The [Apostolic] Prosperity Gospel

[Aquila]

Remember, the early church didn't have a NT. They only had the Law. IF they tithed anything, it would have been to the Levites at the Temple in accordance to the Law. The moment Christianity abandoned the authority of the Levites and the Jewish system (who rejected the Gospel), they became focused on being self sustaining communities. In these communities everything was shared, and they didn't tithe. Paul wouldn't receive tithes... he was of the tribe of Benjamin. Nor was Peter a Levite. All offerings were based on need. Also remember, there weren't salaries in those days. If Peter had need of a horse to travel, someone in the church would provide it, or they'd take up an offering to buy one for him. The early church had no buildings or storehouses in which to store a "tithe". Think about it... those smaller thatch roofted houses would have little room for gold, trinkets, fur pelts, grain sheaves, etc. The notion that they tithed to Christian leaders is pure silliness. They did something far better than paying a tithe and walking away... they shared their entire lives in community.

Pastors who teach that Christians are BOUND by the tithe and must or perish are guilty of extortion. Although, in their defense, most were not taught any better.