~1/30/25~
Pre-Nicene Christians
Ante-Nicene Fathers
What did they believe & practice?
When Jesus spoke about, “no one can serve two masters… God & mammon” (Mt. 6:24), what was His intention? Some scholars believe Jesus’ statement about two masters was originally a secular proverb like the Oriental saying, “No one can carry two melons in one hand”; and there are many other parallels in Plato, Philo, et al.
“Mammon” is simply the word for “prosperity” (& not always used in an evil sense). It is found in the Heb. text of Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 31:8: “Blessed is the rich person who is found blameless, & who does not go after gold.” This is the right attitude toward wealth. NO GREED. But these modern PPP are not of this class. Sirach 31:1-8 speaks of wealth, & the good, the bad, & the ugly side of it: “Wakefulness over wealth wastes away one’s flesh, & anxiety about it drives away sleep. Wakeful anxiety prevents slumber, & a severe illness carries off sleep. The rich person toils to amass a fortune, & when he rests he fills himself with his dainties. The poor person toils to make a meager living, & if ever he rests he becomes needy. One who loves gold will not be justified; one who pursues money will be led astray by it. Many have come to ruin becasue of gold, & their destruction has met them face to face. It is a stumbling block to those who are avid for it, & every fool will be taken captive by it,” vss.1-7, The New Oxford Annotated Bible, RSV.
Vss.8-11 tell us that few rich people are just!
What are we to think of 11:14, “Good things & bad, life & death, poverty & wealth, come from the Lord.”
I believe God can bless persons with wealth and they live soberly; others, like these modern PPP live like the devil, full of greed/lust, which will cause one to fall into diverse sins.
The Targums, & Aboth 2:21 (“Let the property of your associate be dear to you as your own”). The middle clause is explanatory, & deals with a situation in which one tries to do the impossible, according to one O.T./Heb. scholar. Jesus’ remark, “for either he will hate the one, & love the other” (Mt. 6:24), the “either-or” contrast is hate vs. love, despise vs. devoted.
Heaven or Earth?
Jesus, in 6:19,20 tells us, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,” vs.19. What? But why do these PPP do it? It is said that one preacher (with demonic eyes!) is a Billionaire! Jesus goes on to tell us, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (vs.20). (note: Parallels can be found in Tobit 4:9; Test. Levi 13:5).
Q. Did Jesus have a BIG account in the Bank of Jerusalem? According to these modern PPP He did. Where is their proof?
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying prosperity is evil – the Bible says, “For the LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evil, & in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith & pierced themselves with many pains.” (TNOAB, RSV) This verse is frequently misquoted, “money is the root of evil.” It does not say this. “The love & lust of money” is the correct saying. (Read vss.8-10)
Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “Let your conduct be without covetousness, & be content with such things as you have.” The Didache (compiled 80-140 A.D.) says, “My child, do not be a money-lover, nor vain glorious. For out of these, thefts are born” (7:378).
In ref. to 1 Tim. 6:10, some believe it is a quotation of a current proverb. They point out that the definite article is lacking in Greek before “root”. That the meaning of the sentence requires it is held by the RSV, Moffatt, Schott, Goodspeed, Lock, vs. Easton, Spica.
Vs.10 goes back to vs.5, where Paul is writing against heretics, whose heresy was “gain is godliness.” This is exactly what todays PPP heretics proclaim… without any shame! Paul said those who preach “gain is godliness” have “corrupt minds,” and “they are destitute of the Truth.” Can we all say AMEN!!!
I’ve heard some of these modern perverts say “prosperity is evidence of God’s righteousness.” These ones have cultivated the character of Satan, not the Savior. These modern “Christian” ministries DISTORT the Scriptures… to consider Jesus’ Words in Mt. 6:25-34. In short, His advice is to “seek first the Kingdom of God & His righteousness” (vs.33), not riches.
Backing up to vs.9 (1 Tim. 6), Paul writes: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation & a snare, and into many foolish & hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction & perdition.” I would dare say all these PPP will miss heaven & go to hell!
