Historical Overview
Brief Overview
- The concept of tithing predates the Mosaic Law, appearing first with Abraham.
- Tithing involved giving a tenth of one’s possessions or income.
- In the Old Testament, tithes primarily supported the Levites and Temple upkeep.
- The purpose was to acknowledge God’s ownership and provide for religious service.
- The Old Testament tithe had both obligatory and freewill aspects.
- The transition to the New Covenant raises questions about the continuation of tithing.
Detailed Response
The historical roots of tithing are found long before the formal codification of the Law given to Moses. The first instance of tithing in the Bible appears in Genesis 14:18-20, where Abraham, after a military victory, gives Melchizedek, “priest of God Most High,” a tenth of all the spoils. This act signifies Abraham’s recognition of God’s sovereignty and provision. It’s crucial to note that this occurred centuries before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood and the detailed regulations concerning tithes found in the Law. This pre-Mosaic instance suggests a principle of giving that transcends specific legal requirements.
Later, Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, makes a vow to God at Bethel, promising to give a tenth of everything God provides him (Genesis 28:20-22). This again underscores a voluntary commitment to dedicating a portion of one’s possessions to God, recognizing His blessings. These early examples demonstrate a principle of acknowledging God’s ownership and expressing gratitude through giving, a principle that formed the foundation for later, more formalized tithing practices.
Under the Mosaic Law, tithing became a systematic and obligatory practice for the Israelites. The Law prescribed multiple tithes, the primary one being the support of the Levites, who served in the Temple and had no land inheritance (Numbers 18:21, 24). A second tithe was used for religious festivals and feasts in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 14:22-27). Every three years, a third tithe was collected to support the poor, the widows, and the orphans within the local community (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
These different tithes, sometimes referred to collectively, demonstrate a comprehensive system designed to ensure the functioning of the religious system, the celebration of communal feasts, and the care for the vulnerable. The tithe was not simply a religious tax; it was intrinsically tied to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, a tangible expression of their dependence on Him and their commitment to His laws. It served both a practical and a deeply spiritual purpose.
The prophets frequently addressed the issue of tithing, often rebuking the people for neglecting their obligations. Malachi 3:8-10, a frequently cited passage, contains both a strong warning and a powerful promise: “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” This passage highlights the seriousness with which God viewed the tithe, linking it directly to blessing and curse.
However, it’s crucial to analyze this passage within its specific historical and covenantal context. Malachi was addressing the post-exilic Jewish community, who were struggling to rebuild their nation and their religious life. The “storehouse” refers to the Temple treasury, and the “food” was primarily for the Levites and the sacrificial system. The promise of blessing was directly tied to their obedience in restoring the Temple worship and supporting the priesthood. This context is vital for understanding the application of this passage to Christians today.
Scriptural Overview
Brief Overview
- The Old Testament mandates tithing for the Israelites under the Mosaic Law.
- The New Testament does not explicitly command tithing for Christians.
- Jesus affirms the importance of fulfilling the Law, but emphasizes inner righteousness.
- New Testament giving is characterized by generosity, cheerfulness, and proportionality.
- Paul encourages systematic giving for the support of ministry and the needy.
- The emphasis shifts from a legalistic percentage to a heart-motivated response.
Detailed Response
The Old Testament is clear in its instructions regarding tithing, presenting it as a requirement of the Mosaic Law. As previously discussed, multiple tithes served various purposes, all centered around the covenant relationship between God and Israel. However, the New Testament presents a different perspective, focusing on principles of giving rather than a specific legal requirement. Jesus, while affirming the importance of fulfilling the Law, also emphasized the deeper principles of righteousness and justice.
In Matthew 23:23 (and its parallel in Luke 11:42), Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for meticulously tithing on even the smallest herbs while neglecting the weightier matters of the Law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” Jesus does not condemn tithing itself, but rather the hypocrisy of focusing on external observance while neglecting the heart of the Law.
