The Apostles: Humility Urged Upon
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In the New Testament, the apostles are frequently urged to embody and teach the virtue of humility, a foundational aspect of Christian character. This emphasis on humility is rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate model of humility.

Jesus as the Model of Humility

The call to humility is exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In Philippians 2:5-8, the Apostle Paul writes, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." This passage highlights the profound humility of Christ, who, despite His divine nature, chose to serve and sacrifice for humanity.

Teachings of the Apostles on Humility

The apostles, following the example of Christ, consistently urged believers to practice humility. In 1 Peter 5:5-6, the Apostle Peter instructs, "Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you." Peter emphasizes the importance of humility in relationships within the Christian community and the promise of God's favor upon the humble.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently calls for humility among believers. In Ephesians 4:1-2, he writes, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." Paul underscores that humility is essential for maintaining unity and peace within the body of Christ.

Humility in Apostolic Leadership

The apostles themselves demonstrated humility in their leadership and ministry. In 1 Corinthians 15:9, Paul refers to himself as "the least of the apostles," acknowledging his past persecution of the church and expressing his unworthiness of the apostolic calling. This self-awareness and acknowledgment of God's grace are central to the apostolic understanding of humility.

Moreover, in Acts 20:19, Paul describes his ministry among the Ephesians, stating, "I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews." Here, Paul highlights the humility with which he approached his mission, serving God and others despite challenges and opposition.

The Apostolic Example of Humility

The apostles' lives and teachings serve as a testament to the importance of humility in the Christian faith. Their exhortations to humility are not merely theoretical but are grounded in their personal experiences and the example set by Christ. Through their writings and actions, the apostles provide a blueprint for believers to follow, urging them to embrace humility as a vital component of their spiritual journey and communal life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 20:26,27
But it shall not be so among you: but whoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
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Mark 9:33-37
And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?
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Luke 22:24-30
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
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Library

Thus Far I have Made Answer About My Crimes, and Indeed in Defence ...
... crimes, which my crafty encomiast formerly urged against me ... Further, what sort of
humility is this, that a ... The Apostles prayed, "Lord increase our faith," and ...
/.../1 thus far i have.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... of it, they seem to have urged, was the ... but not to "willful worship, or voluntary
humility." The utmost ... who were contemporary with the apostles, set themselves ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... into the hearts of the young and urged upon them, in the ... that you may abide in the
grace of humility. ... Therefore, the apostles are accustomed to call Christians ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Christ Teaching Humility
... this lesson; or that he should have urged so strongly ... Gideon had learned the lesson
of humility before God made ... the most famous and useful of all the apostles. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching humility.htm

A Faithful Undershepherd
... The apostles exhorted the believers to study the Scriptures ... younger members of the
flock were urged to follow ... to another, and be clothed with humility: for God ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm

Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... Let pastors, like the apostles, go into all the world ... considerations, and a hundred
more, been urged upon you for ... is in it much appearance of humility and self ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vi claim of missions.htm

The External History of the Pelagian Controversy.
... of their own, in which they urged upon Innocent to ... and anathematizes those who assert
that the apostles' (1 John 1 ... sin is due only to their humility; those who ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/ii the external history of.htm

Philippians ii. 16-Dec
... guilty; as in leading them to humility he did ... is the consideration, which his friends
urged upon him; "Know ... who hear both Prophets and Apostles and Evangelists ...
/.../homily viii philippians ii 16-dec.htm

The Waldenses.
... on his way; but his appearance of humility, his sincerity ... When they had urged him
to accompany them to ... that crucified Christ and slew the apostles, the same ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /4 the waldenses.htm

The Waldenses
... on his way; but his appearance of humility, his sincerity ... When they had urged him
to accompany them to ... that crucified Christ and slew the apostles, the same ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 4 the waldenses.htm

Resources
What is an apostle? | GotQuestions.org

Is apostolic succession biblical? | GotQuestions.org

What is apostolic doctrine? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Apostles

Apostles: A Title Distinguishing the Twelve Disciples

Apostles: Authority of Commission of, Above

Apostles: Commission of

Apostles: Duties of Commission of, Above,

Apostles: Fail to Comprehend the Nature and Mission of Jesus

Apostles: False

Apostles: Forsake Jesus

Apostles: Inspiration of

Apostles: Miraculous Power Given To

Apostles: Moral State of, Before Pentecost

Apostles: Names of

Apostles: Selection of

Apostles: Slow to Receive Jesus, As Messiah

Apostles: Unlearned

The Apostles were Hated by the World

The Apostles were not of the World

The Apostles were Unlearned Men

The Apostles: Called by Christ

The Apostles: Called by God

The Apostles: Called by The Holy Spirit

The Apostles: Christ Always Present With

The Apostles: Christ Pre-Eminently Called "The Apostle"

The Apostles: Empowered to Work Miracles

The Apostles: Equal Authority Given to Each of

The Apostles: Guided by the Spirit Into all Truth

The Apostles: Humility Urged Upon

The Apostles: Instructed by the Spirit to Answer Adversaries

The Apostles: Mutual Love Urged Upon

The Apostles: Ordained by Christ

The Apostles: Persecutions and Sufferings of

The Apostles: Received Their Title from Christ

The Apostles: Saw Christ in the Flesh

The Apostles: Selected from Obscure Stations

The Apostles: Self-Denial Urged Upon

The Apostles: Sent First to the House of Israel

The Apostles: Sent to Preach the Gospel to all Nations

The Apostles: Specially Devoted to the office of the Ministry

The Apostles: The Holy Spirit Given To

The Apostles: Warned Against a Timid Profession of Christ

The Apostles: Witnesses of the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ

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The Apostles: Guided by the Spirit Into all Truth
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