What New Testament teachings align with Deuteronomy 23:19's stance on interest? Standing on the Torah Foundation Deuteronomy 23:19: “Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan.” • God’s covenant community was to guard relationships from becoming profit-driven. • Lending was meant to relieve need, not exploit it. Jesus Repeats—and Widens—the Principle Luke 6:34-35: “And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But … lend to them, expecting nothing in return.” Matthew 5:42: “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” • No interest, no strings—generosity becomes the mark of God’s children. • Love of enemy and stranger extends Deuteronomy’s “brother” to all people. The Early Church Models Interest-Free Community Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35 • Believers liquidated assets and shared freely; no one profited off another’s need. • The apostles distributed resources so “there were no needy ones among them,” fulfilling the heart of Deuteronomy 23:19. Paul Connects Debt, Love, and Law Romans 13:8: “Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love.” • Financial obligations must never eclipse the ongoing debt of love. • The absence of interest keeps relationships uncluttered, focused on service. Warnings against Profit-Driven Hearts 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil …” Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have …” James 2:15-16 exposes empty words without practical help. • Charging interest feeds the very love of money Scripture condemns. • Contentment and generosity guard the heart from greed. Putting It Together • Deuteronomy 23:19 forbids profiting from a needy brother. • Jesus commands lending with zero expectation of return, broadening the command to everyone. • The Acts church lives it out through communal sharing. • Paul urges debt-free, love-rich relationships, while other epistles warn against greed. • New Testament teaching doesn’t merely echo Deuteronomy—it amplifies it, calling believers to radical, interest-free generosity that displays the gospel of grace. |
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