Resistance from the Church:
Over the years, Antonides became increasingly critical of the church. Wumkes (1949) says: "He frankly declares that there is much sin within it. He exposes the knots of ungodliness, the bonds of the law that must be loosed, a remnant of the Antichrist." He upholds the universal priesthood of the faithful. He disapproves of the elders being curtailed in their proper right and not being allowed to speak as if taught by Jehovah.
De Witte (2010) says: "Following his devotion to Cocceius' ideas, he came into conflict with the orthodox opinions of the Church at that time. His "Book of Job," for example, was considered far too mystical, and
even worse were the opinions on his book "Pronouncement on the Letters of the Holy Apostle James."
Antonides increasingly advocated for a freer worship service and more prophetic preaching.
He knew that his attitude and statements would have consequences. Wumkes (1949) says about this: "He knows how to say bold things with this and has a premonition that this will not go unpunished."
A veritable storm raged against Antonides. He had to justify himself several times to the church. Ultimately, a middle path was found. Wumkes (1949) says about this: "...but out of respect and piety for the author, they requested the synod to act not strictly, but gently, for his salvation."
This culminated in a sermon: "...on the parable of the vineyard (Matt. 21: 33-46) in which he was ordered to declare, in connection with earlier less favorable statements, that the preaching service was a divine institution".