Biography
Jason of Thessalonica
About Jason of Thessalonica
Jason welcomed Paul at Thessalonica. A crowd attacked his house; he and other Christians were brought before the magistrates, then released after providing security.
In his commentary on Romans, John Chrysostom identifies the Jason named among Paul’s companions with the man in Acts. He remembers Jason’s courage when he was dragged before the city’s rulers. This is an ancient interpretation linking the two passages.
Orthodox tradition remembers Jason as one of the Seventy Apostles and as bishop of Tarsus. In the account preserved by the Orthodox Church in America, he and Sosipater travel to Corfu, establish a church dedicated to Stephen, and preach there. Their imprisonment becomes the setting for the conversion of seven fellow prisoners. The story also includes the conversion and martyrdom of the ruler’s daughter, Kerkyra. It concludes with the two missionaries continuing their work under a ruler who accepted Christianity and living there into old age. These later traditions extend far beyond the short biblical episode; they do not establish exact dates for Jason’s birth or death. The OCA commemorates the group on April 28.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.