The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them [Paul and Barnabas] preach the word of the Lord. But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said. [Acts 13.44-45]
There is an interesting fact found in the verses above. The Jews weren't necessarily in disagreement with Paul's and Barnabas' preaching as much as they were just jealous.
The Jews were proud and arrogant and therefore could not stand the idea of someone else drawing large crowds (obviously more so than the Jews drew).
Motives need to be considered.
The number one motive to be on alert for is pride.
Pride is the root of jealousy.
I think it is safe to say that every sin finds it root in pride. That must certainly be why pride is at the top of God's list of things He hates!
Father, help me - help us - to be constantly on alert for pride in our lives!
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