Verse

A lot of Christians believe that Jesus taught tithing. So, what is the evidence for this? This blog post will try to answer this question by first giving an overview of the biblical tithe and then discussing the tithe in relation to Jesus.

Before we continue deeper, you can check out our article about tithing on our blog. Maybe you will find the answer to your question about it. Go to: Tithes New Testament – A Guide

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Jesus tithing: Did Jesus Teach Tithing

There is an ongoing debate among Christians as to whether or not Jesus actually taught tithing. The argument is based on the absence of any references to tithing in the New Testament or any early Christian writings.

Matthew 23:23

Matthew 23:23 (NIV): 23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.“

Many people undoubtedly think that this resolves the tithe issue for them because these words came from Jesus’ mouth. However, this presumption is unfounded, and the conclusion does not fit the context of the Bible.

We can show that the tithing debate is not resolved by Jesus’ comments if you read the entirety of Matthew 23 and look up the other Old Testament laws that He taught.

Matthew 23:23 requires us to start at the beginning of the paragraph and comprehend its context if we are to understand what Jesus was talking about, to whom he was speaking, and in what context.

Since the Bible mentions Jesus keeping the Passover in Matthew 26:17, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he continued to teach about certain components of the Law.

Matthew 23:1 

“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.“

Jesus states that the Pharisees occupy Moses’ seat at the beginning of Matthew 23 before directing the disciples to follow the Pharisees (which is surprising). According to the introduction in Matthew 23, Jesus upheld and continued to command the Mosaic law.

One of the most important things to take away from this passage is that while we can benefit from Jesus’ teachings, his address to the disciples and the Israelites was not intended as a personal appeal on behalf of the New Testament Church.

We can understand why you think that what Jesus commanded then should be commanded now if you believe that church leaders sit in Moses’ seat and that we are to follow the Mosaic laws.

Before you continue, you may also like this article: Tithing in the New Testament – Why is it Important?

The example of Jesus teaching the law

It says in Matthew 5:23–24,  “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.“

You would be surprised that Jesus is still instructing the Israelites on how to worship on an altar considering that this was close to the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly life and slightly before the founding of the Church.

Jesus again upholds the law in Luke 5:14 when he orders a healed man to present himself to the priest. More scripture will reveal that Jesus celebrated the feasts and kept the Passover as required by the Mosaic law.

Jesus certainly followed the law, put it into effect, and taught it. Who then is to say that Jesus was giving the New Testament Church in order to tithe?

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New Testament Church

Reread Matthew 23:23 where Jesus praises the Pharisees for their precise attention to detail in tithing the tiniest herbs in their harvests and then reproaches them for neglecting justice, mercy, and faith.

If you are familiar with how tithing was carried out under the Mosaic law, you are aware that only crops and animals were eligible for tithing.

This indicates that the tithe was not paid in products or money. It’s crucial to keep in mind that Jesus did not mock them for adhering to the details of the Mosaic law; rather, he commended their observance of the Law.

Therefore, if you think Jesus’ advice to tithe applies to us, you must also think that only tithing from crops or animals is appropriate.

You could probably use the behavior of the Pharisees as your litmus test to decide which laws from the old testament are still required today and which ones are not. We are aware that while the Pharisees were excellent at upholding the Mosaic law, they were less adept at upholding universal values like justice, kindness, and faith.

As a result, you might observe any of the regulations that the Pharisees were religious about without being concerned that you are acting improperly. Please note that the Pharisees were quite successful in the issue of tithing.

Last but not least, if Jesus’ statements supported tithing for us, it follows that all the conditions and stringent guidelines that accompanied tithing should also be upheld. We can’t just pick and choose which of Jesus’ teachings on tithing we choose to follow.

For instance, the Jews were limited to giving from their livestock or crops. Although it was against the law to offer money as a tithe, all churches are fine with it now.

Read more about tithing in the new testament in our article here: What is Tithing in New Testament?

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Two Ideas Regarding Jesus and the Law

In Matthew 5:17–18, Jesus makes a comment regarding the Law. He said as follows:

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

There are two things we can take away from these verses before we can respond to the topic of tithing.

Jesus Did Not Come to Remove the Law from the Earth

We are aware that the Law frequently gets a poor rap, but the Law is truly beneficial. Continue reading before you assume we are going to advise you to start sacrificing animals once more.

The Law and the first five books of the Bible have never been a problem. The issue was that males could not uphold the demands of the Law. We want you to internalize this. Good laws exist.

