Who is least in the kingdom of heaven
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No doubt Paul considered himself the least but that is not whom Jesus was refering to though. The least in the kingdom that Jesus was talking about are those who are new in the faith and are like little children.
Mark 10:15 (KJV)
[sup]15 [/sup]Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Matthew 10:42 (KJV)
[sup]42 [/sup]And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Little
Greek Word: μικρός
Transliteration: mikros
Phonetic Pronunciation: mik-ros'
Root: apparently a primary word
Cross Reference: TDNT - 4:648,593
Part of Speech: adj
Vine's Words: Least, Less, Little, Small
including the comparative mikroteros, mik-rot'-er-os; apparently a primary word; small (in size, quantity, number or (figurative) dignity) :- least, less, little, small.
— Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
Let's try this again.
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
(1Co 15:9-10)
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
(Eph 3:8-9)
Less than the Least of all the saints and least of the apostles.
Where else in Scripture is someone nominated 'least' of all the saints and/or least of the apostles? Are you making a case of hyperbole? Of Scripture contradicting itself or sending mixed messages? I think the two verses stand to be read as they are printed.
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
(1Co 15:9-10)
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
(Eph 3:8-9)
Less than the Least of all the saints and least of the apostles.
Where else in Scripture is someone nominated 'least' of all the saints and/or least of the apostles? Are you making a case of hyperbole? Of Scripture contradicting itself or sending mixed messages? I think the two verses stand to be read as they are printed.
Prentis
New Member
I would not say Paul is not the greatest in the Kingdom, he also says that he labored more greatly then all the others (yet not him, but the grace of God in him). But he labored so for the same Master, and the same Gospel. 
Also, it is a principle that to be great in the kingdom, one must become the servant of all.
Also, it is a principle that to be great in the kingdom, one must become the servant of all.
I would not say Paul is not the greatest in the Kingdom, he also says that he labored more greatly then all the others (yet not him, but the grace of God in him). But he labored so for the same Master, and the same Gospel.
Also, it is a principle that to be great in the kingdom, one must become the servant of all.
Paul was being humble when he said he is the least but does not mean that he was the least in the kingdom. Jesus said we will be rewarded according to our works, so Paul's reward will be great in God's kingdom. The least in the kingdom are those who are new believers.
to the question? JESUS is the answer. :blink:
No, Jesus is not the least.....He is the greatest......He is King of kings.
Nomad
Post Tenebras Lux
Something Jesus says just two chapters away could possibly shed some light on his meaning.
Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
Mat 13:17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
Many think that Jesus refers to the average post resurrection, post Pentecost, believer who is now privileged to have and to preach the good news of redemption completed in Christ. This is something that Israel and her prophets could only see darkly in obscure prophesies and in the types and shadows of the Mosaic sacrificial /
ceremonial system.
You are correct. John the Baptist who was the greatest prophet because he had the privilege of announcing Jesus, but those who came after John was and is able to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. The disciples as soon as they received the Holy Spirit went out and preached the good news.
Nomad
Post Tenebras Lux
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