As a preludial let me make it clear that this analysis is not intended to divest the ministers of God from their God-ordained privileges. The authors’ sole intention is to bring a balance between the prevailing belligerent perceptions within Christendom.
The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Cor 9:14).
First, let’s understand what “Tithe” means, what it meant for, and its purpose.
“Tithe” (ma`aser = a tenth); Tithe was a form a taxation under THEOCRACY (the common wealth of Israel from the time of Moses until the election of Saul as king). Unlike other nations, Israel was ruled by God, who mediated His rule through the priesthood, which consisted of 24 courses/divisions that worked in shifts on a 168-day cycle. People were also required to provide funding for the Priests’ and Levites’ offices.
In essence, the tithe tax was established to support the national government, national festivals, and the destitute. And tithe was never a free will offering. Though conceived by King David in 962 B.C.E., they were initiated by his son Solomon in 951 B.C.E. in accordance with David’s orders (1Chronicles 24:3-19/26:31/2 Chronicles 8:12-14).
There were three types of tax:
Tithe Tax: one-tenth of your earnings (commodities), such as cereals, oil, and fruits, is used to pay the national government.
Every year, the second tithe is used to fund national celebrations such as feasts, festivals, and Temple events.
Every third year, the third tenth is designated as “Poor Tax.”
Every Jew in the kingdom was required to pay a forced tax of about 25%. They were subjected to these laws – Heb 9:10. And they were unable to bear what was commanded – Heb 12:20.
When you study the word of God, it is crucial that you understand its context and to whom it speaks. We know the Bible, in general, speaks of
- God,
- Creation,
- That old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world
- Sin,
- Propitiation (God’s wrath appeased by the death of His Son),
- Redemption (Redemption mean paying a ransom to free a captive),
- Justification (the only way a guilty person can be declared innocent),
- The Israelites/Jews (referred to as God’s people),
- The Gentiles,
- The Church (the Bride of Christ – that one new man – Eph 2),
- The dry land (which again refers to Israel)
- My people,
- Kingdoms,
- The remnant (either the residue of Jacob or the church)
- The residue of people
- Sheep and goats
- Wheat and Tares
- Circumcision and the uncircumcision (Jews and Gentiles – Eph 2:11)
- The Fig Tree
- Judgments of God
- Calamities,
- Eternal life
- Hell/lake of fire
- Nations of the world, and so on (know that the church is distinct from the nation of Israel – if so, the curses and blessings, which were spoken for Israel are not applicable to the church). When the body of Christ exerts that which specifically speaks to the Jewish people, that’s where all confusion sets in, and that’s exactly what the deceiver wants to see happening.
The “Replacement Theology”* (also known as “Supersessionism” – teaches that:
- The Church has replaced Israel
- The church is the continuation of Israel
- Because the church in this age is rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing – Rev 3:17, that many promises that were made to Israel are now fulfilled in the Church – the blessing and restoration of Israel to the Promised Land (Jeremiah 3:19), which is yet to happen in the Millennial reign when Christ sets up his “stone kingdom” in Jerusalem – Dan 2:34,35 now got “spiritualized” into promises of God’s blessing for the church. But the truth is far from it. The Bible says Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things – Rom 15:27 – Israel* (as Paul puts it – my kinsmen according to the flesh – of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came – Rom 9:3,5 – God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew – Rom 11:2 – Jesus said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel – Matt 10:6/15:24/1Pet 2:25/Ps 95:7-11/100:3 – the Gentiles were not of that sheepfold, though he considers them also as sheep, from another fold, which he would bring in later – Eph 2:12/John 10:16,27 – Didn’t Jesus say, I lay down my life for the sheep? – John 10:15) *pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen – Rom 9:4-5.
- They also teach that Jews are no longer God’s chosen people and the future plan for the Nation of Israel got subverted because of their unbelief. This perception is an error. It is true that blindness in part is happened to Israel, but only until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in – Rom 11:25 – that’s when they become complete in all realms (made to give intensity of flavor – the state of being complete in Christ, their Messiah – Rom 11:12,15,16/Zech 12:10 – that’s the time when Deuteronomy 28:13 gets fulfilled – the nation of Israel (who touching the election, are beloved for the fathers’ (the patriarchs’) sakes – Rom 11:28 – “The LORD hath chosen thee (Israel/ the sons of Jacob) to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth” – Deut 14:2 – For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure – Psalm 135:4 – And I (Jehovah) will betroth thee (Israel) unto me for ever – Hosea 2:19 – Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit – Isaiah 27:6 – and God will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody – Isaiah 51:3/2:3,4/ 24:23/Zech 8:23/14:9/Gen 28:13-15) and after the Great Tribulation” “the time of Jacob’s Trouble” – Jeremiah 30:7/Matt 24:21/Dan 12:1 – Israel as a nation will become the head). For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? (Rom 11:15). Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? (Rom 11:12) – know that through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy (Rom 11:11) – And so all Israel (from the twelve tribes – the remnant) shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Rom 11:26) – but the sinners of my people (sons of Jacob) shall die by the sword (Amos 9:10).
