Verses 44-45
One reason for the unsaved Jews’ antagonism was the large crowd that Paul’s message attracted. Jealousy, rather than the Holy Spirit, filled and controlled these unbelieving Jews and again led to persecution (cf. Acts 5:17).
"Knowing (as we unfortunately do) how pious Christian pew-holders can manifest quite un-Christian indignation when they arrive at church on a Sunday morning to find their places occupied by rank outsiders who have come to hear a popular visiting preacher, we can readily appreciate the annoyance of the Jewish community at finding their synagogue practically taken over by a Gentile congregation on this occasion." [Note: Bruce, Commentary on . . ., p. 281.]
"The majority of the Jews, including undoubtedly the leaders of the Jewish community, were apparently unwilling to countenance a salvation as open to Gentiles as it was to Jews." [Note: Longenecker, p. 429. Cf. Blaiklock, p. 106.]
Another reason for the Jews’ hostile reaction was that, like other Jews elsewhere, most of the Jews in Antioch did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. They were "blaspheming" by saying that He was not.
Be the first to react on this!
