New Testament
Acts 17:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But the Jews who did not believe became jealous. They recruited some wicked men from the streets, formed a mob, and threw the city into an uproar. They attacked Jason's house, trying to bring Paul and Silas out to the crowd.
Compare translations
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.
What Acts 17:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a group of Jews who were not convinced by Paul and Silas's message. Instead of seeking understanding, they let their jealousy take over. They went out into the streets and gathered some troublemakers to create chaos. This mob was angry and aggressive, targeting Jason's home because he was hosting Paul and Silas. Their goal was to drag these messengers out to face the crowd. This situation highlights how fear and jealousy can lead people to act irrationally and violently. It also shows the lengths to which some will go to silence ideas they oppose. The actions of the mob reveal a deep-seated resistance to change and a desire to maintain control over their beliefs and community. This moment serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who speak out for their beliefs, especially when those beliefs threaten the status quo. It’s a powerful illustration of how fear can drive people to unite against others, even when it leads to unjust actions.
How to apply Acts 17:5 to your life
When faced with opposition or jealousy, remember that it’s important to stay true to your beliefs. Instead of reacting with anger, seek understanding and dialogue. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage positive change. This can help you navigate difficult situations with grace and strength. Choose to respond with love rather than fear or hostility, fostering peace instead of conflict.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17:1–15)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 17:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 17:5
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What caused the mob to form in Acts 17:5?
In Acts 17:5, the mob formed due to jealousy among the Jews who did not believe in Paul and Silas's message. Their inability to accept the new teachings led them to recruit troublemakers from the streets, resulting in chaos and violence against Jason's house.
What does Acts 17:5 teach about jealousy?
Acts 17:5 illustrates how jealousy can lead to irrational behavior and conflict. The Jews' jealousy over Paul and Silas's influence drove them to incite a mob, demonstrating that unchecked emotions can result in harmful actions against others, especially when faced with differing beliefs.
How can we apply the lessons from Acts 17:5 in our lives?
The events in Acts 17:5 remind us to respond to opposition with understanding rather than anger. When faced with jealousy or hostility, it's crucial to stay true to our beliefs, seek constructive dialogue, and surround ourselves with supportive individuals who promote positive change.
What does the mob mentality in Acts 17:5 signify?
The mob mentality in Acts 17:5 signifies how collective emotions can override individual reasoning. It shows that fear and jealousy can unite people in destructive ways, leading to violence and chaos, especially against those who challenge the status quo.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.