The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

2. JASON: A MAN WHO REFUSED TO BE INTIMIDATED

Acts 17:1-10; Romans 16:21.

What little we read of Jason, moves us to admiration. He faithfully stood by Paul and Silas in proclaiming the gospel at Thessalonica. He was a kinsman of Paul (Romans 16:21 ) - also a true kin in evangelistic fervour. He stood the test of persecutions - protected Paul from the mob by facing them himself. May the study of this man of God inspire us to like faithful witness.

2.1. JASON, A FEARLESS WITNESS

Acts 17:5 "But the Jews which believed not, ... assaulted the house of Jason, ..."

This possibility was probably foreseen by Jason. But he did not hold back from joining himself with Paul in proclaiming the gospel. Paul's proving from the scriptures, stirred up envy among the unbelieving Jews. Persecution, as always, brought out the genuineness of their discipleship. The winds unfurl a flag for all to see.

Note the fearlessness of Jason:

Did Not Fear For His Home
He could have said "I don't mind witnessing, but not too near home. You know what troublesome days we live in." This is just the place we find him witnessing. We must begin our witness at home.

Mark 5:18,19 "And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. ¹⁹ Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."

John 1:40,41 "... Andrew, ... ⁴¹ He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, ... "

Have you evangelised your family circle? Begin next with your friends. Be like Jason. Don't let fear rob you of the blessing. Witness in your Thessalonica.

Acts 1:8 "... in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Did Not Fear For His Life
As a resident, he would know the "lewd fellows" and the "baser sort". Jason did not allow this to intimidate him.

Proverbs 29:25 "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe."

He acted on his Lord's words.

Matthew 10:28 "And fear not them which kill the body, ..."

Did Not Fear For His Name
Allowing his name to be associated with the evangelist could affect his business, and lose him the regard of the nobles in the town. He did not mind being an outcast for Christ.

Did Not Fear The Times In Which He Lived
How easy to send Paul on his way before the trouble started, maintaining "the time to be inopportune" - "not ready" - "they won't like it" - "it will only mean trouble". Jason said none of these things. He was all for Thessalonica hearing the gospel. There may be little likelihood of our houses being assaulted. Shall we be less brave?

2.2. JASON, A LOYAL WITNESS

So many fail in times of crises. Jason proved loyal.

Loyal To Paul And Silas
He could have given them up to the mob. No, he would rather take their place.

Acts 17:6 "And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, ..."

He learned this self-sacrifice from his Lord. The mind of Christ was his (Philippians 2:5-8 ).

Loyal To His Lord
He was accused of assisting men who preached another king than Caesar. "One Jesus". He was willing to suffer for King Jesus. Is Jesus reigning in your life? Are you willing to,

2 Timothy 2:3 "... endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

Loyal To The Work
The work has been described by the enemy as "turning the world upside down" (Acts 17:6 ). By his loyalty Jason was helping to do just that. "Upside down", before bringing it "right side up".
A preacher put it this way, "The world is wrong side up, must be right side up - we are the fellows to do it."
If every Christian was a soul-winner, the world would be turned right side up. Are you loyal to the work?

2.3. JASON, A DEDICATED WITNESS

His time, talents, possessions all dedicated to the Lord.

His Home Was Dedicated

Acts 17:7 "Whom Jason hath ..."

God's servants were welcomed at his home, for it belonged to God. Hospitality is a ministry God can use. Only eternity will reveal what has been accomplished through dedicated homes.

His Money Was Dedicated

Acts 17:9 "And when they had taken security of Jason, ..."

He had to pay the bail. He did so without murmuring or charge to Paul. Jason recognised God's claim on his money.

His Life Was Dedicated
Jason was the Lord's. One of his favourite texts would be,
1 Corinthians "6:19,20 ... ye are not your own? ²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: ..."

2.4. JASON, A FAITHFUL WITNESS

Romans 16:21 "... and Jason, ... my kinsmen, salute you."

Paul could send greetings from Jason, to the brethren at Rome. Jason was among the faithful - he could look forward to reward from the Lord at His coming, along with all the faithful.

Matthew 25:21 "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. "

1 Corinthians 3:13,14 "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward."

2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

Everything done in the name of, and for the glory of the Lord Jesus will be rewarded in that day. Let us be like Jason - fearless for the Lord, loyal to the Lord, completely dedicated to the Lord, and above all, faithful. Then we too will receive that most blessed word from the lips of Christ, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."