Mat 19:23-30 | PNT | STEP | A rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven . The Lord does not say that a rich man shall not enter, but that he shall enter with great difficulty. Mark says that when Christ uttered these words the disciples were astonished, and then Jesus explained by the words, "How hard it is for them 'that trust in riches' to enter into the kingdom of God", which shows the sense in which he spoke the words of this verse ( ). A man may "trust in riches" who has $100, as well as one who has $100,000.

Matthew 19:23-30

A rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. The Lord does not say that a rich man shall not enter, but that he shall enter with great difficulty. Mark says that when Christ uttered these words the disciples were astonished, and then Jesus explained by the words, "How hard it is for them 'that trust in riches' to enter into the kingdom of God", which shows the sense in which he spoke the words of this verse (Mr 10:24). A man may "trust in riches" who has $100, as well as one who has $100,000. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man (i.e., as already explained, one who trusts in riches) to enter into the kingdom of God. In other words, one whose trust is in wealth cannot enter at all. With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. This means that human efforts alone cannot save a man. The young man was zealous in keeping the commandments, but there was a great lack. The grace of God only can save. It can break down the trust in wealth, take away the love of wealth, and fill the heart with the love of Christ. It is "the love of money", not money, that is the root of all evil. See 1Ti 6:10. A pauper may love money as much as a millionaire. Behold, we have forsaken all. Compare Mr 10:28-29 Lu 18:28-30. The apostles had left all they had for Christ. The case of the rich young man suggested Peter's question. Ye. The apostles.

In the regeneration. At the coming of the Lord the second time.

When the Son of man shall sit, etc. In his final triumph over all evil.

Shall sit upon twelve thrones. Christ shall sit on the throne of his glory and the apostles also shall have thrones.

The twelve tribes of Israel. The reference is probably spiritual rather than literal. The inspired preaching of the apostles presented the conditions of pardon under the New Covenant. Thus they "bind" and "loose", or "judge". In judgment, salvation will turn on whether the Jews, or the true Israel (Ga 3:29), have obeyed the "apostles' doctrine". The apostles even now judge the church. Every one. Not only apostles, but every one who leaves all for Christ shall receive a hundred fold.

An hundredfold. Mark says, "Now in this time" (Mr 10:30). They shall be taken care of in this world, and have earthly peace and joy, such as no sinner can have, and above all, "eternal life". Many [that are] first shall be last, etc. There will be reversals; those rich on earth, but poor hereafter; those high in station, degraded hereafter; and the lowly on earth, exalted hereafter. The right man to follow any cause, be it what it will, is he who loves it well enough to fling to it everything he has in the world, and then think that not enough, and so fling himself after it. This last item often weighs down the scales in heaven, and the man gets what he gave himself for.