Matthew 18:1

Translations

Modern

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Traditional

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Literal

In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greater in the kingdom of the heavens?”

Latin

In illa hora accesserunt discipuli ad Jesum, dicentes: Quis, putas, major est in regno cælorum?

Original

Greek

English

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Notes

Matthew 18:1

At that time: Matthew connects the disciples' questions to the earlier teaching about the temple. The disciples started to think their new freedom from Jewish authority gave them their own authority.

Jesus had also spoken about special revelations (Matthew 11:25–27; 13:11–17) and about leadership roles (10:2–4; 19:28). This may have caused jealousy and arguments about power among the disciples. Their disputes may have centered on the importance of Peter (17:25) or the special place of Peter, James, and John (17:1–3).

Matthew 18:1–35

This fourth major teaching in Matthew (see study note on Matthew 5:1–7:29) focuses on how people responded to the Messiah. The disciples accepted him, while the Jewish leaders and most people did not. As this division increased, Jesus taught his disciples about community life.

To follow the standards of Jesus, a community should live with:

humility (18:1–5),
sensitivity (18:6–9),
compassion (18:10–14),
discipline (18:15–18), and
forgiveness (18:21–35).

Like the other teachings, a closing statement (19:1–2) connects to the next section.

Theme notes and profiles

Pride and Humility

Events

Teachings on Humility/Temptation/Reconciliationc. AD 29

Related verses

Mark 9:33–37
Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”
Luke 9:46–48
Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
Matthew 20:20–28
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
Luke 22:24–27
A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest.
Matthew 23:11
The greatest among you shall be your servant.
Mark 10:35–45
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and declared, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”
Mark 10:14–15
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
Matthew 7:21
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Matthew 3:2
…and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Parallels

Mark 9:33–41 Luke 9:46–50

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Gospel of Matthew

Topics

Ambition: Christ Condemns Children Being a Blessing Jesus, the Christ: Reproves the Ambition of his Disciples (At Capernaum) Jesus, the Christ: Secular Notions Concerning the Kingdom of Penny: A Denarius Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning

Matthew 18:1

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