Early Christian Views on Riches and the Poor

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

...an has much wealth, but he is poor in matters relating to the Lord, because he is distracted by his riches. He offers very few confessions and intercessions to the Lord, and those that he does offer are small and weak, and have no power above. But when the rich man refreshes the poor and helps him in his needs, believing that what he does for the poor man will receive its reward from God, because the poor man is rich in intercession and confession, and his intercession has great power with God, then the rich man helps the poor in all things without hesitation. And the poor man, being helped by the rich, intercedes for him, giving thanks to God for the one who gives him gifts. And he continues to care zealously for the poor man, so that his needs may always be supplied. For he knows that the intercession of the poor man is acceptable to God and has influence with Him. So both of them accomplish their work. The poor man makes intercession, a work in which he is rich, which he received from the Lord, and with which he repays the master who helps him. And the rich man, in the same way, without hesitation gives to the poor man the riches that he received from the Lord. And this is a

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

... question and understanding nothing? These are the people who do have faith, but they also have the riches of this world. Therefore, when tribulation comes, they deny the Lord because of their riches and their business. I answered and said to her, When then will they be useful for the building, Lady? When the riches that now lead them astray have been cut back, then they will be useful to God. For just as a round stone cannot become square unless parts of it are cut off and thrown away, so also those who are rich in this world cannot be useful to the Lord unless their riches are cut down. Learn this first from your own case. When you were rich, you were useless. But now you are useful and fit for life. Be useful to God, for you also will be used as one of these stones.

Clement of Alexandria, Who Is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved? Direct teaching

Failing to understand these things in their proper sense, the man of much wealth and observance of the law — and not understanding how the same person can be both poor and rich, can have wealth and not have it, can use the world and not use it — went away gloomy and downcast. He left behind the rank of life that he was able only to desire but not also to attain, having made what was difficult impossible to himself. For it was difficult that the soul not be drawn around and dazzled by the luxuries that come with obvious wealth and by their flowery enchantments. Yet it was not impossible, even amid these things, to lay hold of salvation, if one should transfer himself from sensible wealth to the wealth grasped by the mind and taught by God, and learn to use indifferent things well and properly, and so press on toward eternal life. The disciples too, at first, themselves became thoroughly afraid and astounded when they heard this. Why, indeed? Was it because they too had acquired much wealth? But they had long ago left even those very nets and hooks and serviceable little boats, which were their only possessions. What, then, did they fear when they say, "Who can be saved?" They listen

Tertullian, Against Marcion Direct teaching

... 16:13, because while one is pleased, the other must necessarily be displeased. He mentions God and mammon. If you have no interpreter with you, you may learn again from Him what He meant by mammon. For when He advised us to provide for ourselves the help of friends in worldly matters, after the example of that steward who, when removed from his office, relieved his lord's debtors by reducing their debts so that they might repay him with their help, He said, "And I say to you, Make friends for yourselves from the mammon of unrighteousness," that is, from money, just as the steward had done. Now we all know that money is the instigator of unrighteousness, and the lord of the whole world. Therefore, when He saw the covetousness of the Pharisees giving slavish worship to it, He hurled this sentence against them: "You cannot serve God and mammon," Luke 16:13. Then the Pharisees, who were covetous of riches, mocked Him, because they understood that by mammon He meant money. Let no one think that by the word mammon the Creator was meant, and that Christ was calling them away from the service of the Creator. What folly! Rather, learn from this that one God was pointed out by Christ. Fo

Tertullian, Against Marcion Direct teaching

...how that the Creator warns men away from riches, even without first condemning the rich in the same terms Christ also used, no one could doubt that, from the same authority, there was also added a threat against the rich in Christ's woe. For from that same authority had first come the warning against the material sin of these persons, that is, their riches. For such a threat is the necessary result of such a warning. He also pronounces a woe on the full, because they shall hunger, and on those who laugh now, because they shall mourn. Luke 6:25 These match the opposite statements that appear, as we saw above, in the Creator's blessings: “Behold, my servants shall be full, but you shall be hungry,” even because you have been filled. “Behold, my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be ashamed.” Isaiah 65:13 That means, you shall mourn, you who are now laughing. For just as it is written in the psalm, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy,” so it runs in the Gospel: those who sow in laughter, that is, in joy, shall reap in tears. The Creator laid down these principles long ago, and Christ renewed them by simply bringing them clearly into view, not by changing them in any way. “

Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness

Amos 6:1-6 Therefore, even if I could do nothing else than show that the Creator dissuades men from riches, without at the same time first condemning the rich, in the very same terms in which Christ also did, no one could doubt that, from the same authority, there was added a commination against the rich in that woe of Christ, from whom also had first proceeded the dissuasion against the material sin of these persons, that is, their riches.

