Ἰάσων

Jason

Definition

Jason is a personal name referring to a Christian man mentioned in the New Testament. In Acts 17:5-9, he is a Thessalonian believer who hosts Paul and Silas, facing persecution from a mob that drags him before the city authorities. In Romans 16:21, Paul sends greetings from a Jason, described as his 'relative' (συγγενής, *sungenēs*, G4773), who is likely the same individual, now with Paul in Corinth. The name itself does not carry a distinct theological meaning but identifies a specific early church member known for his hospitality and shared suffering for the gospel.

Biblical Usage

The name Ἰάσων appears five times, exclusively in narrative contexts. It is used four times in Acts 17 (verses 5, 6, 7, 9) to identify the Thessalonian host of Paul and Silas, highlighting his role in a key episode of persecution. The final occurrence is in Romans 16:21, where Paul includes him in a list of fellow workers sending greetings to the church in Rome, indicating his ongoing association with Paul's ministry team.

Etymology

Ἰάσων (Iasōn) is a classical Greek name, most famously borne by the mythological hero Jason who sought the Golden Fleece. It is derived from the Greek verb ἰάομαι (*iaomai*, G2390), meaning 'to heal.' As a personal name in the New Testament, it carries no direct connection to its etymological meaning of 'healer' but simply serves as a common identifier.

Semantic Range

While the name itself is not theologically loaded, the character of Jason exemplifies key Christian virtues. His story in Acts 17 illustrates the cost of discipleship through hospitality and suffering persecution for housing gospel workers (Acts 17:6-7). His mention in Romans 16:21 as Paul's 'relative' and fellow worker underscores the importance of kinship and collaboration in the early Christian mission. Understanding his role enriches reading by connecting a named individual to the tangible risks and fellowship of the apostolic church.

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, 'Jason' was a common Greek name. Its use by a Jew or Christian (Jason was likely a Hellenistic Jew) reflects the cultural blending of the period. The accusation against him in Acts 17:7—of harboring those who acted 'against the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king, Jesus'—directly taps into the serious political charge of sedition in the Roman Empire, showing the perilous cultural context for early Christian proclamation.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Other common personal names of fellow workers include: Σιλουανός (Silouanos, G4610) — Silas, Paul's companion; Τιμόθεος (Timotheos, G5095) — Timothy, Paul's protégé.

Word Details

Scripture References