Gospel of Thomas - Chapter 082
From Sensus Plenior
Saying 81
- (81) Jesus said, "Let him who has grown rich be king, and let him who possesses power renounce it."
This riddle is teaching that parallel proverbs teach the same thing.
- Let him who has grown rich be king
- let him who possesses power renounce it.
The first saying says the same as the second. Jesus taught continually about renouncing the flesh and the things of this world. It would be incongruous to believe that he would tease the flesh into life by promising earthly kingship.
- Re 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
As kings we rule over the flesh. As priests we intercede for others. We are invited to be kings and priests now, in this life.
