Acts 17:9
What does Acts 17:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 17:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 17:9 means
The authorities require “security” from Jason and the others—some form of guarantee—before releasing them. This satisfies the magistrates’ immediate concern for public order and signals that any further disturbances will carry consequences. It also explains why the believers quickly arrange for Paul and Silas to leave; continued presence might violate the conditions and endanger the church. Even under pressure, the fledgling community acts wisely, protecting its members while preserving the mission’s integrity. God’s people sometimes navigate civic requirements prudently without compromising the message, trusting that the gospel’s advance does not depend on one location or one set of workers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And having made Jason and the others give an undertaking to keep the peace, they let them go.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having taking security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And having taken satisfaction of Jason and of the rest, they let them go.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And having taken security of Jason and the rest, they let them go.
Context
With the crowd and leaders disturbed (verse 8), verse 9 shows the magistrates concluding the matter by taking security from Jason and others. This legal step paves the way for the believers to send Paul and Silas away discreetly (verse 10). The focus then shifts from Thessalonica’s turmoil to Beroea’s synagogue (verse 10), where a different kind of reception awaits—marked by eager listening and daily Scripture examination (verse 11), leading to many believing (verse 12). Opposition will, however, pursue them again (verse 13).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 17:5
But the Jews, being moved with jealousy, took unto them certain vile fellows of the rabble, and gathering a crowd, set the city on an uproar; and assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them forth to the people.
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