Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveC519
Having said that, I do believe there is a NT tithing system, and this tithe is SEPARATE AND APART FROM the Law. And I believe this is what Paul was arguing for in 1Cor 9.
I think Paul tells us very specifically who this goes to in 1Cor 9:14-
"So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel." ( 1Cor 9:14 NASU)
houtoos kai (“even so”- KJV) is variously rendered “so also” (NASU, YLT) or “in the same way” (NLT, ESV, NIV, CJB, TLB, NCV, RSV). It means that the precepts or maxims which preceded this statement are to serve as the pattern, manner and example for that which follows:
ho Kurios dietaxen (“hath the Lord ordained”): dietaxen is third person singular aorist active indicative of diatasso. This verb appears sixteen times in the NT, and is variously rendered in the KJV as “command”, “appoint”, “ordain”, “set in order”, or “give order”. Other translations: “directed” (NASU, CJB, YLT), “ordered” (NLT), “commanded” (ESV, NIV, NCV, RSV), or “given orders” (TLB). It is used to convey a directive or commandment.
In this verse, the Apostle Paul is saying that the Lord has issued a commandment that they who preach the gospel should live (literally) “out of the gospel” (ek tou euangeliou zeen), and they should do so based directly upon the pattern, manner and example which precedes this verse, specifically, verse 13:
"Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?" ( 1 Cor 9:13 KJV).
Paul makes his appeal to the principle behind the Levitical tithing system to support his argument. Just as the Levitical priests lived of the offerings at the altar, "even so" should they who preach the gospel live by similar means.
The command for this to take place is issued to the church; the recipients are they who preach the gospel.
Your thoughts?
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Thank you for taking the time to respond. After reading your post and after reflecting a bit, I am wondering why, if Paul puts forth this teaching as a "command" for tithing, would he throw a little wrench in the system and claim that he excludes himself from this "command". It seems as though that could cause a bit of confusion for others toward this transitional teaching. In the OT, no one was able to be excluded - it was a "command".
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveC519
Since the Apostle Paul was conveying the command to the church, I do not think it unreasonable to suggest that the tithe be paid into the church for the support of the ministry. It appears that, at least in Corinth, Paul alludes to Peter, James & Jude, and other Apostles receiving support from the church when they ministered there (vs.5, 12). At this time in church history, there probably was not a monarchical episcopate yet established at Corinth.
These are all valid points, and I would agree that there have been, and continue to be, abuses as to how the tithe is distributed. NT senior pastors/bishops will be held just as accountable as OT pastors ( Jer 23; Ezek 34) for how they stewarded the flock of God.
How should the tithe be distributed?
"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. ( 1 Peter 5:1-3)
As to church buildings? For me personally, I see a difference between letting God's glory fill the house, and the house being built and decorated for its own glory. In medieval times, cathedrals & tabernacles were constructed to inspire awe and fear in the hearts of attendants. I prefer to see the Holy Ghost do that.  |
Do you think that your point that I highlighted is a reasonable stand to take after reading
Galatians 6:6? It appears to me that the idea is to "provide" for them in the way that tithing did in the OT, but not necessarily is setting up a tithing system in the NT.
"Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them." (NIV)
communicate unto him — “impart a share unto his teacher” - JFB
"In all good things - In everything that is needful for their comfortable subsistence. On the duty here enjoined see the notes at 1Co_9:11-13." - Barnes
"Communicate unto him that teacheth - Contribute to the support of the man who has dedicated himself to the work of the ministry, and who gives up his time and his life to preach the Gospel. It appears that some of the believers in Galatia could receive the Christian ministry without contributing to its support. This is both ungrateful and base." - Gill
I attended both the Catholic and Baptist Church, at different points in my life, and it seems more reasonable to give to the support of the church, who then pays it out to where it needs to go. Because, again, the tithing (if we want to go that direction for the NT church) did not support one person, it supported the whole Levitical system.
Sorry, Brother Epley, but I just want to ask!
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