Hermas (2nd cent.) wrote: “… There is also the desire after extravagance, many useless dainties & drinks, & many other foolish luxuries… evil desires that slay the servants of God.” (150 A.D., 2:28)
Clement of Alexandria (150-215 A.D.) has this to say: “Wealth, when not properly governed, is a stronghold of evil. Many, because of casting their eyes on it, will never reach the Kingdom of heaven… Love of money is found to be the stronghold of evil…” (195 A.D. 2:248). He continues with, “It is not scanty means that ever constitute poverty, but greed…” (2:352). He finishes with, “… Jesus does not ask to throw away the substance he possessed… rather, He asks him to banish from his soul his notions about wealth, his excitement & morbid feeling about it, & his anxieties.” (2:594). He was referring to the rich ruler (Mt.19), where Jesus said, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, & give the money to the poor.” (vs.21)
Neither wealth, poverty, nor human piety was important as the working out/walking out of God’s will for the people.
One Gk./Heb. scholar stated (in ref. to Mt. 19:21) Jesus’ statements about possessions, that if the idea is Hellenistic, it also reflects the advice of His to His disciples (see Mt. 6:7,8) where he commanded them not to take a “bag… no copper in their money belts.” In short, don’t beg for money nor take up an offering, (see also Mt. 10:9,10; Luke 10:4 et al.). Can you imagine these “greedy dogs” today doing this? They love to get the money, honey.
We were in Nigeria holding ACMTC meetings (thousands were there), when offering time came, out came burlap sacks, not offering plates or baskets, but large burlap sacks. We don’t know how much the prosperity pastor took up that day, but we never got one red cent! Not that we ever preach for $$, but not a cent was offered for our traveling/housing costs – all went to this greedy pastor (who lived quite well for an African pastor.)
We took the “Army” message to over a dozen African countries in the 1980s/1990s. We went to well off ones as well as poor ones (like Malawi, which was and still is a poor nation.) We went there 6 times because they were hungry for more than mere Churchianity, in which, as usual, leaders were better off. Major Frank Materu & his wife (also a Major) of Tanzania are two faithful ACMTC leaders who are not of the usual “give me” type. There are others in other African nations we went to, Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Zambia, & et al. The ones we have not entered, some of our African teams have gone to other nations with the “Army” message (see our site: aggressivechristianity.Net where some photos are posted).
1 Tim. 6:11 tells us Christians to “flee these things (love/lust for $$); & follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, & meekness.” Then Paul tells us, “FIGHT the GOOD FIGHT of FAITH…”, v.12… fight for what is right. Sadly, these “greedy dogs” fight with fang & fury to GET wealth. This “fighting is a metaphor applicable to any kind of struggle. However, the adjective “good” (= “noble,” “splendid”) is characteristic of the Pastorals & is Paul’s way of distinguishing the Believer’s fight from the everyday struggles of the world. In Paul’s day, fighting against heretics & hostile Jews was what he referred to.
Tertullian (160-230 A.D.) had plenty to say. I’ll shorten some of his comments here: “Let us not interpret ‘covetousness’ as consisting merely in the lust of what is another’s; for even what seems ours is another’s. For nothing is ours, since all things are God’s, to whom we ourselves belong.” (200 A.D., 3:711);
“How will we make friends with mammon if we love it so much as not to put up with its loss? We will perish together with the lost mammon.” (3:712).
I did a teaching on this a few years ago. People are confused over this Scripture (Luke 16:9). What did Jesus mean, “Make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon (lit., wealth), that when you fail (other version have “it fails”), they may receive you into an everlasting home.” (NKJV). That seems strange coming from Jesus. It is debated, from the ambiguous & improper manner in which this is expressed in the common English trans., it has been supposed that Jesus commended the conduct of this wicked man: but the word κύριος, there translated lord (vs.8) (kurios) meant master, sir, a title, the master of the unjust steward.
“The mammon of unrighteousness” (vs.9), lit. means, “the mammon, or riches, of injustice – they excite hope & lust, but can deprive a person of true treasure (note: Mt. 6:24 explains more fully).
Paul contrasts false riches/deceitful riches with true riches in vs.11. True riches (“heavenly”) will never deceive nor deprive a person of heavenly things. To insinuate that, if a man/woman have acquired riches by unjust means, he/she is to sanctify them, & provide themselves a passport to Heaven. These modern PPP teach & believe this.
“When you fail” (vs.9), that is “when you die.” (see Jer. XIII:17,22; see also Gen. XXV:8 & Josephus, War, chap.4:1,9).
“They may receive you” (vs.9). Some say angels, others say the poor. Well, we know poor persons have lived & died in sins. No heaven for them. Many believe this to be a mere Hebraism – God shall admit you, IF you make a faithful use of His gifts & graces. (see Mt. 25:33; and, for similar Hebraisms, consult in the orig., chap. 6:38; 12:20; Rev. 12:6; 16:15).
