Topical Bible: Murmuring: Disciples

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Topical Encyclopedia

Murmuring, in the biblical context, refers to the act of grumbling or complaining, often in a subdued or secretive manner. This behavior is frequently depicted in the Scriptures as a sign of discontent and lack of faith. Among the disciples of Jesus, murmuring is recorded as a response to difficult teachings and challenging circumstances.

Biblical Instances of Murmuring Among the Disciples

1. John 6:60-61: One of the most notable instances of murmuring among the disciples occurs after Jesus delivers a challenging teaching about being the Bread of Life. The Berean Standard Bible records, "On hearing it, many of His disciples said, 'This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?' Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus asked them, 'Does this offend you?'" This passage highlights the disciples' struggle to comprehend and accept the spiritual truths Jesus presented, leading to murmuring as a manifestation of their inner conflict.

2. Mark 9:33-34: Another instance is found when the disciples argue among themselves about who is the greatest. The BSB states, "They came to Capernaum. When He was in the house, He asked them, 'What were you discussing on the way?' But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about who was the greatest." Although not explicitly described as murmuring, the disciples' reluctance to speak openly about their dispute suggests a form of murmuring, characterized by secretive discontent and rivalry.

3. Matthew 20:24: After the request of James and John's mother for her sons to sit at Jesus' right and left in His kingdom, the other disciples express indignation. The BSB notes, "When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers." This reaction can be seen as a form of murmuring, as it reflects underlying jealousy and dissatisfaction with perceived favoritism.

Theological Implications

Murmuring among the disciples serves as a cautionary example of the human tendency to resist divine instruction and authority. It underscores the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, even when His ways are difficult to understand. The disciples' murmuring reveals their struggle with pride, ambition, and a lack of spiritual insight, which Jesus consistently addressed through teaching and correction.

Lessons for Believers

For contemporary believers, the murmuring of the disciples offers valuable lessons in humility, faith, and obedience. It encourages Christians to approach challenging teachings and situations with a heart open to understanding and growth, rather than resorting to grumbling or secretive discontent. By examining these biblical accounts, believers are reminded of the importance of aligning their attitudes with the teachings of Christ, fostering a spirit of unity and trust within the body of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 14:4,5
And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 6:61
When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said to them, Does this offend you?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

And Jesus Knew Within Himself that his Disciples were Murmuring ...
... The Text of the Diatessaron. Section XX. And Jesus knew within himself
that his disciples were murmuring because of? [1] [1402 ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xx and jesus knew.htm

True Children of God are True Disciples of Christ.
... hear it? But Jesus, knowing in Himself that His disciples were murmuring
at it, said to them, Doth this offend you? What and if ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 22 true children of god.htm

The Seven Deacons
... In those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring
of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 9 the seven deacons.htm

The Diatessaron of Tatian
... came unto them? Section XX. And Jesus knew within himself that his disciples
were murmuring because of? Section XXI. And Jesus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/

Acts VI
... (1) "Now, in those days, the disciples having multiplied, there arose a murmuring
of the Hellenist against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vi.htm

The Propagation of Christianity.
... in the first verse of the succeeding chapter, wherein we are told, that "when the
number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ix the propagation of.htm

Acts v. 34
... (v.41, 42.) And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,
there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv acts v 34.htm

Since the Book of the Acts Tells us that Seven Deacons were ...
... For the book of the Acts reads as follows: "In those days, when the number of the
disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring dissension of the Grecians ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xvi since the book.htm

The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's
... scowling Pharisee, 'And what has that to do with our charge against your disciples?'
when it ... Their murmuring came not from more religion, but from less love. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the pharisees sabbath and christs.htm

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose
a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm