Tithing or giving 10 percent (or some other amount) is nowhere commanded in the New Testament. Tithing was part of the Law Covenant God made with Israel. The tithe was to support the tribe of Levites, who were not given an inheritance in the land. They were to be fully employed as priests to serve God and Israel. Today, unless a person professes Judaism, he is not under Israel’s Law Covenant. Colossians 2:13,14: “He has made alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And he has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”
Church history traces the nominal Christian churches’ decision to copy Israel’s priesthood. A clergy class wearing priestly garments and having an elevated, “holy” status have become responsible for governing the church membership.
However, the early New Testament church was not so organized. All Christians worked to support themselves and their families. The Apostle Paul wrote, “we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Even Paul himself earned a livelihood by mending tents. Acts 18:2-3 (NIV), “Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.”
The New Testament does record examples of brethren giving to those in need. We are to “love one another fervently with a pure heart,” 1 Peter 1:22. When we learn of need, our hearts should be touched and we should try to help – whether by repairing a house, babysitting, preparing meals, driving a car or giving money. 1 John 3:16,17 (NIV), “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
Finally, if a person joins a church that does have a paid ministry, that person is also committing to supporting its ministers, staff, and work. A tithe is not scripturally required. But some forms of support become a member’s responsibility.
Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1040: “Do Tithes and Offerings Belong in Christianity?”
Understanding tithing and establishing Christian giving
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CQ Rewind Show Notes
