Tithe in the bible new testament

The concept of tithing in the Bible is primarily discussed in the Old Testament, where it is commanded by God as a way for the Israelites to give back to Him a portion of their crops and livestock. However, there are some references to tithing in the New Testament as well.

In the Old Testament, the law of tithing is first mentioned in Leviticus 27:30-33, where God commands the Israelites to give a tenth of their crops and livestock to the Levites, who were responsible for serving in the temple and caring for the spiritual needs of the people. This tithe was to be given to the Levites every third year, and it was considered a sacred obligation.

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles do not explicitly command Christians to tithe in the same way that the Old Testament does. However, there are some passages that suggest that Christians should give generously to support the work of the church and the needs of others.

For example, in 1 Corinthians 9:6-14, Paul writes that he has the right to be supported by the church, but he chooses not to exercise that right in order to avoid burdening the church. Instead, he works to support himself, so that he can devote himself fully to the ministry.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul writes that God loves a cheerful giver, and that the purpose of giving is not to receive something in return, but to honor God. He also encourages the Corinthians to give generously to support the needs of others, saying, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

In addition, the book of Acts records several instances of early Christians giving generously to support the work of the church and the needs of others. For example, in Acts 4:32-37, the early Christians sell their possessions and give the money to the apostles, who use it to distribute it to those in need.

Overall, while the New Testament does not explicitly command Christians to tithe in the same way that the Old Testament does, it does emphasize the importance of giving generously to support the work of the church and the needs of others.