This passage is often misinterpreted as either an endorsement or a condemnation of tithing for Christians. However, a careful reading reveals that Jesus is addressing a specific audience (the Pharisees) under the Old Covenant. He is not establishing a new law for Christians but rather highlighting the importance of internal righteousness over external ritualism. His emphasis is on the spirit of the Law, not merely its letter.
The New Testament epistles, particularly those of Paul, provide further guidance on Christian giving. While Paul never explicitly commands tithing, he emphasizes the principles of generosity, cheerfulness, and proportionality. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, he writes, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This passage highlights the voluntary and joyful nature of Christian giving, contrasting it with the legalistic obligation of the Old Testament tithe.
Paul also encourages systematic and proportionate giving. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, he instructs the Corinthian church: “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” This passage emphasizes regular, planned giving based on one’s ability (“as he may prosper”). The purpose of this giving was to support the needs of the saints, particularly those in Jerusalem who were experiencing hardship.
Furthermore, Paul highlights the importance of supporting those who minister the gospel. In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, he states, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’ ” This passage, drawing on Old Testament principles, affirms the right of those who dedicate their lives to ministry to be supported by the church. While not explicitly mentioning tithing, it underscores the responsibility of believers to provide for those who serve them spiritually.
Church Overview
Brief Overview
- The early Church Fathers did not uniformly enforce a strict 10% tithe.
- Giving was generally understood as voluntary and proportionate to one’s means.
- Support for ministers and the poor was a consistent emphasis.
- Different denominations hold varying views on the applicability of tithing today.
- Some advocate for the “storehouse” principle, directing giving to the local church.
- Others emphasize generous giving based on New Testament principles, without a fixed percentage.
Detailed Response
The early Church Fathers, while emphasizing the importance of giving, did not uniformly enforce a strict 10% tithe as a universal Christian obligation. Their writings reflect a transition from the Old Covenant legal framework to the New Covenant emphasis on grace and generosity. Some Fathers, like Irenaeus, saw Christian giving as surpassing the Old Testament tithe, emphasizing freedom and generosity rather than legal obligation. Others, like Cyprian, drew parallels between the Levites and Christian ministers, suggesting that the principle of supporting those who serve in ministry remained relevant.
The Didache, an early Christian manual (likely written in the late 1st or early 2nd century), instructs believers to give “firstfruits” to support prophets and teachers, and if there are none, to give to the poor. This reflects a practical application of the principle of supporting ministry and caring for the needy, without mandating a specific percentage. The emphasis was on voluntary giving, motivated by love and gratitude, rather than legal compulsion.
Throughout Church history, different denominations and theological traditions have developed varying perspectives on tithing. Some denominations, particularly within Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions, strongly advocate for the continuation of the 10% tithe as a biblical mandate for Christians. They often cite Malachi 3:8-10 as justification, interpreting the “storehouse” as the local church. This view emphasizes the importance of obedience and the promise of blessing associated with tithing.
Other denominations, including many mainline Protestant churches and some evangelical groups, hold a different view. They emphasize the New Testament principles of generosity, cheerfulness, and proportionate giving, without prescribing a fixed 10% requirement. They argue that the Old Testament tithe was specific to the Mosaic Law and is not binding on Christians under the New Covenant. They emphasize that giving should be motivated by love and gratitude, not by legal obligation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) addresses the topic of supporting the material needs of the Church. CCC 2043 states: “The fifth precept (“You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church”) means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.” Notice no direct mention of tithing percentage.
The Catholic Church views the support of the Church as an obligation stemming from the virtue of justice and the responsibility of the faithful to contribute to the common good. While the CCC does not mandate a specific percentage, it emphasizes the importance of providing for the needs of the Church, including the support of ministers, the upkeep of buildings, and the carrying out of charitable works. The principle is that believers should give generously and proportionally, according to their means and the needs of the Church. This aligns with the New Testament emphasis on voluntary, cheerful, and proportionate giving, rooted in a spirit of gratitude and love for God and His Church.