Are we supposed to pay tithes under the new testament

The question of tithing under the New Testament is a topic of ongoing debate among Christians. The Bible does not explicitly command Christians to pay tithes in the same way that it does in the Old Testament. However, there are some passages that can be interpreted as encouraging generosity and financial support for the church.

Here are some arguments for and against paying tithes under the New Testament:

Arguments for paying tithes:

  1. Jesus' teaching on giving: In Luke 12:15, Jesus says, "Be on your guard against yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." The disciples asked him to explain what he meant, and Jesus replied, "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." The disciples then asked, "Why was it that we didn't notice any yeast in our bread?" Jesus answered, "You have so little faith! Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Some interpreters see this passage as teaching that giving is a way to demonstrate faith and trust in God.
  2. The example of the early church: In Acts 4:32-37, we read about the early Christian community in Jerusalem, where believers sold their possessions and shared them with one another. This passage is often seen as an example of the kind of generosity and sharing that Christians should strive for.
  3. The principle of giving: In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul writes, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This passage emphasizes the importance of giving generously and cheerfully, without feeling forced or obligated to do so.

Arguments against paying tithes:

  1. The Old Testament context: The tithe was a specific command given to the Israelites in the Old Testament, and it was tied to the sacrificial system and the Levitical priesthood. Under the New Testament, these institutions have been replaced by the church and the sacrifice of Christ.
  2. The New Testament emphasis on grace: The New Testament emphasizes the concept of grace, which is the unmerited favor of God. Some argue that the emphasis on grace means that we are no longer under obligation to follow Old Testament laws and customs, including the tithe.
  3. The lack of explicit command: The New Testament does not explicitly command Christians to pay tithes. While there are passages that encourage generosity and financial support for the church, there is no specific command to tithe.

In conclusion, while there are arguments for and against paying tithes under the New Testament, the Bible does not provide a clear and explicit command to do so. Ultimately, the decision to tithe or not is a matter of personal conviction and obedience to God's leading in one's life.