When the Jews saw that the apostles were successful in obtaining large congregations; that many were accepting their doctrines—among them the leading women of the city, and multitudes of Gentiles—they were filled with envy and jealousy. These Jews were not then in favor with the Roman power, because they had raised an insurrection in the metropolis not long previous to this time. They were regarded with suspicion, and their liberty was, in a measure, restricted. They now saw an opportunity to take advantage of circumstances to re-establish themselves in favor, and, at the same time, to throw reproach upon the apostles and the converts to Christianity.{LP 84.2}

Da jøderne så at apostlen havde succes med at samle store forsamlinger: da mange antog deres lære - iblandt dem var byens ledende kvinder og hedningeskarer - blev de fyldt af skinsyge og misundelse. Disse jøder var ikke yndet af den romerske magt, fordi de havde gjort opstand i hovedsædet for ikke så lang tid siden. Der blev set med foragt på dem, og deres frihed var i meget indskrænket. Nu så de en anledning til at udnytte situationen og genoprette sit gode ry, og samtid bringe vanry over apostlen og de nyomvendte kristne.