Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 13:4 (Winter 1970)
Article: Economics In The Gospels And Acts
Author: Larry R. Thornton

CenQ 13:4 (Winter 1970) p. 26

Economics In The Gospels And Acts

Third In A Series

Larry R. Thornton

Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Minneapolis

The first article in this series examined direct teachings of Christ which indicate economic attitudes and principles. The second article set forth teaching concerning economics in the parables of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this article other economic teaching of the Gospels that was not spoken by Christ will first be presented, and then the economic implications evident in the book of Acts.

Economics In The Gospels

Compared to the direct teaching of Christ on economics as found in the Gospels, the material on the subject of wealth and its use written under inspiration by the Gospel writers is very little. Since Christ spoke so much on that theme, they may have been led to cover other subjects pertinent to their purpose of writing. Although this is true, there are a few Scriptures in the Gospel that bear on the subject of material possessions and their use.

Money To Conceal Truth

Amazing as it is, the chief priests and the Pharisees remembered and understood that Christ claimed that He would rise from the dead the third day (Matt. 27:62–66). Over and over Christ had instructed His disciples of His resurrection, but they seemed as deaf men. Recalling this claim of Jesus of Nazareth, the religious leaders had guards posted that no one might steal His body and then claim that He rose again. The text indicates that more than the usual guard of four were stationed at the tomb; it appears to have been sixty men. At His resurrection, those watching or guarding the tomb were so frightened by the angel’s appearance that they became as dead men (Matt. 28:2–4). After this event they must have

CenQ 13:4 (Winter 1970) p. 27

collected their senses and fled to their superiors to report what had happened (Matt. 28:11). When the report had been heard by the elders of Israel, counsel was given to pay the soldiers to lie. The bribe paid was equal to many days’ wages.

They were to say that Christ’s disciples had stolen Him away while they slept. Soldiers who slept while on watch were usually put to death; therefore, the elders assured the soldiers of safety should this come to the ears of the governor (Matt. 28:13–15). This lie was spread abroad among the Jews. Matthew writes that it existed until “this day.” E. Schuyler English writes: “How can they believe such a tale? In the first place, the punishment for ...