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Bible Studies/Luke 16:9
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Question
Hi!
I know what the message of Luke's dishonest steward is saying, but what does v 9 mean? 'Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.'
The short meaning: make prudent [and honest] use of material possessions.
After the parable [161-8a]of how the manager made friends by foregoing the interest due to him and returning it to the debtors, Luke has three applications [16b-13].
The first application, about which you asked, advises Chritians that they can learn something from the prudence of others. Mammon most likely means that in which one puts trust and thus could lead to understanding the word as money or possessions, with an inference that mammon could lead to dishonesty [16:11]. We are not told who the friends are. The everlasting dwellings refer to the final [eschatological] times.
I hope my thoughts have helped. If you would like more, Jerry, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes.
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Edward Bode
Expertise
A scholar of Jewish and Christian scripture (biblical studies), I hold graduate degrees from three universities in Rome [Italy]: Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, and the University of St. Thomas. I also have a master's degree in English. My special interests are the gospels of the New Testament and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Experience
I have taught at three universities and two colleges. My published works include one book, several articles in scholarly journals, and numerous book reviews.
I hold a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Thomas in Rome, Italy; a license in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome; a license in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.Additionally, I earned a master's degree in English from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., and a bachelor of journalism from the same university.
I have been a member of the Catholic Biblical Association of America for 40 years. I am a former member of Society of Biblical Literature.I have spoken on academic topics to local, national, and international groups.
Education/Credentials
I hold graduate degrees from three universities in Rome [Italy]: Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, and the University of St. Thomas.
I also have a master's degree in English.
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