Scripture - Acts 13:45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.

Observation - while in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas went into the synagogue and taught about Jesus. Most were very interested in what they had to say, which led to Acts 13:44, On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. A huge turnout took place. The Jews responded by 1) being jealous; and 2) talking abusively against what Paul was saying.

I'm not sure about the spiritual state of the Jews in Antioch prior to Paul's arrival, but I expect it wasn't a time of spiritual revival. Record numbers weren't showing up at the synagogue. Those who were showing up did so out of religious faithfulness. Being the only "show in town" allowed the movement to trudge along without any competition, and then Paul showed up.

Application - Personally, I am challenged in three areas:

1. Is there something life-giving going on in "my synagogue." If there is, people will verify it with their attendance. There is no replacement for a life-giving movement. This is not accomplished by activity or programs, but with the Presence of God and the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
2. Am I jealous when I see other people successful? If I am it's probably because 1) I recognize that their is something lacking "in my synagogue" and yet I am not doing the right things to correct it; 2) I am attempting to build my own Kingdom instead of His and I have to be territorial to protect it; 3) I am bitter about my own lack of personal success; 4) I've failed to recognized what a blessing it is to have additional (that God is sending) to help to accomplish the same task that I cannot accomplish on my own.
3. Do I talk abusively about others when I experience numbers 1 & 2? If so, it is my attempt to chop them down to my level or to impede their success. This is easier than sprinting to catch up to their speed or striving to grow.

I've experienced this from both sides and have watched it take place in communities time and time again. Having a Paul & Barnabas show up in our town on the Christian scene is a good thing! They play for the same team. We do have the same goals. Their success will impact what's going on in our synagogue if we allow it to. There are things we can learn from them. We don't have to get in trouble with God by becoming jealous or maligning others!

Prayer - Lord, help me to be successful, but help others around me to be successful as well. Clearly, we need each other!