Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 163:649 (Jan 2006)
Article: The Rich Young Ruler and Salvation
Author: Alan P. Stanley

BSac 163:649 (January-March 2006) p. 46

The Rich Young Ruler and Salvation

Alan P. Stanley

Alan P. Stanley is Lecturer in Biblical Studies, Mueller College of Ministries, Brisbane, Australia, and Pastor of Buderim Gospel Chapel, Sunshine Coast, Australia.

In response to the rich young ruler Jesus said, “Sell everything you have and give to the poor” (Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22).1 This is puzzling, but Jesus’ next words are even more unsettling: “and you will have treasure in heaven.” Not surprisingly then at least one commentator remarks, “No one can take comfort from this story; it is profoundly disturbing.”2

So what does this story have to teach believers today? The meeting was an evangelistic opportunity, since the ruler’s first words concern how he might have eternal life (Matt. 19:16; Mark 10:17; Luke 18:18). Does this story have anything to say about evangelism and the gospel? What about the man’s failure to heed Jesus’ call and sell his possessions? Though it has been argued that this failure resulted not in the absence of eternal life but the lack of discipleship,3 the tenor of the passage does not give this impression.4 One is clearly left with the sense that this “sad” (λυπούμενος, Matt. 19:22; Mark 10:22)5 ruler did not receive what he asked for because he did not like Jesus’ answer to his question.6

BSac 163:649 (January-March 2006) p. 47

Overview of Jesus’ Encounter with the Rich Young Ruler

The three Synoptic Gospels differ slightly in their record of the encounter between the rich young ruler7 and Jesus, but the story line is the same. A rich man asked Jesus8 how he could attain eternal life. Evidently the man was under the impression that he must do (ποιέω) something to guarantee that he would be resurrected with the righteous at the end of the age (cf. Dan. 12:2; You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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