Each MessageConsumer maintains its own buffer of messages (see prefetchSize in the documentation), which are prefetched from the queue/subscription before they are actually consumed. IIRC the prefetch size default is 150. So, if you have a consumer open and even if you haven't consumed any messages, 150 will have been removed from the queue, since they're not in the queue you won't be able to see them with listAllMessages (or browse them or any other similar methods). Probably you have less than 150 messages in your queue hence they've all been buffered and you see none. This has been discussed in depth on other threads....... View the original post : http://www.jboss.com/index.html?module=bb&op=viewtopic&p=4102901#... Reply to the post : http://www.jboss.com/index.html?module=bb&op=posting&mode=reply&a...