Luke 16:8,9, the real lesson of this parable is said to be wise about the use of $$, mammon, in Aramaic, means money. One can get it by just or unjust means. The same goes for spending it. Money in itself is neither good nor evil. The dishonest steward used it to make sure that people would receive him into their houses after he had been dismissed from his job (vs.4); So, Christians are to use it to assure eternal habitations for themselves. It’s the distribution of $$ as alms to the poor that (I believe) is meant (12:33). The recipients of alms will intercede with God that the giver may be received into heaven. The RVS has, “when it fails” as opposed to “when ye fail” (KJV).
Pt. 2
Jesus had not commended the steward’s dishonesty, but only his prudence. According to some interpretations, vs.10 was a current proverb or maxim, & vss.11,12 are religious interpretations of it in the light of the foregoing parable. Others, as some believe, believe all the sayings were suggested by the parable of the pounds (19:17; see also Mt. 25:21).
I suggest you seek out more truths concerning mammon.
Oh, No, Not Mt. 19:23,24!
Yep! Better read these two verses: “Assuredly, I (Jesus) say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven. And again, I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” (NKJV).
First off, 1 Jn. 2:15-17 makes the case that believers are not to love the world or the things in it. Riches are of the world – how few can handle them without dividing loyalties – God or mammon?
Verse 24 speaks of a camel going thru the eye of a needle, a proverb common among the people of the east in those days. (camel/Gk. kamēlos/ καμήλα). There is also a quote similar to this in the Islamic Qur’an: “The impious, who in his arrogance shall accuse our doctrine of falsity, shall find the gates of heaven shut: nor shall he enter there till a camel shall pass through the eye of a needle. It is thus that we shall recompense the wicked.” Sura 7:37. One Hebrew proverb says, “A camel in Media dances in a caba;” a measure which held about three pints. Again, “No man sees a palm tree of gold, nor an elephant passing through the eye of a needle.”
Some scholars suggest that the original word was not “camel” but “rope”: camel – Gk. κάμηλος/rope – Gk. κάμιλος. A later manuscript of Mark 10:24 read, “how hard it is for those who trust in riches…” Jesus no doubt made the saying hard in order to show how hard it would be for a rich person to choose Him rather than riches. (see 9:18; 10:9; 12:5 & 34:6 where it speaks of the poor, the pious poor & their rich oppressors. Also, see James 2:1-7; 5:1-6 = James’ tirade against the rich).
Tertullian also penned, “It becomes us not to lay down our souls for money, but money for our souls…” (200 A.D., 3:712).
He continues, “the more wealthy a woman is – inflated with the name of ‘matron’ – the more spacious of a house she requires for her burdens…” (205 A.D. 3:48).
Felix wrote: “That many of us are called poor, this is not our disgrace, but our glory…” (200 A.D., 4:195)
Origen wrote “The words of the gospel… teaching us not to be disturbed with anxieties… Rather, while living in plainness & desiring only what is needful…” (248 A.D., 4:620).
Cyprian (d.258 A.D.) wrote lengthy articles, here are a few quotes: “… the rich… possess immense heaps of silver & gold… mighty sums of money…” (250 A.D., 5:279);
“… For, in fact, there can be no poverty to him whose breast has once been supplied with heavenly food. Ceilings enriched with gold… will seem crude to you now that you know that it is you who are to be perfected…” (5:280);
“A blind love of one’s own property has deceived many…” (5:440);
“… He (Jesus) teaches us that riches are not only to be scorned, but that they are also full of peril. The root of seducing evils is in them… lay up treasures in heaven.” (5:453);
“You are the captives & slaves of your money! You are bound with the chains & bonds of covetousness. You, whom Christ had once loosed, are once more in chains.” (5:479). He finishes with, “The lust of possessing & of money are not to be sought for… let us be content… but those who want to become rich fell into temptation & a snare.” (250 A.D., 5:550).
Back to Mt. 19
“The burden of the rich “some call this discourse (vss.16-24). Vss.23,24 can’t be softened. Jesus meant the “camel” & the “eye of the needle” to be pondered.