1 Timothy 6:9 Background

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

Aristides, The Apology Direct teaching

... according to the flesh, but brothers according to the spirit and in God. And whenever one of their poor passes from the world, each of them, according to his ability, cares for him and carefully sees to his burial. And if they hear that one of their number is imprisoned or afflicted because of the name of their Messiah, all of them eagerly care for his needs, and if it is possible to redeem him, they set him free. And if there is among them anyone who is poor and needy, and they have no extra food, they fast for two or three days in order to supply the needy with the food he lacks. They keep the commandments of their Messiah with great care, living justly and soberly as the Lord their God commanded them. Every morning and every hour they thank and praise God for His loving-kindness toward them, and for their food and drink they offer thanksgiving to Him. And if any righteous man among them passes from the world, they rejoice and give thanks to God, and they escort his body as if he were setting out from one nearby place to another. And when a child is born to one of them, they give thanks to God. And if it should happen to die in childhood, they thank God even more, as for one

Commodianus, Writings Direct teaching

If your brother should be weak—I mean the poor man—do not visit him empty-handed while he lies sick. Do good under God. Show your obedience by your money. Then he will be restored. Or, if he should die, let a poor man be refreshed, one who has nothing with which to repay you, but the Founder and Author of the world on his behalf. Or if it displeases you to go to the poor man, always hateful, send money, and something by which he may recover himself. In the same way, if your poor sister lies on a sickbed, let your matrons begin to bring her food. God Himself cries out, "Break your bread to the needy." There is no need to visit with words, but with benefits. It is wicked that your brother should be sick through lack of food. Do not satisfy him with words. He needs food and drink. Look upon those surely weakened, who are not able to act for themselves. Give to them at once. I pledge my word that fourfold shall be given you by God.

Commodianus, Writings Direct teaching

What can healthy poverty do, unless wealth is present? Certainly, if you have the means, at once share also with your brother. Be responsible to yourself in this one matter, lest you should be called proud. I promise that you will live more securely than the rich man. Receive into your ears the teaching of the great Solomon: God hates the poor man to be a pleader on high. Therefore submit yourself, and give honor to Him who is powerful; for soft speech, as you know from the proverb, melts. One is conquered by service, even though there is an old anger. If the tongue is silent, you have found nothing better. If there should not be a wholesome skill by which life may be governed, then either give aid or direction by the command of Him who is mighty. Do not let it shame or grieve you that a healthy man should have faith. Besides, you ought to give into the treasury from your labor, just as that widow whom the Anointed One preferred.

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

...d in truth, and do before Him what pleases Him. And command your sons to practice righteousness and almsgiving, and to be mindful of God, and always bless His name.” Tobit 14:10-11 And again: “All the days of your life, most dear son, keep God in your mind, and do not be willing to break His commandments. Do righteousness all the days of your life, and do not be willing to walk in the way of iniquity. Because if you act truthfully, your works will prosper. Give alms from your possessions, and do not turn your face away from any poor man. Then it will happen that the face of God also will not be turned away from you. As you are able, my son, so do. If your possessions are abundant, give more alms from them. If you have little, share from that little. And do not be afraid when you give alms, for you are storing up a good reward for yourself against the day of necessity, because alms deliver from death, and do not allow one to come into Gehenna. Alms are a good gift for all who give them, in the sight of the Most High God.” Tobit 4:5-11

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

...f faith, sins are purged away. Proverbs 16:6; Daniel 4:27 You shall not be unwilling to give to the poor, nor should you complain when you have given. For you will know who will repay your reward to you. For he says, “He that has mercy on the poor man lends to the Lord; according to his gift, so shall it be repaid him again.” Proverbs 19:17 You shall not turn away from the one who is needy. For he says, “He that stops his ears, that he may not hear the cry of the needy, himself also shall call, and there shall be none to hear him.” Proverbs 21:13 You shall share all things with your brother, and shall not say that your goods are your own. For God has appointed the common sharing of the necessities of life to all men. You shall not hold back your hand from your son or from your daughter, but shall teach them the fear of God from their youth. For he says, “Correct your son, so shall he afford you good hope.” Proverbs 19:18

Origen, Commentary on Matthew Direct teaching

...rs who were able but unwilling to pay what they owed, they dedicated the debt to the account of the poor. For money was thrown into the treasury by those who wanted to give some part of their goods to the poor according to their ability. So they would sometimes say to their debtors in their own language, "What you owe me is Corban," that is, "a gift," for I have dedicated it to the poor, to the account of piety toward God. Then the debtor, being no longer in debt to men but to God and to piety toward God, was shut up, so to speak, into paying the debt, even if unwilling. He no longer paid it to the money-lender, but now to God for the account of the poor, though in the name of the money-lender. What the money-lender did to the debtor, some sons also did to their parents. They said to them, "That by which you might have been helped by me, father or mother, know that you will receive this from Corban," Matthew 15:4, from the account of the poor who are dedicated to God. Then the parents, hearing that what should have been given to them was Corban, that is, dedicated to God, no longer wished to take it from their sons, even though they were in extreme need of the necessities of lif

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

...s about the needy. First, through Isaiah, He says, "Share your bread with the hungry, and bring the poor who have no shelter into your house. If you see the naked, cover him, and do not overlook those of your own family and seed." Then through Daniel He says to the ruler, "Therefore, O king, let my counsel please you, and cleanse your sins by acts of mercy, and your iniquities by compassion for the needy." And through Solomon He says, "By acts of mercy and faith, iniquities are purged." And again through David, "Blessed is he who has regard for the poor and needy; the Lord shall deliver him in the evil day." And again, "He has scattered abroad, he has given to the needy; his righteousness remains forever." And Solomon says, "He who has mercy on the poor lends to the Lord; according to his gift it will be repaid to him again." Proverbs 19:17 And afterward, "He who stops his ear so that he may not hear him who is in need, he also shall call, and there shall be none to hear him." Proverbs 21:13

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

How more could He stimulate the works of our righteousness and mercy, than by saying that whatever is given to the needy and poor is given to Himself, and by saying that He is aggrieved unless the needy and poor be supplied?

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

... her, as a wise person, hide her own name. She must not sound a trumpet before herself, so that her alms may be with God in secret, as the Lord says: "When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret" (Matthew 6:3-4). And let the widow pray for the one who gave her the alms, whoever he may be, since she is the holy altar of Christ. And the Father, who sees in secret, will repay openly the one who did good. But those widows who will not live according to God's command are anxious and curious about which deaconess gives the charity, and which widows receive it. And when such a widow has learned these things, she complains against the deaconess who distributed the charity, saying, "Do you not see that I am in greater distress and in more need of your charity? Why, then, have you chosen her before me?" She says these things foolishly, not understanding that this does not depend on man's will, but on God's appointment. For if she herself can testify that she was in greater need, and that, after inquiry, she was poorer and more naked than the other, she ought to understand who it is that made this rule. She should kee

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

So also poor men interceding with the Lord on behalf of the rich, increase their riches;

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

And the rich man, in like manner, unhesitatingly bestows upon the poor man the riches which he received from the Lord.

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

and the rich, again, aiding the poor in their necessities, satisfy their souls.

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

Therefore, since those two sources of justice have been changed, all virtue and all truth are taken away, and justice itself returns to heaven. For this reason, the true good was not discovered by the philosophers, because they were ignorant of both its origin and its effects. It has been revealed to no others except our people. Someone may say, "Are there not some among you who are poor, and others rich; some servants, and others masters? Is there not some difference between individuals?" There is none. Nor is there any other reason why we give one another the name of brothers, except that we believe ourselves to be equal. For since we measure all human things not by the body, but by the spirit, although the condition of bodies is different, we have no servants. Instead, we regard them and speak of them as brothers in spirit, and in religion as fellow servants. Riches also do not make men distinguished, except that they can make them more noticeable by good works. For men are rich not because they possess riches, but because they use them for works of justice. And those who seem to be poor are, for this reason, rich, because they are not in need and desire nothing.

Minucius Felix, Octavius Supporting witness

...l discuss the matter more abundantly and more fully at another time. But that many of us are called poor, this is not our disgrace, but our glory. For just as the mind is weakened by luxury, so it is strengthened by frugality. And who can be poor if he is not in want, if he does not crave the possessions of others, if he is rich toward God? Rather, he is poor who, although he has much, desires more. Yet I will speak as I feel. No one can be as poor as he is when he is born. Birds live without any inheritance, and the cattle are fed day by day. Yet these creatures are born for us, and if we do not lust after these things, we possess them. Therefore, just as the man who travels a road is happier the more lightly he walks, so he is happier in this journey of life who moves forward in poverty and does not breathe heavily under the burden of riches. And even if we thought wealth useful to us, we would ask it of God. Surely He, to whom all things belong, could grant us some measure of it. But we would rather despise riches than possess them. We would rather desire innocency. We would rather ask for patience. We prefer being good to being prodigal. And that we feel and suffer the human

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

For this reason, the unjust, and those who do not know God, abound in riches, power, and honors. For all these things are rewards of injustice, because they cannot last forever, and they are sought through lust and violence. But the just and wise man counts all these things as human, as Laelius said, and his own goods as divine. He neither desires anything that belongs to another, lest he injure anyone at all in violation of the law of humanity. Nor does he long for any power or honor, so that he may not injure anyone. For he knows that all are made by the same God, in the same condition, and are joined together by the right of brotherhood. But being content with his own possessions, and with only a little, because he remembers his frailty, he does not seek anything beyond what may support his life. And even from what he has, he gives a share to the needy, because he is pious; and piety is a very great virtue. To this is added that he despises weak and corrupt pleasures, for the sake of which riches are desired, since he is self-controlled and master of his passions. He also has no pride or insolence. He does not lift himself up too high, or raise his head in arrogance. But he is c

Minucius Felix, Octavius Supporting witness

Thus it is, that rich men, attached to their means, have been accustomed to gaze more upon their gold than upon heaven, while our sort of people, though poor, have both discovered wisdom, and have delivered their teaching to others;

Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Background

...o the king and Your righteousness to the king’s son to judge Your people with righteousness and the poor with justice. The mountains will bring peace to the people, and the little hills righteousness. He will judge the poor and save the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor. He will endure as long as the sun, and as long as the moon through all generations. He will come down like rain on mown grass, like showers watering the earth. In His days, righteousness will flourish, with abundance of peace until the moon is no more. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth. Ethiopians will bow before Him, and His enemies will lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and the distant isles will bring tribute; the kings of Arabia and Seba will offer gifts; all kings will bow down to Him and all nations will serve Him; for He delivers the needy who call out, the afflicted with no one to help. He takes pity on the weak and the needy and saves the lives of the needy. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, and His name will be honored before them. Long may He live! May gold from Arabia be given to Him and people pray for Him continually; ma

Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Background

...es among the gods. How long will you judge unjustly and favor the wicked? Defend the orphan and the poor, and do justice to the humble and needy. Rescue the needy, and save the poor from the hand of the wicked. They neither know nor understand; they walk in darkness: all the foundations of the earth shall be shaken. I said, You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High. But you will die like men, and fall like any prince. Rise, O God! judge the earth, for You shall inherit all nations.’ But in the version of the Seventy, it is written, ‘Behold, you die like men, and fall like one of the princes,’ to show the disobedience of people—meaning Adam and Eve—and the fall of one of the princes, i.e., the one called the serpent, who fell greatly because he deceived Eve. However, my point here is not to focus on this aspect, but to prove to you that the Holy Spirit reproaches people because they were made like God, free from suffering and death, as long as they followed His commandments, and were considered worthy of being called His sons, but they, like Adam and Eve, bring death upon themselves; you may interpret the Psalm as you prefer, yet it demonstrates that all people a

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Background

...ess from Christ: “And [Nathan] said to him, There were two men in one city; one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had many flocks and herds, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe-lamb, which he cherished; it grew up with him and his children, ate from his food, drank from his cup, and was like a daughter to him. A traveler came to the rich man, but rather than taking from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man’s ewe-lamb and prepared it for his guest. David's anger burned against the man, and he said to Nathan, As the Lord lives, the man who did this deserves to die, and he must restore the lamb fourfold because he had no pity.” Nathan then said to him, “You are the man who did this.” Nathan then proceeded, reproaching David and recounting God’s blessings to him, showing how much his conduct displeased the Lord. These actions were not pleasing to God, and great wrath was hanging over his house. David, upon hearing this, was struck with remorse and exclaimed, “I have sinned against the Lord,” and he sang a penitential psalm, hoping for the coming of the Lord to wash and cleanse him from sin. Similarly, with Solomon, while he judged uprightly, declared the w

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Background

4. Now, He has not merely related to us a story respecting a poor man and a rich one;

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

and whether these words refer to the rich and poor who are visible to the senses, or whether there is any kind of poverty known to the Logos which is to be deemed altogether blessed, and any rich man who is to be wholly condemned.

Proverbs 22:2 Background

The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

Psalms 49:2 Background

Both low and high, Rich and poor together.

Wisdom of Sirach 10:30 Background

The poor man is honored for his skill, And the rich man is honored for his riches.

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

... And the treasures of wisdom never fail. In wonder at them, the apostle says, "Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom!" Romans 11:33. And through one God many treasures are given out. Some are revealed by the law, others by the prophets, some to the divine mouth, and others to the heptad of the Spirit singing in harmony. And since the Lord is one, He is the same Instructor through all these things. Here, then, is a complete command, and an instruction for life that includes everything: "As you would want people to do to you, do the same to them." Luke 6:31. We can sum up the commandments in two, as the Lord says: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength; and your neighbor as yourself." Then from these He concludes, "On these hang the law and the prophets." Further, to the one who asked, "What good thing shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?" He answered, "You know the commandments?" And when the man replied, "Yes," He said, "Do this, and you shall be saved." The love of the Instructor is especially clear in the different commands that bring salvation, so that discovery may be easier through the richness and

Clement of Alexandria, Who Is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved? Direct teaching

... now to another, and in the end to no one whatever. Again, in the same way, there is also a genuine poor man and another spurious one, poor in name only. The one is poor according to spirit — that is, in what is his own; the other is poor according to the world — that is, in what is foreign to him. To the man not poor according to the world but rich in passions, the one not poor according to spirit but rich according to God says: "Stand off from the foreign possessions present in your soul, so that, becoming pure in heart, you may see God" — which by another voice is to enter into the kingdom of the heavens. "And how shall you stand off from them? By selling." What then? Will you receive money in place of possessions, making an exchange of wealth for wealth, by turning your visible substance into silver? By no means. Rather, in place of what was formerly within the soul which you long to save, you bring in another wealth that makes one godlike and supplies eternal life: the dispositions according to God's commandment. In return for these, reward and honor will accrue to you — perpetual salvation and eternal incorruption. Thus you rightly sell your possessions — the many and supe

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

When the letter of the law promises riches to the just, Celsus may follow the letter that kills and understand it as worldly riches, which blind men. But we say it refers to those riches that enlighten the eyes and enrich a man in all utterance and in all knowledge. In this sense, we charge those who are rich in this world not to be high-minded, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. For, as Solomon says, riches are the true good, which are the ransom of the life of a man. But the poverty that is the opposite of these riches is destructive, for by it the poor cannot bear rebuke. And what has been said of riches also applies to dominion, in regard to which it is said, "The just man shall chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight." Now if riches are to be taken in the sense we have just explained, consider whether it is not according to God's promise that he who is rich in all utterance, in all knowledge, in all wisdom, and in all good works, may, out of these treasures of utterance, of wisdom, and of knowledge, lend to

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

...nd to despise and trample on mortal things. But if you do not grasp this virtue, so as to give your riches to the altar of God, in order to provide for yourself possessions more secure than these fragile ones, I will free you from fear. All these commands are not given to you alone, but to all the people who are united in mind and hold together as one man. If you are not able to do great works by yourself, practice justice with all your power, yet in such a way that you may surpass others in deed as much as you surpass them in riches. And do not think that you are being advised to reduce or use up your property. Rather, turn to better uses what you would have spent on luxuries. Give to the ransoming of captives what you spend on buying beasts. Support the poor with what you use to feed wild beasts. Bury the innocent dead with what you spend on supplying men for the sword. What profit is there in enriching men of shameless wickedness, who fight with beasts, and in equipping them for crimes? Transfer to the great sacrifice the things that are about to be miserably wasted, so that in return for these true gifts you may receive an everlasting gift from God. Mercy has a great reward,

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

...s are so, what follows is true: "It is virtue to be able to assign value to riches." This verse is nearly the same in meaning as the first two. But neither he nor any of the philosophers was able to know that value itself, either what kind it is or what it is. For the poet, and all those who followed him, thought that it meant making right use of riches — that is, being moderate in living, not giving costly feasts, not wasting carelessly, and not spending property on unnecessary or shameful things.

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

And in this sense we charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III Supporting witness

...Similarly, the saying "You cannot serve two masters" is explained by Him: "You cannot serve God and mammon," recognizing God as God but mentioning mammon as something that exists. He does not call mammon Lord when He says, "You cannot serve two masters," but He teaches His disciples, who serve God, not to be subject to mammon, nor to be ruled by it. For He says, "He that commits sin is the slave of sin." Since He calls those who serve sin "the slaves of sin" but does not call sin itself God, He also calls those who serve mammon "the slaves of mammon," not calling mammon God. For mammon, in the Jewish language, also used by the Samaritans, means a covetous person who wants more than they should have. In Hebrew, with the addition of a syllable, it is called Mamuel and means insatiable. Therefore, by both meanings, we cannot serve God and mammon.

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

...e set over the affairs of this world. For no man can serve two masters, and we cannot serve God and mammon, whether that name is used for one or for more than one. Moreover, if anyone dishonors the lawgiver by breaking the law, then it seems clear to us that if the two laws, the law of God and the law of mammon, are completely opposed to each other, it is better for us to dishonor mammon by breaking the law of mammon, so that we may honor God by keeping His law, than to dishonor God by breaking the law of God, so that by obeying the law of mammon we may honor mammon.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Background

...Me food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was naked and you clothed Me.” And, “When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” And we are proved to be righteous by everything else we do well, redeeming, as it were, our property from foreign hands. But I say, “from foreign hands,” not as if the world were not God’s possession, but that we have gifts of this sort and receive them from others, just as these people had them from the Egyptians who did not know God; and by means of these same things we build in ourselves the tabernacle of God: for God dwells in those who act rightly, as the Lord says: “Make friends for yourselves with the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when you are put to flight, they may welcome you into eternal dwellings.” For whatever we acquired from unrighteousness when we were heathen, we are proven righteous, when we have become believers, by using it to the Lord’s advantage.

Tertullian, Against Marcion Background

In the psalm he cries out, "Defend the fatherless and the needy. Do justice to the humble and the poor. Deliver the poor, and rescue the needy out of the hand of the wicked." In the seventy-first Psalm he says in the same way, "In righteousness shall He judge the needy among the people, and shall save the children of the poor." And in the words that follow he says of Christ, "All nations shall serve Him." Now David reigned only over the Jewish nation, so that no one can suppose this was spoken of David. But He had taken upon Himself the condition of the poor, and of those who were oppressed with want, because "He should deliver the needy out of the hand of the mighty man. He shall spare the needy and the poor, and shall deliver the souls of the poor. From usury and injustice shall He redeem their souls, and in His sight their name shall be honored." Again: "The wicked shall be turned into hell, even all the nations that forget God. Because the needy shall not always be forgotten; the endurance of the poor shall not perish forever." Again: "Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, and yet looks on the humble things that are in heaven and on earth!" He is the one "who raises

Tertullian, Against Marcion Background

and since it is by Christ uttered against the rich, I shall have to show that the Creator is also a despiser of the rich, as I have shown Him to be the defender of the poor, in order that I may prove Christ to be on the Creator's side in this matter, even when He enriched Solomon.

Peter of Alexandria, The Genuine Acts of Peter Background

...made with hands. As the Lord also showed when He said, "Make for yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness, so that when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations," Luke 16:9. For what the Lord there called habitations, the apostle here calls clothing. And what He there calls friends of unrighteousness, the apostle here calls houses dissolved. So then, when the days of our present life fail, those good deeds of kindness that we have gained in this unrighteous life, and in this world which lies in wickedness, 1 John 5:19, will receive our souls. So also, when this perishable life is dissolved, we shall have the habitation that is before the resurrection. That is, our souls shall be with God until we receive the new house that is prepared for us, and that will never fall. Therefore also we groan, not because we want to be unclothed, as to the body, but clothed upon, 2 Corinthians 5:4, by it in the other life. For the house in heaven with which we desire to be clothed is immortality. And when we are clothed with it, every weakness and mortality will be completely swallowed up in it, being consumed by endless life. For we walk by faith, not by si

1 Timothy 6:17 Background

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Luke 12:33 Background

Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.

Matthew 6:2 Background

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:1 Background

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 6:3 Background

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

1 Timothy 6:18 Background

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

Luke 16:9 Background

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Luke 6:24 Background

But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

James 2:5 Background

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

James 2:6 Background

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Proverbs 22:16 Background

He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

Wisdom of Sirach 29:9 Background

Help the poor for the commandment’s sake, And turn him not away because of his poverty.