1 "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.So we see not only the concept of private property being affirmed here but also the idea that restitution for theft was not simply a returning of the goods, but apparently involved restoring even more than what was stolen.
2 "If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed;
3 but if it happens after sunrise, he is guilty of bloodshed. "A thief must certainly make restitution, but if he has nothing, he must be sold to pay for his theft.
4 "If the stolen animal is found alive in his possession— whether ox or donkey or sheep— he must pay back double.
In contrast to these ideas Communism does not affirm the concept of private property. Godless systems of government will actually steal people's private property.
Some may disagree and point on that in the book of Acts it says that "All the believers were together and had everything in common." Acts 2:44 Or more specifically, "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."Acts 4:32 But was that forced upon them by the religious institution or by some goverment system, or was that the case because they were simply generous and out of their free will gave of their private property?
Notice the case of Ananias and Sapphira of Acts 5. After they sold their field to give to the church Peter noted to them, "Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?" Acts 5:4 Here Peter affirms that they were under no obligation to sell it or to give the money to the church. This is vastly different than communism which steals private property rather than relying upon generosity.
But what about taxes? Are they a form of stealing also? It is written, "Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Rom 13:5-7 Historically though while even affirming property rights, governments will often abuse the tax system to take more than what is fair. The American Revolution, for example, was a result of unfair taxes which amounted to theft. Not respecting God-given property rights not only makes people upset, it also upsets God.
In contrast to this the New Testament teaches that "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2Cor 9:7 No specific amount is given, rather generosity is left up to whatever one decides in his heart to give. It is not to be done under a sense of compulsion. So if you feel you're being compelled to give then it isn't an act of generosity, but rather you're acting out of a sense of obligation, which is different.
Paying Christian ministers for their service is not an act of generosity. Christian ministers have the RIGHT to get payed for their service, and as such their congregations are obligated to pay them. "the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." 1Cor 9:14 Yet in this same chapter in 1Cor, Paul generously gives up his right to get paid, so as to further the gospel. "What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it." 1Cor 9:18 Though few ministers of the gospel seem willing to follow Paul's example in this. But that's their free choice, not their obligation.
Here's an interesting perspective on adultery. If your spouse has authority over your body and you have authority over your spouse's body, then adultery might be viewed as a form of theft. Someone is doing something with your property which you haven't authorized.
The godly will respect others property rights and privacy rights.
The ungodly will violate others property rights and privacy rights.
"Truly you are a God who hides himself, O God and Savior of Israel." Isaiah 45:15"The secret things belong to the LORD our God,
but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever" Deuteronomy 29:29
"Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him—" Rev 16:25,26