A passionate ardour for any person or cause. There are various kinds of zeal; as,
1. An ignorant zeal, Romans 10:2; Romans 3:1-31 :
2. A persecuting zeal, Philippians 3:6 .
3. A superstitious zeal, 1 Kings 18:1-46 : Galatians 1:14 .
4. An hypocritical zeal, 2 Kings 10:16 .
5. A contentious zeal, 1 Corinthians 11:16 .
6. A partial zeal, Hosea 7:8 .
7. A temporary zeal, 2 Kings 12:1-21; 2 Kings 13:1-25 : Galatians 4:15-16 .
8. a genuine zeal, which is a sincere and warm concern for the glory of God, and the spiritual welfare of mankind. This is generally compounded of sound knowledge, strong faith, and disinterested regard; and will manifest itself by self-denial, patient endurance, and constant exertion.
The motives to true zeal are,
1. The divine command, Revelation 3:19 .
2. The example of Christ, Acts 10:38 .
3. The importance of the service of Christ.
4. The advantage and pleasure it brings to the possessor.
5. The instances and honourable commendation of it in the Scriptures: Moses, Phineas, Caleb, David, Paul, &c. Galatians 4:18 . Revelation 3:15 , &c. Titus 2:14 .
6. The incalculable good effects it produces on others, James 5:20 .
See Reynolds and Orton on Sacred Zeal; Evan's Christian Temper, ser. 37; Hughes's Sermon on Zeal; Mason's Christ. Mor. ser. 28.