Responding Edson Robis Rase - Did Joseph Smith Boast?

There is a statement from Joseph Smith where he discusses his own accomplishments in a way that has been characterized as boasting by some. Here is the complete statement:

"I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet."

This statement, given by Joseph Smith in May 1844, is found in the "History of the Church, Volume 6, page 408-409". It’s often referred to as the “King Follett Sermon” delivered shortly before his martyrdom. Joseph Smith’s comment can be viewed in several ways: some see it as inappropriate while others view it as a declaration of his confidence in his divinely assigned mission and a reflection on the loyalty and steadfastness of the Latter-day Saints compared to the early Christian disciples.

Scriptural Insights
From a scriptural perspective, Latter-day Saints believe that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet to restore the fullness of Jesus Christ’s gospel and lead the Church in the latter days. Prophets in scriptures, both in the Bible and Book of Mormon, often made strong statements to emphasize the importance or divine nature of their missions. For example, Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal with boldness (1 Kings 18), and Nephi in the Book of Mormon declared his faithfulness in keeping the commandments (1 Nephi 4:1). And some other passage like Paul's message something misunderstood by others boasting (2 Corinthians 11:23-33) -

23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Thank God, it's not me! - Paul to Corinth

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; - 1 Corinthians 1:14

Did just Paul boast for not baptizing maybe because the standard wasn't keep? Or maybe he is boasting too much of his own successful mission?

After a short passage, you could see Paul stating his self-righteous approach in telling everyone or the reader about his mission or call.

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. - 1 Corinthians 1:17

For informations of the said characters -

Crispus and Gaius are two individuals mentioned in the New Testament during the early Christian period.

Crispus: He was the ruler of the synagogue at Corinth and converted to Christianity by Paul's teachings. According to Acts 18:8, Crispus believed in the Lord along with his entire household, and many Corinthians who heard Paul also believed and were baptized. His conversion is significant as it marks a moment when influential local leaders began accepting Christianity, which would have been encouraging for Paul and pivotal for the spread of the gospel in Corinth.

Gaius: Gaius is a common name in the New Testament, but one notable mention is in 1 Corinthians 1:14 where Paul mentions baptizing Gaius, which indicates his close connection with the Corinthian church. Gaius was likely a prominent member of the church in Corinth, and his house may have served as a meeting place for believers. Paul also refers to another Gaius in Romans 16:23, describing him as "host to me and to the whole church." He was well-regarded for his hospitality towards Paul and other Christians.

• Does this suggest that the two individuals were incorrect in baptizing converts, while Paul is asserting that his choice not to baptize anyone is the correct approach?
• Does it sounds like Paul is Boasting his mission to preach comparing those who baptized people in Corinth?

In 1 Corinthians 1:14-17 where Paul discusses baptism. He's not criticizing the act of baptizing itself or those who performed baptisms, but rather emphasizing that the focus should not be on who is doing the baptizing, but on the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul highlights that his primary mission was to preach the Gospel, and he's trying to prevent any divisions or contentions arising from followers claiming allegiance to specific leaders because they were baptized by them. Essentially, Paul is pointing out that it doesn't matter who performs the baptism; what matters is the unity of the faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Moving on, in Doctrine and Covenants 127:2, Joseph Smith reflects on his trials and tribulations but remains steadfast in his divine appointment, showing that despite his bold words, he recognized the source of his strength and the foundation of his mission.

It may sound awkward while reading it as it is, but we may never knew what's behind it after how it was delivered during Joseph's time. Basing upon commentary without understanding the context of the history could leads you to be easily mislead and fooled with some antagonist who's only collecting it for criticism.

Analysis and Comparison

Relational Dynamics: Like Paul, Joseph Smith, is positioned against a backdrop of skepticism and potential accusations of pride or self-serving motives. However, the focus of their "boasting" is on magnifying their callings and glorifying God, not themselves but the work of God through him.

The Role of Opposition: Each faced significant opposition—Paul from other preachers and philosophers, Joseph Smith from those both inside and outside his fledgling church, and Alma/Ammon from the rigid societal and religious structure of the Nephites and later the Lamanites. Their strong statements serve to reinforce their resilience and the validity of their divine commission.

Purpose of Strong Declarations: In all these scenarios, strong declarations underscore their unwavering commitment to God’s cause and the imperative of continuing His work despite personal risks or misinterpretation by others.

To sum up: While at first glance, expressions from these leaders might seem self-focused, they are contextualized as defenses of and testimonies to the power and glory of God’s work and not their own achievements. They teach us about the appropriateness of proclaiming God's works and our joy or pride in being part of that divine plan, always keeping the glory directed towards God.