Tithing in the new testament
Tithing, or giving a tenth of one's income to God, is a practice that is rooted in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, while there is no explicit command to tithe, there are several passages that suggest that believers should continue to give generously to support the work of God.
Here are some key passages that relate to tithing in the New Testament:
- Matthew 23:23 - Jesus teaches that giving to God is not just about tithing, but about giving from the heart. He says, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. 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 is not what goes into a person's mouth that defiles them, but what comes out of their mouth. He 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 Sadducees." Then they understood that he was not talking about the yeast used in bread, but about the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He was warning them against the hypocrisy and greed of the religious leaders.
- 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. He says, "I have the right to be paid for my work in the ministry. But I have not used that right. Instead, I have worked hard, earning the right to be paid. Even though I am free from the law, I have taken on the added responsibility of a soldier. I have become a servant of everyone so that I might win more followers for Jesus Christ. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings."
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Paul writes that God loves a cheerful giver, and that we should give generously to support the work of God. He says, "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."
- Philippians 4:10-19 - Paul writes that he has received financial support from the Philippian church, and he expresses his gratitude for their generosity. He says, "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
In summary, while there is no explicit command to tithe in the New Testament, there are several passages that suggest that believers should continue to give generously to support the work of God. The emphasis is on giving from the heart, rather than just giving a specific percentage of one's income.