But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "jealousy" here isn't just envy of popularity, but a fierce indignation that Gentiles were being welcomed as equals, a core tenet of their exclusive religious identity. Their response wasn't just disagreement, but a bitter attack ("blaspheming") against Jesus Himself, revealing their deep offense at the Gospel's inclusivity.
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Paul and Barnabas preached a powerful message, drawing large crowds of Gentiles who eagerly heard the good news, the local Jewish leaders grew intensely jealous. Seeing their own influence wane and their exclusive religious traditions challenged, they retaliated by openly opposing Paul's teaching, publicly contradicting him and speaking slanderously about Jesus. This hostile reaction would soon escalate, leading to their expulsion from the city.
The crowds were flocking to hear Paul, but this surge of people didn't bring joy to everyone. For some, success breeds a bitter, destructive emotion.
The original word used here, often translated as 'envy' or 'jealousy,' can also carry a sense of intense zeal or even wrathful indignation. This wasn't just a mild disappointment; it was a fierce reaction. These Jewish leaders saw the Gentiles, whom they considered separate from God's covenant people, being welcomed by Paul and Barnabas. Their 'zeal' ignited not for God's glory, but for their own perceived status and exclusivity. This intense emotion fueled their opposition, showing how easily zeal for tradition can curdle into something harmful when it's not rooted in love and truth.
When reasoned arguments fail, or when pride is wounded, words can quickly turn sharp and destructive. This is exactly what happened here.
The opposition wasn't passive; it was active and aggressive. The text says they began to 'contradict' what Paul was saying – directly opposing his message about Jesus. But it didn't stop there. They escalated to 'reviling,' which means speaking abuse, slandering, and uttering contemptuous insults. This wasn't a healthy debate; it was an attack on Paul's character and his message. It highlights a common human tendency: when people are enraged or feel threatened, they often resort to verbal aggression and character assassination rather than engaging with the truth.
Understand the original words
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zēlou · Greek Noun
An intense emotional response characterized by resentment toward the success or status of others. In the New Testament, it is frequently depicted as a destructive force that blinds people to the truth of the Gospel.
antelegon · Greek Verb
To speak against, oppose, or refute a statement. In a religious context, it often refers to the active resistance against apostolic teaching.
blasphēmountes · Greek Verb
To heap abuse or insults upon someone, particularly in an effort to demean or discredit them. It implies hostile, blasphemous speech intended to damage reputation or character.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
The pivotal event in Christian theology, the crucifixion of Jesus, marked the beginning of the movement whose spread the Jews in Acts 13 would later oppose.
c. 30-33 AD
Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus
Following Jesus' death, his followers proclaimed his resurrection, forming the core of their message and the catalyst for the early church's growth and subsequent conflict.
c. 33-47 AD
Early Spread of the Gospel
The gospel initially spread primarily within Jewish communities in Jerusalem and surrounding areas, with apostles like Peter and Paul converting both Jews and Gentiles.
c. 46-48 AD
First Missionary Journey of Paul
Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark embark on their first major mission, taking the gospel to regions like Cyprus and Asia Minor, leading to significant conversions but also increased opposition from some Jewish leaders.
c. 48 AD
Council of Jerusalem
A crucial council addressed whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law, affirming that salvation came through faith in Christ, not Mosaic observance. This decision fueled further division and opposition from strict Jewish factions.
c. 49-51 AD— this verse
Second Missionary Journey of Paul
Paul, accompanied by Silas, travels through Asia Minor and into Greece, facing mixed reactions. In Pisidian Antioch, as described in Acts 13, he preaches to large crowds, drawing intense jealousy and fierce opposition from local Jews who publicly contradict and revile him.
Paul addresses a similar situation where people who should be allies become enemies, speaking against him out of a misplaced zeal, mirroring the jealousy and opposition described in Acts.
Acts 18:6This passage shows the Jews in Corinth reacting with similar hostility, contradicting and blaspheming Paul's message, highlighting a recurring pattern of rejection and aggression.
Matthew 27:20The chief priests and elders stirred up the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to crucify Jesus, showing how religious leaders could incite opposition and violence against God's messengers and message.
John 15:18-19Jesus warns his disciples that the world will hate them because they are not of the world, a truth directly illustrated by the Jews' hatred and opposition to Paul and his message.
barnesActs 13:45: "But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming."
They were filled with envy - Greek: "zeal." The word here denotes "wrath in dignation," that such multitudes should be disposed to hear a message which they rejected, and which threatened to overthrow their religion. Spake against - Opposed the doctrine that Jesus was the Messiah; that the Messiah would be humble, lowly, despise…
gillActs 13:45: "But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming."
But when the Jews saw the multitudes,.... The vast number of people, the inhabitants of the city, the Gentiles, that were assembled together to hear the word. This must be understood of the unbelieving Jews, who came with no good design: they were filled with envy; at the Gentiles, that they should have the word equally preached…
The "jealousy" here isn't just envy of popularity, but a fierce indignation that Gentiles were being welcomed as equals, a core tenet of their exclusive religious identity. Their response wasn't just disagreement, but a bitter attack ("blaspheming") against Jesus Himself, revealing their deep offense at the Gospel's inclusivity.
After Paul and Barnabas preached a powerful message, drawing large crowds of Gentiles who eagerly heard the good news, the local Jewish leaders grew intensely jealous. Seeing their own influence wane and their exclusive religious traditions challenged, they retaliated by openly opposing Paul's teaching, publicly contradicting him and speaking slanderously about Jesus. This hostile reaction would soon escalate, leading to their expulsion from the city.
After Paul and Barnabas preached a powerful message, drawing large crowds of Gentiles who eagerly heard the good news, the local Jewish leaders grew intensely jealous. Seeing their own influence wane and their exclusive religious traditions challenged, they retaliated by openly opposing Paul's teaching, publicly contradicting him and speaking slanderously about Jesus. This hostile reaction would soon escalate, leading to their expulsion from the city.
"But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him." — The "jealousy" here isn't just envy of popularity, but a fierce indignation that Gentiles were being welcomed as equals, a core tenet of their exclusive religious identity. Their response wasn't just…
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Last reviewed October 2026