And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
In these verses we have, I. Christ's discourse with a ruler, that had a good mind to be directed by him in the way to heaven. In which we may observe, 1. It is a blessed sight to see persons of distinction in the world distinguish themselves from others of their rank by their concern about their souls and another life.
Commenting on Luke 18:18-30
And a certain ruler asked him,.... A young man, Mat 19:20 a ruler among the Jews, a civil magistrate, and a very rich man; he ran after Jesus, and overtook him in the way, as he was going towards Jericho, Mar 10:17 saying, good master; "Rabbi"; or doctor, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? See Gill on Mat 19:16.
We have here a considerable person, a ruler, coming to Christ, with an important question in his mouth, What must I do to inherit eternal life? Where note, 1. He believes the certainty of a future state. 2. He professes a desire of an eternal happiness in that state. 3. He declares his readiness and willingness to do some good thing in order to the obtaining of that happiness.