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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Boasting: The Disciples</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/naves/b/boasting--the_disciples.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/luke/10-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/b/boasting.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Boasting</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/b/boasting--spiritual.htm" title="Boasting: Spiritual">◄</a> Boasting: The Disciples <a href="/topical/b/boastings.htm" title="Boastings">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#nav" title="Nave's Topical Index">Nave's</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Boasting, as a concept, is addressed throughout the Bible, often with a cautionary tone. Within the context of the disciples of Jesus Christ, boasting is depicted as a human frailty that can lead to misunderstanding and spiritual immaturity. The disciples, like all humans, were not immune to the temptation of boasting, and their experiences serve as instructive examples for believers.<br><br><b>Instances of Boasting Among the Disciples</b><br><br>1. <b>The Request of James and John</b>: In <a href="/mark/10-35.htm">Mark 10:35-37</a>, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus with a bold request: "Teacher," they said, "we want You to do for us whatever we ask." Jesus asked them what they wanted, and they replied, "Let one of us sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory." This request can be seen as a form of boasting, as they sought positions of honor and authority, revealing a misunderstanding of the nature of Christ's kingdom.<br><br>2. <b>Peter's Declaration of Loyalty</b>: Peter, often seen as the most outspoken of the disciples, made a bold declaration of his loyalty to Jesus. In <a href="/matthew/26-33.htm">Matthew 26:33</a>, Peter said, "Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will." This statement, while well-intentioned, was a form of boasting in his own strength and commitment. Jesus, knowing Peter's human frailty, responded by predicting Peter's denial: "Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times" (<a href="/matthew/26-34.htm">Matthew 26:34</a>).<br><br>3. <b>The Dispute About Greatness</b>: The disciples also engaged in disputes about who among them was the greatest. In <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24</a>, it is recorded, "A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest." This argument reflects a boastful spirit, as each disciple sought to elevate himself above the others. Jesus addressed this by teaching them about true greatness, which is found in humility and service: "The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves" (<a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Luke 22:26</a>).<br><br><b>Jesus' Teaching on Boasting</b><br><br>Jesus consistently taught His disciples about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. In <a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a>, He stated, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This principle was a cornerstone of His teaching, emphasizing that boasting and self-exaltation are contrary to the values of the Kingdom of God.<br><br><b>Paul's Reflection on Boasting</b><br><br>The Apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve disciples, provides further insight into the issue of boasting. In <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>, Paul writes about his own weaknesses and the sufficiency of God's grace: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." Here, Paul redefines boasting, not as a declaration of personal strength, but as an acknowledgment of God's power working through human weakness.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>The disciples' experiences with boasting serve as a reminder of the human tendency to seek self-glorification. Through their interactions with Jesus, they learned that true greatness lies in humility, service, and reliance on God's strength rather than their own. These lessons continue to resonate with believers today, encouraging a life marked by humility and dependence on Christ.<a name="nav" id="nav"></a><div class="vheading2">Nave's Topical Index</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/10-17.htm">Luke 10:17</a></span><br>And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject to us through your name.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/10-20.htm">Luke 10:20</a></span><br>Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/origen/origens_commentary_on_the_gospel_of_john/24_christ_as_light_how.htm"><span class="l">Christ as Light; How He, and How his <b>Disciples</b> are the Light of <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> seeking the reason of this in the natural growth of these <b>disciples</b>, others inferring<br> it <b>...</b> And if the <b>boasting</b> of the saints is in their tribulations, since [4590 <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 christ as light how.htm</font><p><a href="/library/white/the_desire_of_ages/chapter_85_by_the_sea.htm"><span class="l">By the Sea once More</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Before the assembled <b>disciples</b> Jesus revealed the depth of Peter's repentance, and<br> showed how thoroughly humbled was the once <b>boasting</b> disciple. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 85 by the sea.htm</font><p><a href="/library/white/the_acts_of_the_apostles/lesson_8_before_the_sanhedrin.htm"><span class="l">Before the Sanhedrin</span></a> <br><b>...</b> one man who recognized the voice of God in the words spoken by the <b>disciples</b>. <b>...</b> For<br> before these days rose up Theudas, <b>boasting</b> himself to be somebody; to whom a <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 8 before the sanhedrin.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_john/tractate_lvii_john_chapter_xiii.htm"><span class="l">John Chapter xiii. 10-Jun (Continued), and Song of Sol. v. 2, 3</span></a> <br><b>...</b> to defile her feet in coming to Him who washed the feet of His <b>disciples</b>? <b>...</b> for any<br> man to hinder the entrance of some small measure of <b>boasting</b>, whereby the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lvii john chapter xiii.