We shouldn’t be ignorant of the fact that the Book of “Malachi Chapter 3”* (which has been misused by Christians for a while – I should say it all happened because we lacked teachers that could rightly divide the Word and also people were slothful when it comes to learning of the Word) *specifically speaks to the sons of Jacob (Malachi 3:6). The church has got no right whatsoever to yield to the laws that pertain to the house of Jacob. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law (Rom 3:19). Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace (Gal 5:4). Every time we try to be justified by doing the works of the law, we fall from grace, period.
Tithing was one of the ordinances of the law (imposed on them – Heb 9:10), which was done away in Christ. James says, if you insist to keep one ordinance of the law then you are bound to keep the whole law – James 2:10 – otherwise, you transgress the whole law and are found guilty. Know that Christ hath liberated us from the curse of the law and we are not under the law anymore – Gal 3:13,23/4:4,5/5:18. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse (Gal 3:10).
He who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give* (this is the New Testament mode of giving – For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure – Phil 2:13), *not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver (Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all your increase – Pro 3:9 – the ordinances such as the Sabbath, the Tithing etcetera were ordained for the sons of Jacob – Malachi 3:6-12 – this ordinance of “Tithing” came into effect because Jacob vowed a vow before God and not the other way round – Gen 28:20-22 – and in those days, you are required to keep what you vow – Deut 23:21-23.
Now we know that what things so-ever the law says, it says to them who are under the law – Rom 3:19 – breach of any law, condemned them* (ministration of condemnation – 2Cor 3:9 –they were conscious of sin – Heb 9:9/10:2,3/James 2:10 – for sin had dominion over them – Rom 6: 14 – which brought forth fruit unto death – Rom 7:5) – *carnal ordinances, were imposed on them – Heb 9:10 – and they could not endure that which was commanded – Heb 12:20. But Christ hath abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances – Eph 2:15 – For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor; For I through the law am dead to the law (that I’d be married to another – Rom 7:3,4), that I might live unto God – Gal 2:18-19 – But now we are delivered from the law (Note: the law of commandments contained in ordinances and not the law itself – Eph 2:15/Col 2:14/Heb 9:10/1Tim 1:8/Rom 7:12), that being dead wherein we were held (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ (1Cor 9:21)(KJV); that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter – Rom 7:6).
And here (in the Levitical priesthood), men that die receive tithes (Levi, who receives tithes – Heb 7:9); but there (in the case of Melchizedek – AMP), they are received by one of whom it is testified that he lives (perpetually)(Heb 7:8). Who else can that be which lives forever, than the Lord God of Israel? (Rev 4:9/22:13) He (Melchizedek) abides a priest continually! (Verse 3)(The order, pattern, method of his ministry abides continually through Jesus Christ) He continues to be a priest without interruption and without successor – AMP (because Christ came after that order and maintained that position)(and not because Melchizedek lives forever). It is appointed unto men once to die (because of sin)(Heb 9:27). He (Melchizedek) was also a man (Heb 7:4).
Even the law states, that, only Christ abides forever (John 12:34). Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (Ps 110:4). Levi (the third son of Jacob and Leah – Gen 29:34) also, who receives tithes, paid tithes (tax) in Abraham (Heb 7:4,9). For he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchisedec met him. What about us? Of course, we too are included. If ye are Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed (Gal 3:29/Rom 4); we also then paid tax in Abraham. And that was a one-time procedure, wasn’t it?
The law of tithing was instituted years later. And what thing soever the law says, it says to them who are under the law (Rom 3:19). But we the body of Christ comes under the order of Melchizedek (Heb 7:11). Please note that though Abraham was immensely rich this particular verse states that he gave the tenth of the spoils of war and not monetary – Heb 7:4-10/Gen 14:18-20.
In the book of Matthew 22:19-21 – Jesus said, “Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s – the penny that they showed had Carsar’s image and superscription on it – Matt 22:19,20 – and the Lord said, give it back to him, but to God the things of God, that is from the natural resources – Psalm 50:10/Haggai 2:8, which is what in the Old Testament times people would give as tithes. We must understand that they were still under the law and the second temple was yet standing when Jesus was speaking about this.
