Jealousy
The dictionary defines “jealous” or “jealousy” as: 1. Fearful or wary of being supplanted; apprehensive of loss of position or affection. 2. Resentful or bitter in rivalry; envious.
What were the events which gave the reasons for jealousy on the parts of the high priest, the Sadducees and other religious leaders?
The followers of Christ were teaching and preaching about the Lord Jesus Christ and they healed the many sick and those tormented by evil spirits who were brought to them in Jerusalem. (Acts 5:12-16) The apostles attracted the crowds and many of those people became committed followers of Christ.
The high priest and his associates “were filled with jealousy.”
Jealousy seeks to control and even imprison those they are against by their jealous resentment, bitter rivalry and envy. The Jewish leaders were fearful of being replaced and losing their position of authority and the affection and respect of the people.
So what did these jealous religious leaders do? They arrested the apostles and put them in jail. (Acts 5:18)
What did God do?
(NASB) Acts 5:19 “But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said,
20 ‘Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.’
21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach…”
How did the apostles respond to God’s message? They obeyed, immediately!
How do you respond to God’s message to you through a Biblically based sermon or teaching, or from your study of the Holy Bible?
Then what happened?
(NASB) Acts 5:21-25 “…Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council (the Sanhedrin) together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought.
22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported back,
23 saying, ‘We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside.’
24 Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this.
25 but someone came and reported to them, ‘The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!’
Jealousy is not to be a part of our attitudes toward anyone…jealousy is an act of the sinful nature and we are warned that those whose actions prove their jealousy will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
~ Take it to heart ~
The followers of Christ are not to fear jealous actions of others…
we are to obey God’s message to us.