Here’s a list of most of the references to the poor and the rich in the New Testament. I think it’s fairly easy to see which way the Christian scriptures lean on matters of material and social standing. Though many are hard to accept and/or apply. I’m sure I missed a few. So feel free to bring any others to my attention and I’ll add them.
Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Matthew 8:19-20
Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Matthew 19:23-24
“Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Continue reading
