Jubilee in the new testament
The concept of jubilee is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, but there are some passages that allude to or reflect the principles of jubilee. Here are a few examples:
- Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1-2, which speaks of the year of the Lord's favor, when the poor will be freed from their oppressors and the year of jubilee will be proclaimed. Jesus is proclaiming that this message of liberation and restoration is being fulfilled in his ministry.
- Acts 3:19-21 - Peter quotes Joel 2:28-32, which speaks of a time when God will restore the years the locusts have eaten and will pour out his Spirit on all flesh. This passage can be seen as a reflection of the jubilee principle, where God restores and redeems his people.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - Paul writes that in Christ, all things are made new, and that believers are reconciled to God and to each other. This passage can be seen as a reflection of the jubilee principle, where all debts are forgiven and all relationships are restored.
- Ephesians 4:25-32 - Paul writes that believers should forgive each other and release each other from debts, just as God has forgiven them in Christ. This passage reflects the principle of jubilee, where debts are forgiven and relationships are restored.
While the concept of jubilee is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, these passages reflect the principles of liberation, restoration, and redemption that are central to the jubilee concept.