An Acts-ive Faith (Part 13)

Acts 13 Watch out for Jealousy

Acts 13:44, 45 The following Sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the message of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to oppose what Paul was saying by opposing him.

Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch and Paul spoke to the people at the synagogue. He spoke so well, that the people wanted to hear more so they were invited back for the next Sabbath.

Nearly everyone in the city gathered to hear them on that day. Verse 45 states that when the Jewish leaders say the size of the crowds, vicious jealousy filled their hearts and they rose up to oppose what Paul was teaching. They insulted him and argued with him about everything he said (TPT). They further stirred up a mob and ran them out of town (verse 50).

The Jewish leaders were so jealous that they could not hear what Paul was saying. They could not hear the offer of eternal life through Christ. They may have been fearful of losing influence. They may not have wanted Paul and Barnabas to be more popular than they were.

Yet, in their jealousy, they missed the opportunity to know Christ.

I know a woman in church who is honored with a ministry I would love to have. However, being jealous of her is not a good option! Spending time in jealousy, takes time away from my own focus on the Lord, and from developing my relationship with Him and doing what he calls me to do.

Jealousy can be repented of — then I can go forward, be blessed by the other woman’s ministry and develop my own relationship with the Lord and her, and develop my own ministry.

Prayer: Father, help me quickly repent of any jealous feelings I have. Have me focus on You and what you have called me to do. Amen.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.