The parable of the unrighteous steward (Luke 16.1-9): A prudent use of mammon
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2018
Abstract
The parable of the unrighteous steward encouraged rich individuals outside the Christian community to use their wealth to make friends of Jesus' poor disciples, specifically by reducing their debts, so that in the eschatological kingdom Jesus' disciples would receive these benefactors into their eternal dwellings. It had its setting in the efforts of early Palestinian Christians to enlist the financial support of the wealthy. Since many of these did not wish to sell all their possessions and donate the proceeds to the Christian community, this parable suggested an alternative way that the rich could use their wealth to assist the community.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
New Testament Studies
First Page
326
Last Page
342
Recommended Citation
Burkett, D. (2018). The parable of the unrighteous steward (Luke 16.1-9): A prudent use of mammon. New Testament Studies, 64 (3), 326-342. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0028688518000048