Topical Bible: Envy: Jews, of Paul and Barnabas

◄ Envy: Jews, of Paul and Barnabas ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Envy, a destructive and sinful emotion, is frequently addressed in the Scriptures as a vice that leads to discord and strife. In the context of the early Christian church, envy played a significant role in the opposition faced by the apostles, particularly Paul and Barnabas, during their missionary journeys. This entry explores the envy of the Jews towards Paul and Barnabas as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

The account of Paul and Barnabas in Pisidian Antioch provides a clear example of envy leading to opposition against the spread of the Gospel. After Paul and Barnabas preached in the synagogue, many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles followed them, eager to hear more about the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The following Sabbath, almost the entire city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. This overwhelming response incited envy among the Jewish leaders. Acts 13:45 states, "But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him."

The envy of the Jewish leaders was not merely a personal grievance but was rooted in a deeper concern over the influence and authority they perceived to be threatened by the burgeoning Christian movement. The large crowds and the acceptance of the Gospel by many Gentiles challenged the traditional Jewish understanding of God's covenant and their exclusive role as His chosen people. This envy led to active opposition, as the Jewish leaders sought to undermine the apostles' message and authority.

In Iconium, a similar pattern emerged. Paul and Barnabas spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. However, Acts 14:2 notes, "But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." Here, envy manifested in the form of inciting division and hostility, attempting to thwart the apostles' efforts to establish a unified community of believers.

The envy-driven opposition reached a climax in Lystra, where Jews from Antioch and Iconium followed Paul and Barnabas, persuading the crowds to turn against them. Acts 14:19 records, "Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead." This violent act underscores the extent to which envy can drive individuals to commit grievous acts against those perceived as threats.

Throughout these accounts, the envy of the Jews towards Paul and Barnabas serves as a cautionary tale of how unchecked jealousy can lead to the rejection of God's work and the persecution of His messengers. The apostles, however, remained steadfast in their mission, undeterred by the envy and hostility they faced. Their perseverance in the face of such opposition highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and the resilience required to overcome the challenges posed by envy and other sinful attitudes.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 13:45
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spoke against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 17:5
But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took to 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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Preaching among the Heathen
... of the message borne by the apostles, filled the unbelieving Jews with envy and
hatred, and they determined to stop the labors of Paul and Barnabas at once. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 18 preaching among the.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
... clothes." This was a custom of the Jews, at the ... to the Gentiles a good reason why
Paul and Barnabas ... many shocking displays of wrath, revenge, envy, and lust. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xv paul and barnabas.htm

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
... But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake ... Then
Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of ...
/.../jewish rejecters and gentile receivers.htm

Heralds of the Gospel
... to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled
with envy, and spake against those ... "Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 17 heralds of the.htm

Acts xiii. 42
... or conveyed through (it)." (d) "But the Jews stirred up ... the city, and raised persecution
against Paul and Barnabas ... They did not stop at "envy," but added deeds ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx acts xiii 42.htm

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
... to hear the Word of God; when the Jews saw the multitudes they were filled with
envy, and spake ... "Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said, It was necessary ...
/.../the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vii the parables exemplified.htm

Acts xi. 19
... Cyrene:" these, of all others, least cared for the Jews: "who spake ... are put in charge
with this trust, but here Paul and Barnabas ... But shall envy and the evil eye ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxv acts xi 19.htm

The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ...
... of course, not understand and appreciate Paul, but hated ... Envy and jealousy mixed
with their religious prejudice. ... Jerusalem to Antioch, and from the Jews to the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 34 the synod of.htm

Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. )
... dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was ... Paul had been inflamed
with envy on account of ... evil things peculiar to the Jews Paul had abandoned ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxv a d 404.htm

Paul in Jerusalem.
... Yet, without those emotions of envy which the superior excellence of others is so
apt. ... The believing Jews were, no doubt, convinced, that Paul was not ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxv paul in jerusalem.htm