and his freedom.
Character qualities
- Costly hospitality
- Willingness to face persecution for sheltering others
Key verse
Acts 17:6-7
Where they appear
Themes
Variants & related forms
Jaison · Jasón
Read their story
Jason's story begins in Acts.
The full passage is at Acts 17:5. Any modern translation will do — the NLT and NIV are the most readable; the ESV and NKJV stay close to the wording the church has used for centuries.
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