You wouldn’t find one verse in the Bible, which states that anyone had paid tithes that is monetary but you would see that they all paid tithes from their land or from war spoils – Deuteronomy 14:22-29. But if the way to the place, which the Lord God hath chosen to set his name is too long to traverse, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee – Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose (Deuteronomy 14:24-26) – if that be the case one could bestow that money for whatsoever their soul lusted after (Deuteronomy 14:26). And that was an exception!
The temple treasury served as a storage (Hebrew – otsar) for both the desert tabernacle and the Jerusalem Temples. Later, the otzar became a grain-storage facility for tax collectors.
The first “treasury of the LORD” was mentioned in Joshua 6:19, where all the silver and gold utensils were devoted to the Lord: and they shall come into the treasury of the Lord – the “storehouse” had accompanied the tabernacle. Later, this was made permanent in the First Temple, until the treasury was pillaged by Nebuchadnezzar’s troops between 604 and 597 BCE, when the Temple valuables were stolen and the edifice was completely destroyed in 587/586 BCE.
The treasury was used in the Second Temple to store grain for the Levites – this is what Malachi 3:10 refers to as “the store house.” God has given the children of Levi the tenth of Israel as an inheritance for the service that they perform, namely the service of the congregational tabernacle (Numbers 18:21). The Levites had no inheritance among the children of Israel: the tithes were their only inheritance (Numbers 18:23,24/Deuteronomy 14:27).
And they the New Testament believers continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42). Not once do we see the Apostles insist the believers, to tithe. Paul said, he had all the right to take such benefits, but: Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? (1Cor 9:7) We have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others are partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless, we have not used this power (that was for other reasons).
That doesn’t mean those who minister about holy things shouldn’t live off the things of the temple. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1Cor 9:13-14). Ergo, he who plants a vineyard has got all the rights to eat of the fruit thereof – and one who feeds the flock, the milk of the flock! For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (1Cor 9:9)
At the same time, this does not authorise the church to endorse “Tithing”. For she can only teach the believers to give generously (not grudgingly), that they may reap also bountifully (2Cor 9:6). Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine (1Tim 5:17) – 2Cor 8:1,2 – We’ve been instructed to grow/abound in this grace “generosity” which the Holy Ghost puts it as an “unspeakable gift” – fellowship of ministering to the saints/ supplying the wants of the saints – 2Cor 8:1-8/9:5-15
The question now is: Is “GIVING” to the church wrong? Absolutely not! According to the New Testament, should the person who’s doing you a service deserves a decent wage? Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward (1 Tim 5:17,18).
It is then imperative that you give financial assistance to the local church you attend.
Even the Apostle Paul picked a law out of Deuteronomy 25:4 – He said, For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (1 Cor 9:9). Is it God’s duty to take care of the oxen or ours – that’s what he is alluding to? He continues, if we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? – Do ye not know that they (in the Old Testament) which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? – Even so, hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Cor 9:1-14). So it’s applied in the New Testament to the elders of the church that if they work for the church they should be paid.
My opinion is that it would be extremely beneficial to the body of Christ if we could set aside 10% of our income for the Lord’s work, and on top of that, when we come across the needs of saints—those who are wealthy in the world willingly, wholeheartedly, and moved by compassion must cover those needs—see it as an opportunity rather than a burden; for God LOVES a JOYFUL giver – 2Cor 9:7/1John 3:17. If you only have enough, it would be a blessing to offer sacrificially to the Lord at times!
The Spirit now says Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:7). He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully (2 Cor 9:6).
And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law – Heb 7:5 – the first covenant He made old – Heb 8:13 – for the weaknesses and unprofitableness – Heb 7:11, 12,18,19 – had a worldly sanctuary – Heb 9:1 – was a shadow of things to come – Heb 8:5 – Now the true tabernacle is pitched – Heb 8:2 – For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law – Heb 7:12 – For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof – Heb 7:18
Lev 27:30 – Livestock and fruit of the land (10th) – Malachi 3 – They were commanded to bring to the storehouse. But we don’t have one, do we?
As I have mentioned earlier, there are three different types of taxation stated in the Old Testament:
- The Levitical, or sacred tithe (Numbers 18:21,24).
- The tithe of the feasts (Deut 14:22-27).
- The tithe for the poor (Deut 14:28,29).
