Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveC519
The command in 1Cor 9:14 (ordained = commanded) for ministerial support is to be based on that which preceded the command. Paul said "even so", which means "so also" or "in like manner". What precedes the command is Paul's direct reference to the Levitical tithing system in vs. 13. Notice Paul did not tell the church "give your ministers the Levitical tithe". What he said was "support them in like manner". He was appealing to the underlying principle of the Levitical system- which was the tithe, or tenth. He wasn't appealing to all of the minutia codified within the Levitical law, only the principle.
In Hebrews 7, the writer is comparing and contrasting the Levitical priesthood with the Melchisedec priesthood. One way he demonstrates that the latter is greater than the former is that the former paid tithes to Melchisedec through their father Levi by way of Abraham. So what Abraham paid to Melchisedec was not a land tax, but a tithe- a tenth. The word "tithe" means a tenth.
You're right, that would be guessing, because Jacob's vow to tithe was before the Law, and so the third year tithe to the poor was not yet introduced in Scripture. However, we do see another reference to tithing BEFORE Jacob's vow, and that was when Abraham paid tithes to a priest after the Melchisedec order: Melchisedec himself.
Hebrews 7. The Melchizedek priesthood replaced the Levitical priesthood (vs. 12). |
If you are going to use the Levitical as a comparison then I can tithe food items. You can't use that as a comparison then jump on ole Melchizedek.
Abraham tithed nothing of his as recorded. So therefore when I win a battle I'll tithe war booty.
Tithing filthy lucre as a command is just not in the new covenant. Supporting ministry is there if a laborer in the Gospel wants and needs it.
I'm fully aware of what a tenth is.
Bouncing back and forth is not hermeneutically sound.
Hybrid Mode
