Unexpected answer

… they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26 KJV)

Based on this example, I can be called a Christian. I assemble with a number of people several times a week, I teach a class on Sundays. However, the Bible teaches me that there is a bit more to becoming a Christian.

We learn from questions a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. (Luke 18:18-23 KJV)

The young man was not ready for Christ’s answer. He did not recognize Christ’s divinity. He had kept the law. He was not ready to do as Peter, Andrew, Matthew and the others – give up their all and follow Christ into heaven.

We also learn from a jailer who went to Paul and Silas And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30)

He wasn’t told to sell all he had and give it to the poor. So why was it so important that the certain ruler do so?

I think the line “… distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven:” tells us where the ruler’s treasures were.

Note also which commandments Christ listed in verse 20. No where is it mentioned that the ruler kept the first and greatest commandment, much less the next, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. (Luke 10:27)

We need to be reminded, and Paul does it so well, of the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)

So, take up your Bible and turn to Acts 16:31. Begin reading there, and continue in the word of God to learn what He has to share with you today. May God bless the reading of His word.