171 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 ." 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 e of the leading women . 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 ; 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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 17:1-9
Commentary on Acts 17:1-9
(Read Acts 17:1-9)
The drift and scope of Paul's preaching and arguing, was to prove that Jesus is the Christ. He must needs suffer for us, because he could not otherwise purchase our redemption for us; and he must needs have risen again, because he could not otherwise apply the redemption to us. We are to preach concerning Jesus that he is Christ; therefore we may hope to be saved by him, and are bound to be ruled by him. The unbelieving Jews were angry, because the apostles preached to the Gentiles, that they might be saved. How strange it is, that men should grudge others the privileges they will not themselves accept! Neither rulers nor people need be troubled at the increase of real Christians, even though turbulent spirits should make religion the pretext for evil designs. Of such let us beware, from such let us withdraw, that we may show a desire to act aright in society, while we claim our right to worship God according to our consciences.