p. (440) | Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 22, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 28.

Question Corner

“Enquire, and make search, and ask diligently.”

NOTE.—We wish those who ask questions to take particular notice: (1) Only such questions will be answered here as we believe to be of general interest and information. (2) We can not undertake to explain from four to a dozen scriptures, as in one sentence we are often requested to do. (3) Do not ask to “explain” a certain text or passage. State clearly the point in question. (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best. (5) Unsigned communications of any kind find the quickest way to the waste-basket. (6) It is always well to inclose stamp. (7) “Foolish and unlearned questions avoid,” also those that minister to mere curiosity. (8) Study the Scriptures yourselves.

No. 602. A Needle’s Eye.

PLEASE explain Matt. 19: 24; Mark 10: 25; Luke 18: 25. J. L.

The texts are one: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” There is a slight verbal difference in Luke, but the meaning is the same. Our Lord’s words were a proverbial expression implying an utter impossibility. It was just as impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God as for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle; if desired, make it a fine cambric needle. It is said by some that “needle’s eye” referred to a small gate in the wall of Jerusalem, through which a loaded camel could not pass. His load had to be removed, and even then he could only get through by shuffling through on his knees. Even if this were true, which we much doubt, it would show that the rich man could be saved only by yielding up his riches. And that is true not only of the rich, but of him whose heart is set on obtaining riches. And that takes in about all naturally. Who, then, can be saved?—No one by man’s help. God’s grace, however, if admitted into the heart and life, will remove the love for riches, and enable the soul to give them all up for Christ’s sake, to become poor for Christ’s sake, but rich in the abundant riches of his grace. God will never take a man from where his heart is. If man wants deliverance, God will grant it.

No. 603. A Sabbath-Day’s Journey.

WILL you please tell us what is a “Sabbath-day’s journey,” as in Acts 1:12? Inquiring Sister.

This was not a law laid down by the Lord, but was a well-known Jewish measure of about six furlongs or three-fourths of a mile. It is supposed to be the same distance as between the ark and the people (Joshua 3:4) when Israel were marching in the wilderness. The place reckoned from was not a man’s own house, but the wall of the city in which he lived. But if a man would the day before go to the end of the first Sabbath journey, there eat some food, bury the remainder, and thank God for the boundary line, he could the next day take a Sabbath day’s journey beyond. It was used as indicating a distance well understood, but not as something to be observed.

No. 604. Acts of the Roman Catholic Church.

PLEASE inform me through your “Question Corner” when the acts of the Roman Catholic Church would be rightfully considered as hers only, say between the years 300 and 700; that is to say, acts that she alone could be held responsible for, supposing the affairs of the early church to have been regulated by councils and all subject to same. E. R.

The question itself is not clear. What does our questioner mean by “acts”? Does he mean deeds, good or bad, or decrees, decisions, etc., by councils or bishops? The Roman Catholic Church as an ecclesiastical body may be said to date from the Council of Nice, 325. As a general thing the councils of the west were controlled by the Roman Church after that date, and she could rightfully be held responsible for what was done under the sanction of those councils and of her authorized pontiffs and bishops. This is but a general answer, and if it does not meet the question, our querist must be more specific.