Yes, St. Paul's preaching often provoked anger and opposition. Here's a breakdown of why:
* Challenging Existing Beliefs: Paul preached a message that contradicted the prevailing beliefs of both Jews and Gentiles. He proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, a concept many Jews rejected, and urged the Gentiles to turn away from their traditional gods, angering those who benefited from the pagan temples and practices.
* Economic Interests: In cities like Ephesus, Paul's preaching against idolatry threatened the livelihoods of those who made and sold idols, leading to riots.
* Social Disruptions: His message of equality in Christ challenged existing social hierarchies and norms, causing unrest.
* Accusations of Heresy: Jewish leaders often accused Paul of heresy and blasphemy, leading to his arrest and trials.
* Misunderstandings and Rumors: Paul's teachings were sometimes misunderstood or deliberately distorted by his enemies, fueling further animosity.
Therefore, it's accurate to say that St. Paul's preaching frequently stirred up anger and opposition from various groups of people.