Topical Encyclopedia Murmuring, in the biblical context, refers to the act of grumbling, complaining, or expressing discontent, often in a subdued or secretive manner. This behavior is frequently addressed in Scripture, particularly in relation to the followers of Jesus Christ, the Disciples, who faced murmuring from various groups during their ministry.Biblical Instances of Murmuring Against the Disciples 1. Murmuring by the Pharisees and Scribes: The religious leaders of the time often murmured against Jesus and His disciples. In Luke 5:30 , it is recorded, "But the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against His disciples, saying, 'Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?'" This murmuring stemmed from the disciples' association with those considered unclean or sinful by the religious elite, challenging the prevailing social and religious norms. 2. Murmuring Among the Jews: In John 6:41-43 , the Jews murmured about Jesus' teachings, particularly His claim to be the "bread that came down from heaven." Jesus addressed their murmuring directly, saying, "Stop grumbling among yourselves." This instance highlights the resistance and skepticism faced by Jesus and His followers as they proclaimed the Gospel. 3. Murmuring Within the Early Church: Acts 6:1 describes a situation where murmuring arose within the early Christian community: "In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenistic Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food." This internal murmuring prompted the apostles to appoint deacons to ensure fair distribution and maintain unity within the church. Theological Implications Murmuring against the disciples often reflected a deeper spiritual resistance to the transformative message of the Gospel. It revealed the tension between the new covenant established through Christ and the established religious traditions. The disciples, as representatives of Christ, faced opposition not only from external sources but also from within the burgeoning Christian community. Murmuring as a Spiritual Challenge From a theological perspective, murmuring is seen as a challenge to faith and obedience. It often arises from a lack of understanding or acceptance of God's will and purposes. The murmuring against the disciples serves as a reminder of the human tendency to resist change and cling to familiar structures, even when confronted with divine truth. Response to Murmuring The biblical response to murmuring is rooted in patience, teaching, and the demonstration of God's love and truth. The disciples, following the example of Christ, addressed murmuring with clarity and compassion, seeking to correct misunderstandings and guide believers toward a deeper faith. The early church's response to internal murmuring, as seen in Acts 6, underscores the importance of practical solutions and leadership in maintaining unity and addressing grievances. In summary, murmuring against the disciples of Christ is a recurring theme in the New Testament, illustrating the challenges faced by early Christians in spreading the Gospel. It serves as a cautionary example of the obstacles to faith and the necessity of addressing discontent with wisdom and grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 7:2For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 5:30 Luke 6:2 Library Narrative Concerning the Prince of the Edessenes. Ananias and Sapphira. The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's The Seven Deacons Acts v. 34 Rejoicing in the Lord The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ... Acts VI "We must Increase, but I must Decrease. " Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ Resources What is glossolalia? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the flesh? | GotQuestions.org Who was Korah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Murmuring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Murmuring of Israelites Against Moses Murmuring: Against: Disciples of Christ Murmuring: Against: Ministers of God Murmuring: Against: The Service of God Murmuring: Against: The Sovereignty of God Murmuring: Characteristic of the Wicked Murmuring: Guilt of Encouraging Others In Murmuring: Jews, Against Jesus Murmuring: Unreasonableness of Related Terms |