A Worthy House: Study Of Jason Text: Acts 17:1-9 By Nathan L Morrison All Scripture given is from NASB unless otherwise stated For further study or if questions, Call: 907-252-3708, or Visit: www.frr-churchofchrist-ak.org

A Worthy House: Study Of Jason Intro In the limited commission, Jesus taught that some houses are worthy while others were not (Mt. 10:5–15) Those who received His word were considered worthy (Mt. 10:13). Jason, a saint we read of in Acts 17, welcomed Paul and Silas and even suffered persecution, and thus proved his home to be worthy! Paul and Silas left Philippi (Acts 16:12, 40) and went to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–9) Paul and Silas preached the Gospel (Acts 17:1–3). Some were persuaded, and joined in support of Paul and Silas (Acts 17:4). Persecution soon followed (Acts 17:5–9). A Worthy House: Study Of Jason

Jason stands out for his “welcome” of Paul and Silas Intro What lessons can we learn from the text? Paul had a method to his preaching. Persecution accompanied the faithful preaching of the word. Jason was one of the faithful, and had “welcomed” Paul & Silas (Mt. 10:11, 13; Acts 17:7). Jason stands out for his “welcome” of Paul and Silas and his faithfulness! A Worthy House: Study Of Jason

Paul’s Preaching In Thessalonica He preached in the synagogue (Acts 17:1–2) His work took him to both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 9:15). His preaching included debating (Acts 17:2). He taught the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (I Cor. 2:1–5). Acts 17:1-3 1. Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2. And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3. explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ." He preached from the Scriptures (Acts 17:3) The O.T. prophets spoke of Jesus (Ps. 22; Is. 53; Acts 8:32-34; Lk. 24:44; I Pet. 1:10). Eyewitnesses of the resurrection of Jesus were still living (II Pet. 1:16–21; Heb. 2:3–4; I Cor. 15:1–8). A Worthy House: Study Of Jason

Paul’s Preaching In Thessalonica This resulted in conversions (Acts 17:4) Some were Gentiles, others were Jews, and some were prominent women of the city (Acts 17:4). Faith is impossible without evidence (Jn. 6:44–45; Rom. 10:17). They became a force for good in that area (I Thess. 1:6–10; II Thess. 1:3-5). Among the members of that church was Jason, who had welcomed them into his house (Acts 17:5, 7) Acts 17:4 4. And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. Both Jews & Gentiles believed and obeyed the word of God! (I Thess. 1:3, 9-10; Rom. 1:16) A Worthy House: Study Of Jason

Persecution Accompanied The Preaching The Jews were jealous of the success of Paul’s preaching (Acts 17:5–6) The Word had accomplished its purpose (Is. 55:10–11). They found allies in some wicked men in the city and went looking for Paul and Silas (Acts 17:5). When they could not find them, they took Jason and other brethren instead (Acts 17:6). Acts 17:5-6 5. But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6. When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have upset the world have come here also; A Worthy House: Study Of Jason

Persecution Accompanied The Preaching What was there about Jason that prompted this action? (Acts 17:6–9) He had earlier obeyed the truth through the preaching of Paul (Acts 17:5). He had provided a shelter for Paul and Silas (Acts 17:5–6). He was not ashamed to be supporting men who had “upset the world” (Acts 17:7; II Tim. 1:15–18). (Unintended compliment to Paul & Silas!) Acts 17:6-9 6. When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7. and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus." 8. They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9. And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them. A Worthy House: Study Of Jason

Persecution Accompanied The Preaching What was there about Jason that prompted this action? (Acts 17:6–9) He was known in the city for his agreement with Paul’s preaching, and was falsely accused along with Paul (Acts 17:7–9). (The Jews had no love for Rome [Lk. 20:21-26] but used convenient “loyalty” when it suited them [Jn. 19:12, 15]) Acts 17:6-9 6. When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7. and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus." 8. They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9. And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them. A Worthy House: Study Of Jason

Persecution Accompanied The Preaching How do we compare to Jason? Are we known as a faithful Christian where we live? (Rom. 12:1–2; I John 2:15–17). Would we help and support those who preach the truth and those who defend the faith? (II Tim. 4:14–18). “If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Despite societal turmoil or outright persecution, would you stand out like Jason as one who “welcomed” men who “upset the world?” (Mt. 10:32-33) A Worthy House: Study Of Jason

Conclusion Is your house a worthy house? (Mt. 10:11, 13; Acts 17:5) Have you obeyed the gospel? (Rom. 1:16; I Thess. 1:9-10; II Thess. 1:3-5) Will you defend the truth? (I Thess. 1:6-8; Jude 3) A Worthy House: Study Of Jason

“What Must I Do To Be Saved?” Hear The Gospel (Jn. 5:24; Rom. 10:17) Believe In Christ (Jn. 3:16-18; Jn. 8:24) Repent Of Sins (Lk. 13:35; Acts 2:38) Confess Christ (Mt. 10:32; Rom. 10:10) Be Baptized (Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16) Remain Faithful (Jn. 8:31; Rev. 2:10) For The Erring Child: Repent (Acts 8:22), Confess (I Jn. 1:9), Pray (Acts 8:22)