- The priests of that time were engaged in doing sacrifices
- The Levites were the ones that hauled the Tabernacle
But hasn’t everything changed for the better? – for grace and truth came by Jesus Christ – John 1:17 – he hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father – Revelation 1:6/5:10 – as lively stones, we are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ –1Pet 2:5,
If that be the case, wouldn’t that make us all eligible to receive tithes? In the church, the offices definitely have a pecking order – but that doesn’t make a pastor superior to anyone else, does it? On the contrary – he who takes the pastoral office is a servant of all – whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be a servant of all – Mark 10:44. At the same time, isn’t it preposterous that the sheep nowadays get to control a shepherd? Of course, as members of that one body regardless of one’s office, we all should submit one to another in the fear of God – Eph 5:21. We must respect the church’s authority.
The truth is, only a soul that has quelled his pride could submit. BUT at the same time, a shepherd must have this mindset, whether he should persuade men or God? or should he seek to please men? Paul said, for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ (Gal 1:10).
Though the shepherd’s humility and patience are indispensable, that doesn’t give the shepherd the latitude to become a doormat and be controlled by the flock. He must reckon that he possesses Christ’s authority but must administer it in love – and one of the key features of the office of a pastor is to perfect the saints – Eph 4:12 – sometimes sharp rebukes are required, that they may be sound in the faith (Titus 1:13). So, a man-pleaser cannot achieve this stature.
The office of the Pastor must be held in such esteem, as they watch for our souls. For, I have seen both extremes, that a pastor being fearful of the flock and end up striving to gain the favour of man than pleasing God – 1Thess 2:4 – capitulating to life’s pressures he thus let the enemy denigrate his God-given office. Conversely, we could see pastors that show dominance, who imagine that they are above all (they deem themselves solely as the ‘anointed ones’ – that draw away disciples after them – Acts 20:30), that suppresses the flock of God, which contrast the teaching of Christ. When in reality we as the members of that one body whose head is Christ ‘the Anointed’ from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together (Col 2:19). The anointing from ‘the Anointed One’ flows into each member that abideth in Him – 1John 2:20,27.
Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3).
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you (Heb 13:17). Don’t receive an accusation against an elder except at the word of two or three witnesses (presbuteros – presbyter)(1 Tim 5:19), for the elders who rule well must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching (1 Tim 5:17).
Feed the flock of God, which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind –1Pet 5:2 – not greedy of filthy lucre or covetous –1Tim 3:3 – Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock –1Pet 5:3 – And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away –1Pet 5:4. Whether we are paid or not we labor for the master willingly without seeking any compensation.
Our reliance should be entirely on God for the provision and as a shepherd of the flock one must experiment himself the administration of this service – 2 Cor 9:7-15 – that is, cheerful giving and being a lover of hospitality –1Tim 3:2/Titus 1:8 – which supplieth the want of the saints, and is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God – 2 Cor 9:12 – And by example, he shall teach his folks the merit of this unspeakable gift. When God multiplies the seed sown, and increases the fruits of our righteousness – 2 Cor 9:10 – thus we become an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity –1Tim 4:12 –
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38)
If we aren’t a giver ourself how could we teach our folks about it? Thou, O man of God, flee these things (coveting after money); and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness –1Tim 6:11 – Now the just shall live by faith – Heb 10:38 – And our God shall supply all our need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus – Phil 4:19. According to as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue –2 Pet 1:3.
Tithing was a part of the Mosaic Law – Matt 23:23/2Cor 8:9 – and the body of Christ is not part of it – Gal 3:23-25/Rom 7:1-6/Heb 9:10/Heb 8:6-13/Heb 7:12-22 – for we are become dead to the law by the body of Christ (Rom 7:1-6). If one would like to impose the ‘ordinance of tithe’ then they are bound to follow that ordinance in its entirety. Didn’t Christ abolish in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances? (Eph 2:15) – Those ordinances were imposed on them until the time of reformation – Heb 9:10 – For they could not endure that which was commanded (Heb 12:20).
Just like the modern-day shepherds, the scribes, and the Pharisees that sat in Moses’ seat – what do they do according to Jesus? For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne and lay them on men’s shoulders (Matthew 23:2,4)
Paul even said I speak not by way of the commandment – 2 Cor 8:1-8 – But the sons of Jacob had a commandment to heed or a vow to keep, hadn’t they? The new Testament believers are urged to grow in the grace of giving?
He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity/bountinfully – Rom 12:8 – And every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver – 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem – 1Cor 16:1-3
The Reasons for this specific offertory: Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius. As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea; which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul – Acts 11:27-30
Help these women (Philippians 4:3)
However, you did well that you shared in my affliction. You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that at the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your account. But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:14-19
All who believed were together and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according to as anyone had a need – Acts 2:44-45
For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet, and distribution was made to each, according to as anyone had need. Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet – Acts 4:34-37