In Zondervan’s Study Bible (NIV), it has a footnote that says: “Some have suggested that there was a narrow ‘eye of a needle’ gate in Jerusalem that camels could go through only with great difficulty. But this notion did not develop until a millennium after the time of Christ. Jesus’ words form a metaphor, pure & simple. It is harder for the ‘rich to enter the Kingdom’ (vs.23) than for the largest common animal in the ancient Middle East to go through the smallest common aperture,” meaning it is humanly impossible but only possible with God, as vs.26 tells us. ALL human beings must be “born again” (as Jesus taught in Jn. 3:3,5); All human beings must UNburden themselves, i.e. repent of their sins (which BURDEN men/women/children), receiving God’s grace, mercy, & forgiveness, only by & through Jesus Christ the Lord & Saviour can humankind receive eternal life (Jn. 3:16).
Lactantius (250-325 A.D.) wrote: “… it is impossible for a person who has surrounded himself with royal pomp or loaded himself with riches, either to enter or to persevere in the difficulties.” (304 A.D., 7:165). He continues with, “It is not a virtue to be frugal. This word beguiles & deceives under the appearance of virtue… Frugality is a vice in this respect: that it arises from the love of possessing. In contrast, we should both abstain from pleasures & yet by no means withhold money. To use money sparingly, that is, moderately, is a type of weakness of the mind. It reveals someone fearing lest he will be in need. Or it reveals someone despairing of being able to recover it, or someone incapable of the contempt of earthly things.” (7:182). That statement was/is not received by all. Frugal (adj.) means careful with resources, thrifty etc. We here are frugal with resources. We do not freely spend/buy at heart’s desire (or lust). We’ve watched all these “Christian” ladies & gentlemen, so called “ministers of the Gospel,” live like Kings & Queens – begging, spending, buying, selling (usually their pulp books of self-esteem, self-worth, God is crazy about us, have your best life now junk!) Most all these PPP are multimillionaires. They all live in total luxury and “self” indulgence to the FULLEST! They certainly are not fugal. If they have one expensive car or jet, they’ve got to add more to their collection… all in the Name of Christ Jesus!!!
Mt. 13:22
This verse speaks of “the deceitfulness of riches,” which CHOKE the Word so as the believer becomes unfruitful. One can have “false fruit” as we well know & see among these ranks of PPP. Jesus’ words (vss.18:23), which are crystal-clear – the gospel seed, in order to be fruitful, needs “good ground” (vs.23). Jesus’ parable & His interpretation not only has great value for believers but carries its own real TRUTH. (note: some scholars do not believe these words came from Christ but were added later to the original record. I’ll leave this up to the “experts.” One thing is clear, we can see the outworkings in every generation – the gospel seeds sown; the gospel seed is both rejected & accepted.).
Luke 12:15
“… Take heed & beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses;”
1 Tim. 6:17-19
“Command those who are RICH in this present age not to be haughty nor trust in uncertain RICHES but in the Living God.”
“Command”!? (some trans. prefer, “charge”) Again, scholars argue over these words. Some believe they were added by a later editor (when there were enough “rich” Christians to warrant consideration as a special class. Some think they vss. have been accidently misplaced. The subject of “riches,” begun in vss.6-10. The phrase “the rich in this world,” (lit.), “in the present age” (only in Pastorals: 2 Tim. 4:10 (“present world”); Titus 2:12 (“present age”), Rom. 12:2 (“this world”); 1 Cor. 2:6 (“this age”); 2 Cor. 4:4 (“this age”). Since this present age will pass away, TRUE RICHES are not to be found in it! True Riches are treasures in Heaven. (see Ja. 1:10,11; 5:1; Lk. 12:16-21; 18:18-30; Mt. 6:19,20; Mk. 10:17-26 et al.).
As per our present text (1 Tim. 6:17), the rich are not here condemned for being rich or told to renounce their wealth, rather, they are told “not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches.” Some can handle riches; others cannot.
The Bible never tells us to “get rich” but to be “rich in good deeds,” which is the common idea in the Pastorals (see 1 Tim. 2:10; 5:10,25: 2 Tim. 2:21; 3:17; Tit. 1:16; 2:7,14; 3:1,8,14 et al.)
Paul makes it clear that the believer is to lay up/store up treasures in Heaven, not on earth, why do these PPP do it – build Big Bank accounts on earth?
A lit. trans. (vs.19) would be, “Treasuring up for themselves a good foundation.” However, as Gk. scholars point out, the Gk. word θεμέλιον has a double meaning, either “fund” (= “capital”) or foundation; & to the Gk. reader the text (vs.19) may well have meant “treasure.” This, they claim, is possible without emending the text after a striking parallel in Tobit 4:9,10:
“So you will be laying up a good treasure for yourself against the day of necessity. For almsgiving delivers from death & keeps you from going into the Darkness.”
