Don’t Grieve the Holy Spirit

They were filled with envy…Acts 13:45

Such was the reaction to the preaching of Paul and Barnabas in Antioch, Acts 13:14. The Sadducees had the same reaction to the preaching of Peter and the other apostles, Acts 5:17. The Greek word translated envy or jealousy, literally means zealous. A zeal which moves a person to jealousy; a contentious indignation. More than just a sports fan. A fan who becomes violent.

The more the apostles preached the more people responded in faith to the gospel. Synagogue attendance grew. For the local rabbis, times were good. But then the local synagogues were being filled by God-fearing Gentiles. What was once a ‘members-only’ club was now open to the public. Like a private golf club allowing the public to their facilities. Traditional rules were being violated.

To the Jew who knew and understood the Scriptures, the addition of Gentile converts was expected. So, on the surface, the preaching of the gospel was good. They were expecting the Messiah; beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news, Isaiah 52:7. Jesus preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom was not objectionable; it was expected. But Jesus was not the Messiah they expected.

At first, the mixture of Jewish believers and Gentile believers was welcomed; it was good. Maybe not so good to those whose prominence was being threatened, but to the common person—good. Soon, when the synagogues were becoming over-run by Gentiles, zeal turned to jealousy. 

The church should prepare itself for a repeat of history. As the gospel of God turns more and more hearts toward Jesus, more and more people will crowd into churches. Those churches who have a ‘members-only’ attitude will have to adapt. As people come to Jesus after they realize the choices they made came with really bad consequences they will need fellowship. We cannot allow our passion for the church to hinder the work of the Spirit.