New Testament Letters

The New Testament letters show an increased focus on spiritual blessings, poverty, and suffering, while downplaying material wealth and comfort (Lim, “Blessings in the Prophets,” 77–108). For example, 1 Timothy teaches that “the love of money“—expressed in the accumulation of riches without sharing with those in need—is the “root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim 6:10). Hebrews likewise tells believers, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have” (Heb 13:5 ESV). Elsewhere in Hebrews, the author echoes Jesus’ teachings by commending his audience, who “joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one” (Heb 10:34 ESV).