(note: 4:11-21 = preparing to send his son for the “trust-money,” Tobit imparts his philosophy of life).
1 Tim. 6:17-19: Paul returns to the theme of the transitoriness of earthly possessions/money. Paul reiterates the conviction that the things of this world (i.e. present age) are not the “true riches.” Why can’t all these prosperity perverts understand this?
Pt. 3
Second Clement wrote this about the unrighteous having riches: “… let it not trouble you, that we see the unrighteous having riches & the servants of God in need… we would be engrossing ourselves in business, not in godliness.” (150 A.D., 7:523).
Hermas (first cent.) hits on the fat & full rich: “who are those persons who are white & round, and yet not fit into the building of the tower? … They are the ones who have faith, but they also have the riches of this world…” (150 A.D., 2:15);
“Give heed, therefore, you who glory in your wealth, lest those who are needy should groan… & you should be shut out with all your goods beyond the gate of the tower.” (2:16).
Clement of Alexandria (150-215 A.D.) has many good quotes: “So, the use of cups made of silver & gold, precious stones… the elaborate vanity… is to be banished from our well-ordered constitution… cloths of purple & other colors… banished… table knife of silver with its handle of ivory… The Lord ate from a common bowl… He washed their feet (disciples), He did not bring down a silver footbath from heaven.” (195 A.D., 2:246,7);
“The good man… treasures up his wealth in heaven… it is not jewels, gold, clothing, or beauty of person that are of high value, but VIRTUE.” (2:280);
“Delicacies spent on pleasures become a dangerous shipwreck to men.” (2:280);
“The Scripture vouches ‘that the true riches of the soul are a man’s ransom’…” (2:281);
“… it is a sin to live luxuriously & licentiously.” (2:361). Tell this to today’s PPP. One PP said it is a SIN not to have wealth! Just where do we find this in Scripture?
Clement of Alexandria continues: “Wealth is of itself sufficient to puff up & corrupt the souls… to turn them from the path by which salvation is to be attained.” (2:591);
“Let not the man who has been invested with worldly wealth think that he is excluded at the outset from the Saviour’s contest – provided he is a believer… on the other hand, he should not expect to grasp the crowns of immortality without struggle & effort.” (2:592);
“… Riches, then, which benefit also our neighbors, are not to be thrown away.” (2:594,5); “Let no man destroy wealth, rather, let him destroy the passions of the soul… The renunciation, then, & selling of all possessions, is to be understood as spoken of the passions of the soul.” (2:595);
“It is difficult for the soul not to be seduced & ruined by the luxuries & flowery enchantments that beset remarkable wealth.” (2:596).
Psalm 49:16,17 says,“Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dies, he shall carry nothing away.” Ps. 49 (NKJV) has words like rich (vs.2), wealth & riches (vs.6), wealth (vs.10), rich (vs.16). Look up “wealth” in Proverbs, Eccl. as well.
But, But…
Yes, I know that Solomon was wealthy. God gave him riches, honor & wisdom (see 2 Chron. 1:10,11,12), but Solomon did not use those gifts wisely. Greed/ covetousness/ lust overpowered him thru the passing of time. These rich “Prosperity Perverts” today try and tell us that God gave all those things to them. Really? How many BEG-A-THONS/offerings/sales were done in order to bring in their Millions? How many actually stay right with God? While they quickly point out Scriptures like the ones I just quoted, they never, ever point out these ones: “Did not Solomon king of Israel SIN by these things?” (ref. to God’s people taking “pagan” husbands/wives, Neh. 13:25).
Solomon sinned by taking many, too many wives that were “pagan” – he certainly had an eye for “strange” flesh! Verse 27 says, “Should we then hear of your doing all this GREAT EVIL, transgressing against our God by marrying pagan women?” (see Ezra 10:2).
Q. Do you think Solomon used lots of his wealth to build temples for his pagan wives’ gods/goddesses? We don’t hear much of Solomon’s end, but he did bring a curse upon Israel. His terrible example no doubt influenced many in sinning also.
Nehemiah said, “In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, & of Moab” (all pagan nations), Neh. 13:23.
Even Solomon, who was beloved of God, could not contract foreign marriages without sinning. “These things” mentioned in Neh. 13:26, are the multiple pagan marriages, presumably largely diplomatic, political marriages, & their consequences (see 1 Kgs. 11:1-8). No king like him (1 Kgs. 3:12), beloved by his God (2 Sam. 12:24,25). His LUST for “strange flesh” caused him to SIN, hence, cursing Israel. “Cause to sin” is rendered in the Gk. O.T. (LXX) by “turned aside,” under the influence of 1 Kgs. 11:3,4.
