Economics In The Epistles -- By: Larry R. Thornton
Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 14:2 (Summer 1971)
Article: Economics In The Epistles
Author: Larry R. Thornton
CenQ 14:2 (Summer 1971) p. 2
Economics In The Epistles
Fourth part, concluding a series:
Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Minneapolis
The four Gospels present the person and work of Christ historically, eventuating in the Savior’s death, resurrection and ascension. In the Acts the result of these historical events is traced in the founding and growth of the church. In the epistles the doctrinal revelation and theological significance of all these events is expounded. The Epistles explain the principles of the new religion. They correct errors that were appearing in the church. They apply the principles of this new religion to various questions of personal, domestic, community, and church life. But everything goes back to Christ and what He had done for men and what He means for human life.
Because of its epistolary nature and for convenience, the book of Revelation will be dealt with also in this study. Since the epistles are, in a sense, a commentary on the doctrinal revelation and theological significance of the events in the Gospels and Acts, it is exceedingly profitable to study them for more light on the subject of economics.
Providing For One’s Own
Work is a blessing to man even though its condition was altered some by the effects of the fall. The example of Jesus Christ as the carpenter of Nazareth maintains the dignity of work. He also gave an example of providing for one’s own when He provided a home for His mother with the beloved disciple. Nowhere in the Word of God is slothfulness commended. In writing to the Romans, Paul sets forth the Christian temperament in all duties as that of zeal or strenuous energy in the execution of a task (Rom. 12:11). This zeal should be expressed with relation to work also.
Work is a solemn responsibility, yet through it one may achieve a sense of satisfaction. Richardson illustrates: “There were once three stone cutters at work. A stranger approached the first stone cutter and said.
CenQ 14:2 (Summer 1971) p. 3
What are you doing, my friend?’ The reply came rather sharply, ‘Cutting stone, can’t you see?’ To the second he put the same question, to which the stone cutter answered with scarcely a smile. ‘I’m making a living.’ When the question came to the third man, he looked up with dedication in his eye and radiance on his face, and in reverent tones he replied, ‘I’m building a cathedral.’ He knew what it meant to work, but he also knew what it meant to work with a purpose.”
Work and its purpose are considered in the following verses, all from the pen of Paul, divinely inspired.
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