Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?

[MissBrattified]

I've never been certain about the tithing mandate in the NT, but our family gives consistently and we've never regretted it. I do know that in the NT:

1. Giving was never abolished.

2. Cheerful giving was expected.

3. Money was discussed and offerings were certainly given in the NT church.

4. Church administration and charitable outreach was discussed, including payment to preachers and teachers, and the care of widows and orphans.

5. Jesus said to pay taxes and to give God what is His - which part was He referring to when He said to give God His part?

6. The early church had all things in "common" and met needs that way. Instead of having to pay 10% of YOUR income, would you rather sell all your assets, split the expenses of the local assembly by family and have everyone pay an equal amount? 10% is a much better way to divide it up, since everyone doesn't make the same amount.


When I look at these facts, its clear to me that "giving" and meeting the needs of those in ministry and those who need charity was a definite part of the NT church, so whether the 10% tithe was enforced seems irrelevant to me. Practically speaking, the 10% tithe is a good method for people to support the church. (And yes, it does require support--unless you're doing home church--and even then, when you grow beyond your walls and need another meeting place, what then?)

[acerrak]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I've never been certain about the tithing mandate in the NT, but our family gives consistently and we've never regretted it. I do know that in the NT:

1. Giving was never abolished.

2. Cheerful giving was expected.

3. Money was discussed and offerings were certainly given in the NT church.

4. Church administration and charitable outreach was discussed, including payment to preachers and teachers, and the care of widows and orphans.

5. Jesus said to pay taxes and to give God what is His - which part was He referring to when He said to give God His part?

6. The early church had all things in "common" and met needs that way. Instead of having to pay 10% of YOUR income, would you rather sell all your assets, split the expenses of the local assembly by family and have everyone pay an equal amount? 10% is a much better way to divide it up, since everyone doesn't make the same amount.


When I look at these facts, its clear to me that "giving" and meeting the needs of those in ministry and those who need charity was a definite part of the NT church, so whether the 10% tithe was enforced seems irrelevant to me. Practically speaking, the 10% tithe is a good method for people to support the church. (And yes, it does require support--unless you're doing home church--and even then, when you grow beyond your walls and need another meeting place, what then?)

not everyone did that Phillip still had his home, and later Paul went to it.
Though many did give it up. It was theirs to give and do what they willed. Just dont lie to the Holy spirit about it or trying to be mischievious.

also the church (ekklesia) was just a gathering of people, usually at peoples houses or meeting in specific places like the temple courts. They really didnt have buildings up like synagoges for awhile.

Cheerful giving is what is stressed in the new testament. and taking care of those who need, on a local and global level.

also when Jesus was preaching in the Gospels they were still under the law of moses, so tithing applied back then and not just in money.

Jesus and his disciples also paid the temple tax