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See Matt 5:26; Luke 16:10-12; Luke 19:8,9; Rom. 13:8; Philemon 1:18. The Roman law (in Christ's day) directed a fourfold restitution, which explains Zaccheus' statement in Luke 19:8. His generous addition of "the half of his goods," though not demanded by the law, was evidently heard with approval of the spirit which prompted it. Moralists hold that we are bound to restore the thing owed, in kind, if possible, with the natural increase added. This seems to have been the view adopted by the early Christian Church.