First Kings 3:1 tells us that Solomon “made a treaty (lit., alliance) with Pharaoh king of Egypt, & married Pharaoh’s daughter,…”
In 1 Kgs. 3:13 riches & honor were given to Solomon, but these were conditional! What was the condition?: “So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes & My commandments… then I will lengthen (i.e. prolong) your days,” vs.14. Take note of the “if”/ “then” clause (see my articles on these 2 very important words – if/then – posted).
If you think these words are not that important, read 1 Kgs. 6:12 where we again find the conditions (see also 1 Kgs. 9:4-7. Take careful note of vss.6,7: “But if you (Solomon) or your sons at all TURN (lit., “turn back”) from following Me, & do not keep My commandments & My statutes… but go & SERVE OTHER gods & WORSHIP them, then I will cut off (lit., “destroy”) Israel from the land…”
I said all this to say this: God, even if He does give riches, expects us to walk uprightly, not like the PPP who live in total luxury/lust every day, using their wealth to live like the world and for the world. God is not against wealth: He is against the wealthy who live worldly! We don’t know if Solomon ever separated from his pagan wives & their gods & goddesses. My guess is things didn’t go that well with him. Since he was very rich, I believe he thought himself above God’s law. Neh. 13:26 says, “… nevertheless even him did outlandish woman cause to sin” as one translation reads.
Do not these modern PPP worship the world & the things in the world? Their eyes, minds, & hearts are captive to “Stuff-and-things … can’t have enough… got to have the Biggest, the Best, & the Most!!!
Pt. 4
Tertullian (160-230 A.D.) wrote: “Let us abandon luxuries, & we will not regret them. Let us stand ready to endure every violence, leaving nothing which we may fear to leave behind. It is these things that are the bonds which retard our hope.” (198 A.D., 4:25).
He continued with his thoughts: “the endowing of a man with riches is not an incongruity to God. For by the help of riches, even rich men are comforted & assisted. Moreover, by them, many a work or justice & charity are carried out. Yet, there are serious faults that accompany riches. And it is because of these woes are denounced on the rich, even in the gospel.” (207 A.D., 3:368).
I think Tertullian strikes a good balance between the good use and evil consequence of having riches.
In the Disputation of Archelaus & Manes (320 A.D.) they debate riches:
“Someone may now reason with us, saying that it is not a good thing to give up riches. Well, I reply that it is a good thing for those who are capable of it. However, at the same time, to use riches for the work of righteousness & mercy is a thing as acceptable as giving up the whole of our riches at once.” (6:217).
Manes (216-276 A.D.) aka Mani & Manichaeus, founded a religious sect in Persia that brought in Gnostic elements, esp. dualism, but it emerged in the West primarily as a Christian heresy.
Lactantius (250-325 A.D.) declared that “Riches do not make men illustrious – except that they are able to make them more conspicuous by good works. No one is truly rich simply because he possesses riches – but only if he employs them on works of justice.” (304-313 A.D., 7:151);
“If you esteem justice so highly, lay aside the burdens that oppress you…” (7:177);
“He who desires to obtain justice, God, perpetual life, everlasting light, & all those things that God promises to man – he will scorn those riches, honors, commands, & kingdoms themselves.” (7:182).
We now quote Cyprian (who was bishop of Carthage from 240-258 A.D. There is a vast amount of his writings/letters etc. preserved. He had to do much of his work underground (as we too have over the years because of severe persecutions). Sadly, this man of God was in the end beheaded. (as for me, I spent 5 years & 9 months in jail/prison for my faith; my wife 4 1/2 years.).
Cyprian touches on riches: “You say that you are wealthy & rich. You say you think that you should use those things that God has willed you to possess. Use them, certainly, but for the things of salvation!… Lend your estate to God… you are sinning against God if you think that riches were given you by Him for the purpose of thoroughly enjoying them, without a view to salvation… A large estate is a temptation, unless one’s wealth ministers to good use.” (250 A.D., 5:433).
Look up these modern PPP “ministers.” Check out their sprawling estates (some have more than one!). Millions & millions of $$ spent on selfish/lavish lifestyles. Would any of these let the homeless or the hard put live in just one of their rooms? HA! you tell me!
