And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

ACTS 17:9KJV
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Acts 17:9 (KJV)

What does Acts 17:9 mean?

Acts 17:9 describes how the local authorities in Thessalonica required Jason and some others to provide a guarantee—likely a financial bond—before releasing them. This action allowed Jason and the others to go free after being held responsible for hosting Paul and Silas, who had stirred up controversy in the city.

In this scene, the city officials are responding to complaints from a mob that accused Paul and Silas of causing trouble. Since Paul and Silas could not be found, Jason, who had welcomed them, was brought before the authorities. The officials took "security" from Jason and the others, meaning they had to promise or pay something as assurance that there would be no further disturbances, and then they were released.

The Greek behind Acts 17:9

  • "security" (ἱκανός, hikanos): This Greek word is often used for something sufficient or adequate. Here, it refers to a kind of guarantee or bond, showing that the authorities wanted assurance of peace.
  • "let them go" (ἀπολύω, apolyō): This word means to release or set free. It emphasizes that Jason and the others were not held further once the security was provided.

Why Acts 17:9 matters

  • Acts 17:9 clarifies that the local authorities were not immediately hostile to the new Christian movement but were more concerned with maintaining public order.
  • The verse shows the practical consequences for those who supported Paul and Silas, highlighting the risks early Christians faced even if they were not directly preaching.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage by explaining why Paul and Silas had to leave Thessalonica quickly—Jason’s guarantee likely meant they could not risk further trouble in the city.

Where else these words appear

“Jason” Greek G2394 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 17:5 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.
  • Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

“security” Greek G2425 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
  • Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

“other” Greek G3062 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
  • Acts 27:44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
  • Philippians 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

“let” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
  • Luke 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.