Acts 17:5 Meaning and Explanation
“But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Unbelieving opponents, moved with envy, recruit men from the marketplace, set the city in an uproar, and storm the house of Jason in search of Paul and Silas.
What Does Acts 17:5 Mean?
Success stirs opposition. Those who refused the message, stung with envy at the crowds gathering around Paul, recruit idle men from the marketplace -- "lewd fellows of the baser sort" in the old English -- manufacture an uproar, and assault the house of Jason, Paul's host, intending to drag the missionaries before the mob.
Envy is an old enemy of the gospel; it was for envy that Jesus himself was delivered up (Matthew 27:18). Hearts that will not answer truth often reach for noise and force instead. The verse also quietly honors Jason, who opened his door to the Lord's servants and bore the cost of his welcome. Faithfulness sometimes means standing in the doorway when trouble arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 17:5
What does Acts 17:5 mean?
Unbelieving opponents, moved with envy, recruit men from the marketplace, set the city in an uproar, and storm the house of Jason in search of Paul and Silas.