Cyprian continues: “How can they follow Christ, who are held back by the chain of their wealth? … They think that they possess, but they are possessed instead…” (5:440).
I did a preaching/teaching years ago on this issue: “We are possessed by the things we possess!” These PPP can never, ever, get or have enough. One PPP can’t deliver a message without mentioning or pleading for $$. Disgusting!
Enter Mark Minucius who had this to say: “Rich men – attached to their means – have been accustomed to gaze more upon their gold than upon heaven. In contrast, our sort of people (Christians) – though poor – have both discovered wisdom & have delivered their teaching to others.” (200 A.D., 4:18);
“As he who… walks… in this journey of life… who does not breath heavily under the burden of riches. Yet, even if we though wealth to be useful to us, we would ask it of God… but we would rather scorn riches than possess them.” (4:195);
“Are you rich? But fortune is ill trusted. And with a large travelling baggage the belief journey of life is not furnished, but burdened.” (4:196).
“Luxury,” writes Novatian, (d.257 A.D.) “does not entertain the fear of God.” (235 A.D., 5:648).
“Luxury,” writes Commodianus, “and the short-lived joys of the world are ruining you.” (240 A.D., 4:207).
I’ll finish with a quote from Origen: “When the letter of the law promises riches to the just, Clesus (a pagan), may follow the letter that kills & understand it of worldly riches, which blind men. However, we say that if refers to those riches that enlighten the eyes & which enrich a man… In this sense, we ‘charge those who are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches.’”(248 A.D., 4:619). He quotes 1 Timothy 6:17. “Uncertain” (Greek, adēlotēs), meaning questionable, problematic, doubtful, not dependable. Paul contrasts carnal riches (vs.17) with eternal riches (vss.18,19), as I’ve already stated. The Bible makes it plain that “true riches”, e.g. “heavenly”, are to be sought after. Earthly riches can be blessed & used if one keeps his/her heart right with God.
Fin
I think by now we grasp this subject of riches/wealth. Some get confused over Paul’s statement. “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth,” 1 Cor. 10:24, as one version has it. Other versions use the words, “well-being” or “good”. The KJV (“wealth”) is misleading as some scholars point out, unless understood in the obsolete sense of “welfare”. This saying (vs.24 = “wealth”, KJV) means, I believe, let none live for his or her private gratification or emolument, nor disturb the peace or injure the soul of another. Let every man live, not for him/herself, but for every member of the Christian family. We should strive to receive & distribute “Heavenly Treasures”. Worldly riches, if used godly, can be a blessing. James wrote: “your riches are corrupted & your garments are motheaten,” 5:2. He goes on to write, “your gold & silver are corroded, & their corrosion will be a witness against you & will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days,” vs.3, NKJV.
James begins chapter 5 with, “Go to now, you rich, weep & howl for the miseries that are coming upon you,” vs.1.
James 5:1-6 is about judgment on the rich. The lamentations are not, as in 4:9, expressions of repentance but of unavailing remorse & terror!; while the “rich” in 1:9-11 can just conceivably be thought of as “brethren”, in the present texts they are denounced as a class without exception – all “rich” being regarded as sinners! Ja. 1:10 says “the rich, in that he is made low” or, as another translation reads, “the rich in their humiliation,” a bitter irony; present moral degradation & future punishment – these the ungodly “rich” can boast in!
Q. Would anyone – male/female/trans – read Ja. 5:1-3 in their services on over their T.V. shows? Cold day in HELL!!! Why? Eardrums would burst! Eyes would pop out of their sockets! Heartbeats would skip!
Many of the scriptures I’ve quoted are hardly ever read or studied. Today’s PPP Churches remind me of Amos 5:10,11 (read in the American Trans.). Consider other prophets like Mic. (6:10,11), Isa. (3:13-15), or Jer. (5:26). Read Luke 20:46,47 or 16:19-31.
These PPP have CULT-ivated a false doctrine.
Tu Fu (8th cent. Chinese poet) wrote: “wine & meat are decaying in the palaces while on the streets are the corpses of those who have frozen to death.”
Q. Are the Churches in America/Amerika filled with members whose sense of justice is so keen/sharp, whose acceptance of social responsibility is so conscientious that the words of James & the prophets are no longer relevant?
How, may I ask, will we, the Army of God/Ekklesia of God/Body of Christ challenge today’s disgraceful PPP, wokeness, Political correctness et al.? How will today’s Church stop the LGBTQ+ abomination from invading sacred places of Christianity if most are either fearful, e.g. “fear of the queer!” or complicit in their agendas?
