Luke had a lot to say about money.
A while back I came across three stories in Acts that could be connected to tell a story about rich men and how one might enter the kingdom.
"But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira,
sold a piece of property. However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
“Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds of the land? Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God"
Acts 5.1-4 CSB
"When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he
offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also so that anyone I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter told him, “May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God. Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your heart’s intent may be forgiven."
Acts 8.18-22 CSB
"There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch and high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was
in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to worship in Jerusalem and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud. "
Acts 8.27-28 CSB
Which of these three entered the kingdom?
Entering the kingdom is hard for the rich because the rich think they can use their prosperity to influence God.
The only way to enter is with a heart of faith.
Does this connect with Calvinistic doctrine?
Rob