User: Hello, can you name any of the Apostles or any of the leaders in the New Testament Church that were very wealthy or were they all from humble means?

Assistant: Hello! According to the New Testament, most of the apostles and early Christian leaders came from humble backgrounds. Here are a few examples:

Peter and John: Both Peter and John were fisherman by trade, which was a modest profession in their time (Luke 5:1-10).

Paul: Paul, originally named Saul, came from a wealthy family as evidenced by his background and education (Acts 26:10-12). However, after becoming a Christian, he often had to rely on the support of others or worked at menial jobs (Acts 18:3).

James: James, one of Jesus' brothers and an apostle, is not described as being wealthy in any New Testament accounts.

Thomas: Thomas, also known as Didymus, is mentioned in the New Testament without any reference to his financial status.

Matthew: Matthew quit being a tax collector which was a high-paying profession that was generally disdained by many at the time and followed Jesus (Matthew 9:9).

While there are no explicit descriptions of many apostles or leaders being wealthy, Paul's experience stands out as an example where his initial wealth became secondary to his missionary work and the support he received from others.

It is important to note that the New Testament emphasizes the spiritual and moral qualities over material wealth, often advocating for simplicity and humility (1 Timothy 6:6-10; 2 Corinthians 8:9).

User: And didn't Jesus tell the rich young man to go back home sell everything that he had and to follow him?

Assistant: Yes, you are correct. Jesus did indeed instruct a wealthy young man to sell all his possessions and follow Him. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Mark:

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?  And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.  And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.  Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.  And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 

This passage illustrates Jesus' emphasis on radical commitment and the importance of following Him even at the cost of material wealth. It underscores the principle that true discipleship often requires prioritizing spiritual and moral commitments over worldly possessions.

The incident with the rich young man is a powerful illustration of the high calling of true faith, where material wealth can become an obstacle to complete devotion to Christ.

User: It's interesting to note that this young man gave up being an actual apostle of Jesus and being known throughout history as being one of the apostles of Christ and he gave that up for riches.

Assistant: That is indeed a poignant observation. The story of the rich young man in Mark 10:17-22 highlights the contrast between material wealth and spiritual commitment. While the young man had the opportunity to be one of Jesus' apostles, he chose to keep his wealth rather than follow Christ completely.

This event serves as a powerful illustration of several key themes in the New Testament:

The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus often taught that true discipleship involves giving up everything for Him (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23). The rich young man's decision to hold onto his wealth demonstrates the difficulty of fully committing to Christ.

Spiritual Priorities Over Material Gain: The incident emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual and moral commitments over material wealth. While riches can be a blessing, they can also become idols that hinder true devotion to God (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

The Limitations of Human Choice: Even those who have been called by God may ultimately choose their own paths. The young man's decision shows that sometimes people make choices that lead them away from the fullness of discipleship.

The Call to Follow Christ Wholeheartedly: Jesus' command to sell all and follow Him is a call for total commitment, not just partial or conditional adherence (Luke 14:33).

While the young man's decision to keep his wealth ultimately meant he did not become one of the apostles, this does not diminish the broader message that true discipleship requires complete dedication. The story serves as a reminder of the high cost and depth of commitment necessary for following Christ.

In summary, while the rich young man did not become an apostle like the twelve, his decision reflects the broader themes of spiritual priorities and the challenges of full devotion to Jesus.

User: And what does this narrative say about the modern church and TV pastors at these churches that preach the prosperity gospel and drive exspensive cars, fly around in million dollar jets, live in multimillion dollar homes and tell their congregations that the more money that they give to their ministry the more they'll get back from God?

Assistant: The narrative about the rich young man and Jesus' teaching on discipleship can indeed be applied to critique certain practices within modern churches, particularly those associated with prosperity gospel teachings. Here are some key points to consider:

Alignment with Scripture:

The New Testament emphasizes that true faith involves a commitment to spiritual values over material wealth (1 Timothy 6:8-10; Philippians 4:12). Jesus' teaching on the rich young man underscores that material possessions should not hinder one's devotion to Him.

True Discipleship:

The story of the rich young man highlights the cost of true discipleship, which involves renouncing worldly attachments (Luke 9:23; Matthew 16:24-25). Modern church leaders who emphasize prosperity and material success are misrepresenting Jesus' teachings.

Spiritual Leadership:

Leaders in the early Christian community were often from humble backgrounds, as evidenced by figures like Paul and Peter. Their leadership was marked by humility, service, and dedication to the gospel (Acts 20:35).

Contradiction of Teachings:

The prosperity gospel, which often promises material success in exchange for financial contributions, can be seen as a deviation from Jesus' teachings on true discipleship. This approach may encourage an unhealthy focus on wealth and status rather than spiritual growth and service.

Scriptural Examples:

The early church was known for its simplicity and mutual support (Acts 2:44-45).

Practical Application:

The narrative about the rich young man can challenge modern church leaders to reflect on their own practices and motivations. It serves as a reminder that true leadership in the Christian community should prioritize spiritual integrity over material gain.

In summary, while the story of the rich young man is often used metaphorically, it provides a clear message about the cost of true discipleship. Leaders who preach prosperity gospel teachings are misaligning their message with biblical principles and leading their congregations astray. The emphasis should remain on spiritual values, humility, and service rather than material success.