TOO many are so concerned with their private well-being, they forget about the “sin-sickness” being spread around by these PPP/Wokeites. Clement of Alexandria wrote: “I know that God has given us the use of goods, but only as far is necessary… It is absurd & disgraceful for one to live magnificently & luxuriously when so many are hungry.” Ambrose wrote: “How far, O rich, do you extend your senseless avarice?… why do you rich men claim it as your exclusive right?… the earth is the Lord’s, and we are His offspring.” (quoted in Upton Sinclair, The Cry for Justice, 1915, p.397).
How has it come about that Christianity (so-called), which should be predominantly concerned with lost souls & unlearned believers, developed into this god-awful MESS called Churchianity?
Lenin’s indictment against the Church goes like this: “Religion teaches those who toil in poverty all their lives to be resigned & patient in this world, & consoles them with the hope of reward in heaven. As for those who live upon the labors of others, religion teaches them to be ‘charitable’ – thus proving a justification for exploitation &, as it were, also a cheap ticket to heaven likewise.” (see Mortin Laurence’s, Religion, p.11). (Also, see our articles on Communism where I quote from Marx, Engels, Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin et al.)
Bernard (in the the 12th cent.) cried: “The Church is resplendent in her walls, beggarly in her poor. She clothes her stones in gold & leaves her sons naked.” (Apology to William of St. Thierry. See J.A.C. Morison, Life & Times of St. Bernard, 1863, p.148).
Extra: Communism
Marx & Engels both stated that all “wealth” is created by the worker. They said capital created nothing. They rail on men or women that have accumulated wealth is because they have taken away the fruits of the worker in the form of interest, rent, or profits. This was called “surplus value”. They reason, because of the above, more & more were becoming rich & more & more were becoming poor, hence, the “social class was.” These 2 opposing camps of two antagonistic classes – the “exploiting class” of capitalistic property owners & the bitterly “exploited class” of the property-less workers.
They predicted that the revolutionary explosion between these 2 classes would be sparked by the inevitable advancement of tech improvements in capitalistic industry.
“Marx was” as one historian/author wrote, “particularly emphatic that this ‘revolution’ must be completely RUTHLESS to be successful.”
Marx further justified the use of VIOLENCE to bring about the new society (aka New World Order) because he felt that if moral principles were followed the revolution would be abortive. (he pointed to the 1871 Socialist Revolution in France, (see Karl Marx, The Civil War in France, p.80.).
Back to the Wealth Issue
There are many fallacies in Communism. Former FBI agent W.C. Skousen (who penned The Naked Communist) stated in his book that there are 25 fallacies in “Communism”; Fallacy #24 = the theory or fallacy assumes that under the suppression imposed by the Dictatorships of the Proletariat men will lose or completely smother their instinct of acquisition. Both Mark & Engels make it clear that they expected the Dictatorship to get people in the “habit” of not owning property or wanting to own it.
What will happen if they organize themselves, secretly equip themselves with weapons, rise up to seize the wealth which the classless, stateless society refuses to give them?
Fallacy #11… the assumption that under capitalism all wealth would be gradually monopolized until a handful of men would own everything & the exploited, property-less class would be the majority of humankind, Marx wrote his massive tome on “Capital” while he was living in the most abject poverty.
(Note: see our articles under Communism, aggressivechristians.com = “45 Commie Goals to Overthrow America”; “Cultural Crusaders”; “Smear & Clear”, “Come Out of Bondage ASAP”. Under Prison writings (same cite) I have the following “C” articles:
“Politically Correct/Marxist Culture Thought Police”; “Sexual & Romantic Orientation”; “Middle Finger to America”; “America’s Inertia, pt.2”; “2020 Cultural War”; “Free-Fall”; “Faith in Crisis”; Old Questions, NO New Answers”; “Opposing Camps Return”; “Silent Infiltration/Bold Indoctrination”; “The Marxist Fist”.
See also “Communism & Humanism – Bedfellows!” & “Means of Communism” under current Articles & what’s New (aggressivechristianity.Net. See also “The Bolshevik Revolution, 1917-2017, Here” (aggressivechristianity.Net under pg.2; A Purge Coming?”, p.4.
Capitalism, it is said, is proving to be the most effective means mankind has yet discovered for “sharing the wealth.” Capitalism promoted the “freedom to try” & allows the “freedom to buy.”
