Understanding Tithing

Articles

Antoine N. Holloway
08/17/14 - Church Bulletins

UNDERSTANDING TITHING

By Antoine Holloway

What Is A Tithe?

A tithe is the giving of 10% of one’s money &/or possessions.

Foundational Facts About Tithing

The specific word “tithe” in its various noun & verb forms is found in the Bible a total of 40 times (OT – 33, Gospel – 3, Hebrews – 4). Tithing is an OT law, which has been done away (Hebrews 9:15-17, 7:19, 8:6-7, & Galatians 3:24-25). The first mention in reference to tithing had to do with Abram going to war & giving a tenth of the spoils of war to the king of Salem, Melchizedek, who was also a priest of the most high God (Genesis 14:20). The tithe was first commanded in Leviticus 27:30-34 & it was only commanded to the children of Israel (Leviticus 27:30-34, Numbers 18:26, & 2 Chronicles 31:5-6).

Question: “Is there any verse in the Bible which requires a Christian to tithe?” Is there a statement regarding this in Scripture? Is there a direct commandment regarding this in Scripture? Is there an example regarding this in Scripture?

Fast Facts About Tithing

Did you know that if you break part of the Law, then you break all of the Law? This means that if you keep part of the Law, then you must keep all of the Law (James 2:10 & Deuteronomy 27:26). Tithing is part of the Old Law. So, if one binds the tithe, then of necessity & consistency, they must also bind OT dietary restrictions (Deuteronomy 14:1-21), the Passover (Deuteronomy 16:1-8), special feast days (Deuteronomy 16:9-17), the Levitical priesthood (Deuteronomy 18:1-8), & animal sacrifices (Deuteronomy 12:6-7).
Did you know that Colossians 3:17 is still in the Bible? Nowhere in Scripture will we find that Jesus authorized the Christian to tithe.

If there is no authority today for the Christian to tithe, then what are we authorized to do?

Christians are commanded to give on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Notice that no percentage or amount is given. Nowhere does the New Testament require Christians to tithe, but we are commanded to give. Let us get into the habit of speaking only where the Bible speaks & remaining silent where the Bible is silent.