Does the New Testament Mention Tithing?
The topic of tithing has been a subject of much debate and discussion among Christians over the years. Many are curious to know whether the New Testament mentions tithing and, if so, how it is addressed. This article aims to explore the presence of tithing in the New Testament and provide insight into its significance in the context of Christian faith.
In the Old Testament, tithing is a central aspect of Jewish religious law, with clear instructions on how to give a tenth of one’s income to support the Levites, the temple, and the poor (Leviticus 27:30-32). However, the New Testament presents a different perspective on the matter. Does the New Testament mention tithing, and if it does, how does it differ from the Old Testament teachings?
The New Testament does mention tithing, but primarily in the context of correcting the misconception that the Gentiles were required to follow the Jewish law, including tithing (Acts 15:19-21). The apostle Paul emphasizes that the Gentiles are not under the law of Moses but are instead justified by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:23-25). This implies that the Old Testament laws, including tithing, are not mandatory for believers in the New Covenant.
However, the New Testament does not entirely dismiss the concept of giving. On the contrary, it encourages believers to be generous and to support those in need (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9). While the New Testament does not prescribe a specific percentage like the Old Testament’s tithe, it emphasizes the importance of giving out of love and gratitude for God’s grace (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
In the book of Hebrews, the author highlights the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old, emphasizing that believers are now part of a spiritual temple (Hebrews 9:11-14). This suggests that the New Testament’s focus on giving is not limited to monetary contributions but encompasses the entire life of the believer, including their time, talents, and resources.
In conclusion, the New Testament does mention tithing, but primarily to address the misconception that Gentiles were required to follow the Jewish law. While the New Testament does not prescribe a specific percentage for giving, it encourages believers to be generous and to support those in need. The emphasis on giving in the New Testament is rooted in the grace of God and the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.