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_5_1859/faith_illustrated.htm"><span class="l">Faith Illustrated</span></a> <br><b>...</b> When Jesus sent forth his seventy chosen <b>disciples</b>, endowed with miraculous powers <b>...</b><br> subject to us," there was mingled much of self-congratulation and <b>boasting</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/faith illustrated.htm</font><p><a href="/library/irenaeus/against_heresies/chapter_xiv_if_god_demands_obedience.htm"><span class="l">If God Demands Obedience from Man, if He Formed Man, Called Him <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> where I am, there they also may be, that they may behold My glory;" [3962] not vainly<br> <b>boasting</b> because of this, but desiring that His <b>disciples</b> should share in <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiv if god demands obedience.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lardner/a_vindication_of_three_of_our_blessed_saviours_miracles/section_iii_conclusion.htm"><span class="l">Conclusion</span></a> <br><b>...</b> new proof given them to confirm their faith; studiously avoiding every thing, that<br> had any appearance of <b>boasting</b>. <b>...</b> Here he is talking with his own <b>disciples</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../section iii conclusion.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_john/tractate_cxxiii_john_chapter_xxi.htm"><span class="l">John Chapter xxi. 12-19.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> says, "the third time that Jesus showed Himself to His <b>disciples</b> after that <b>...</b> loving<br> themselves, and not Christ, from the desire either of <b>boasting</b>, or wielding <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxxiii john chapter xxi.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_saint_matthew/homily_xxxix_matt_xii_1.htm"><span class="l">Matt. xii. 1</span></a> <br><b>...</b> sort of persons, He would have turned His discourse to the <b>disciples</b>' suffering<br> from <b>...</b> when He had stopped their mouths, and had put down their <b>boasting</b>, then He <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxix matt xii 1.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_the_epistles_of_paul_to_the_corinthians/homily_xxii_2_cor_x.htm"><span class="l">2 Cor. x. 7</span></a> <br><b>...</b> we succeeded.' For it is probable that they having merely come to the <b>disciples</b><br> of the <b>...</b> able to come as far as to you, and that we stretched our <b>boasting</b> as far <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxii 2 cor x.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/pride-of-life.html">What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/virtue-signaling.html">What is virtue signaling? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Ephesians-2-8-9.html">What is the meaning of Ephesians 2:8? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/boasting.htm">Boasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/boasting.htm">Boasting</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/boasting_of_evil.htm">Boasting of Evil</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/boasting--ben-hadad.htm">Boasting: Ben-Hadad</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/boasting--general_scriptures_concerning.htm">Boasting: General Scriptures Concerning</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/boasting--goliath.htm">Boasting: Goliath</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/boasting--sennacherib.htm">Boasting: Sennacherib</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/boasting--spiritual.htm">Boasting: Spiritual</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/boasting--the_disciples.htm">Boasting: The Disciples</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/boasts.htm">Boasts (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/ill-founded.htm">Ill-founded (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/arrogancy.htm">Arrogancy (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/boasting.htm">Boasting (42 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/orderly.htm">Orderly (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/well-founded.htm">Well-founded (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/insolence.htm">Insolence (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/futile.htm">Futile (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/reduce.htm">Reduce (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/effect.htm">Effect (173 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/effectual.htm">Effectual (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/babble.htm">Babble (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/arrogance.htm">Arrogance (30 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nought.htm">Nought (104 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mount.htm">Mount (311 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rejoicing.htm">Rejoicing (90 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/congregation.htm">Congregation (347 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mock.htm">Mock (43 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/simon.htm">Simon (75 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mocked.htm">Mocked (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rebuke.htm">Rebuke (77 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/idle.htm">Idle (33 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/accomplish.htm">Accomplish (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/accomplished.htm">Accomplished (64 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rejoice.htm">Rejoice (259 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/ashamed.htm">Ashamed (131 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/proud.htm">Proud (96 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter (181 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/b/boasting--spiritual.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Boasting: Spiritual"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Boasting: Spiritual" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/b/boastings.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Boastings"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Boastings" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' 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