But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.
5. And being moved with envy. We see how Paul could nowhere erect the kingdom of Christ without some conflict, for so soon as any fruit of doctrine appeared, there arose persecution therewithal; but because he knew that he was to war against Satan and the wickedness of the world, he was not only hardened against all assaults, but he was more encouraged more courageously to proceed.
Paul did not fail or grow discouraged after the shameful treatment at Philippi; opposition made him more resolute, and no force but the Spirit of power from on high could have sustained him through such trials. He passed through smaller cities but rested in Thessalonica, divinely directed where to sow and where to move on.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 17:1-9
But the Jews which believed not,.... The Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, and Syriac versions leave out the words, "which believed not"; but whether this character is expressed or not, it is certain that the unbelieving Jews are here intended: moved with envy; at the success of the apostles, many of their own people and of their proselytes, and some of the better sort being...