But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go. (Acts 17:5-9)
The Jews, not liking Roman rule, expected a savior who would defeat the Roman army in a majestic way. To satisfy the Jews, the Romans allowed Jewish leaders to have authority over the Jews. Now Paul and Silas come into town and threaten Jewish leadership by persuading Jews to leave the temple for Jason’s home church. The Jewish leaders were jealous and resorted to mob violence to get Roman officials to force Jason and the others to put up money as assurance that Paul would leave Thessalonica.
In the last election, both Republicans and Democrats resorted to mob violence to maintain or regain power.
It’s natural to want people who act and think like we do to be in power. When our party loses power, don’t we also become jealous? Do we complain when our party loses the election because we’re jealous of the other party or do we remain happy because we know that God is in control?
Father God, I praise you for being in authority. Help me not be a doormat and stand up for Biblical values in a loving way. When the enemy places jealous thoughts in my mind, help me recognize and remove them so I can continue spreading Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
I guess jealousy can lead to violence. I think that more often it leads to hard feelings that we hold within ourselves. In this particular Bible passage jealousy did lead to violence. Republicans and Democrats showed jealousy, which lead to violence. It is sad when people can’t talk things through and come to an agreement, or at least agree to disagree. Sometimes I feel that it isn’t jealousy, because jealousy becomes hate. This is something that we really need to pray about because our country is becoming broken because of jealousy and hate.
Well said. I totally agree. There is hope, though, since God is in control.