What They Did With Their Wealth
The Word in Life Study Bible, New Testament Edition, (Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville; 1993), p. 118
Most of Jesus' followers were not wealthy, but a few notable ones, like Joseph of Arimathea (v. Person What They Did With Their Wealth Lessons to Be Learned Zacchaeus the tax collector Before faith, cheated citizens and abused the poor. (1) Ill gotten gain must be repaid. Joseph of Arimathea Pre-paid his own funeral (3) Forsaking treasures on earth for the kingdom will be rewarded Women supporters of Christ Supported Jesus' work (4) Generosity characterizes those who follow Jesus. Roman centurion who believed. Showed kindness toward the Jews. (5) When we love people it shows in the things we do and the projects we support. Rich young ruler Unwilling to part with his wealth when tested by Jesus (6) Those who cling to wealth have difficulty getting into the kingdom. Philemon ( Owned slaves and other property. Joseph, called Barnabas Sold land and gave the proceeds to believers. (10) Partnership in the Gospel may mean putting your money where believers hurt. Ananias & Sapphira Sold land and tried to deceive the church about the proceeds to gain a reputation (11) God is not fooled by gracious appearances but sees the heart and acts accordingly. Rich Christians written about by James ( Exploited the tendency of some to cater to them because of their wealth. (12) God favors those who are rich in faith; they will inherit the kingdom. Lydia ( Hosted the first church in Europe in her home. (13) We should use our resources and homes to accomplish God's purposes. Cornelius the Centurion Generous to the poor. (14) Fear of God should prompt us to admit our own need for a Savior. The Ethiopian Treasurer Nurtured his belief in God by traveling to Jerusalem. (15) Stewardship of money and study of Scriptures go hand in hand&md;as do business trips and worship services. Simon the Sorcerer Longed for spiritual power and thought it could be bought and sold. (16) The gifts of God cannot be bought. Your checkbook is a diary of your values. God calls believers to be compassionate, merciful, and just to all. Does your checkbook reflect such values? Does it show a pattern of godly concern for people?
(
After faith, repented and made restitution.
(2) God saves and changes us&md;all the way down to our pocketbooks.
(
Sonated his tomb for the burial of Jesus
(
Assisted in His burial (probably donated expensive perfume).
(
Paid for the building of a synagogue.
Showed compassion for his ill servant.
(
(7) Righteousness cannot be earned, but must be received as a gift.
(8) "Many who are first will be last, and the last first."
Forgave a runaway slave, both morally and financially.
(
(
Dragged other believers into court and slandered Jesus' name.
(
Sought out Peter concerning the faith.
(
Invited Philip to explain more about the faith.