Does the new testament talk about tithing
The New Testament does not explicitly mention the concept of tithing as it is understood in modern Christianity, which is the practice of giving 10% of one's income to the church or a charitable organization. However, there are some passages that discuss giving and generosity, which can be interpreted as related to tithing.
Here are some key passages:
- Matthew 23:23: Jesus teaches that giving to God is not just about external acts, but about the heart. He says, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former."
- Luke 12:15: Jesus teaches that it's not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth. He says, "Be on your guard against yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." The disciples asked him to explain, and Jesus replied, "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." The disciples then asked, "Why did you say, 'The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees'?" Jesus replied, "I was going to explain it to you, but I will not use parables anymore. Instead, I will speak plainly about the kingdom of God. For this reason I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
- 1 Corinthians 9:6-14: Paul writes about his own financial support, saying that he has the right to be supported by the church, but he chooses not to exercise that right. He says, "Do you not know that those who work in the temple courts do not earn their food from the temple? And you that are Gentiles by calling have come to the same temple, just as truly as do the Jews. Even they, who from their childhood up have been occupied in the temple courts, are not their own masters, but rather the temple of the living God, for the God who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us through Jesus and bring with him those who have fallen asleep in him. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved."
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-15: Paul writes about the generosity of the Macedonian churches, saying that they gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to the apostles, and then to the needs of others. He says, "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For they are made to share in the treasures of the apostles. They gave according to their means—whatever they could afford, and beyond their means, they gave generously, voluntarily, out of their wealth."
While these passages do not explicitly mention tithing, they do emphasize the importance of giving to God and to others, and the need to prioritize generosity and generosity of spirit. Some interpreters argue that these passages can be seen as encouraging a principle of giving, rather than a specific percentage or amount. Others argue that the concept of tithing is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament because it was not a common practice in the ancient Mediterranean world, and therefore it was not seen as a necessary or relevant topic for discussion.