However, it is bad to try to obtain justification or salvation by upholding the Law’s demands. You will utterly fail if you try to accomplish that. This is what Paul informs us in Romans 3:20:

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

The Law reveals to us our sinful state because it is good, pure, and holy. The Law’s norms will therefore always be in effect. The Law will constantly be in force until Jesus comes again, reminding us of our sins.

Jesus Completed the Law

It is problematic to know that the Law’s requirements are still in effect and always will be. We’re not up to the task. The good news is that since Jesus already paid for you, we don’t have to. Instead of attempting to satisfy the requirements of the Law, you are now justified through your faith in Jesus.

Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” Galatians 3:11

The Relationship to Giving

Let’s use these guidelines to guide our charitable donations. Take the verses we cited before into consideration. First Malachi 3:10:

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

The Old Testament taught that the first 10% of your income should be given to God as a tithe. There is nothing wrong with paying a tithe because Jesus did not come to abolish the Law. It is still a terrific method to recognize that all you have originates from God and is a great rule to live by. That does not fully address the query.

You need to think about why you’re contributing. The Law does not reveal your heart’s attitudes or situations, though. The Pharisees faced this issue. They were aware of the Law and occasionally even followed it, but they were unaware of the attitudes that were in their hearts.

Giving is the same way. It’s not only about what you offer; it’s also important to give with the right mindset. The New Testament contains Paul’s response to this.

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The Other Verse to Think About Regarding Giving

Keep in mind:

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Paul puts a hitch in this calculation since he cares more about your attitude toward giving than your financial contribution. But what he actually does is connect your sowing (giving) and your reaping.

You will receive more if you offer more. Little is given, and little is reaped. This saying comes from the Old Testament.

The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown].– Proverbs 11:25 (AMP)

Giving and Receiving

The act of giving and receiving are related. You will receive back exactly what you put out. Paul does, however, add something here that is noteworthy. And ultimately, whether or not your tithing is biblical will depend on this. Please answer these three questions based on 2 Corinthians 9:7.

• Have you made the decision to go it alone?
• Are you being coerced into surrendering something?
• Do you go about it with joy or reluctance?

What’d you think? This is assessed by disclosure rather than pass/fail. What did your responses say about your charitable giving?

Your giving must originate from a willing and joyful heart in order to be biblical and pleasing to God. God does not bless giving with an attitude that is resentful, unwilling, hesitant, or lacking in purpose.

If such is the intention behind your donation, it would be wiser to keep your money instead of giving it. You’ve lost out on the benefits of donating. Knowing that God is your source and that you are cheerfully choosing to honor him with your giving should be the source of your generosity. The sowing and reaping blessing occurs when you have that mentality.

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Conclusion

Giving is an act of mercy, generosity, and love. Tithing is giving back a tenth (or 1/10th) of what you earn. This verse from 2 Corinthians 9:7 states that tithing will result in reaping the benefits of your generosity. The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown].

Based on these scriptures, it is clear that tithing is very important to God. However, it does not mean giving everything you make away. You should tithe based on what you earn, and then use the extra money to help others. tithing is not about giving away everything you have, but rather giving back a tenth of your income. This will allow you to reap the benefits of your generosity and continue giving back.

There is no clear evidence that Jesus actually taught tithing. In fact, the gospels make no mention of tithing at all. Some Christian apologists have tried to argue that the tithe is a concept that was developed later on in the bible, but this argument is flawed.

There are references to tithing in the bible, but these references do not support the idea that tithing was a regular practice of Jesus’ disciples. So, unless you have solid evidence to back up your claim, it is best to refrain from teaching tithing to your congregation.

Tithing is one of the most important commandments in the Bible. It is mentioned over 50 times in the Bible and is often tied in with giving to charity. The principle of tithing is that you should give 10% of your income to God every month.

This blog post explores the biblical underpinnings of tithing. By understanding how tithing fits into the whole picture of biblical giving, you’ll be better equipped to live a godly life that fulfills both your spiritual and financial needs.

Before we continue deeper, you can check out our article about tithing on our blog. Maybe you will find the answer to your question about it. Go to: Tithes New Testament – A Guide

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Tithing in the New Testament

Today, the phrase “tithe” is used to refer to laying aside a particular percentage of one’s income for God. Since the word technically means “tenth,” a tithe usually refers to a tenth of one’s income, but it is frequently used to refer to any sum of money set aside for God. It is customary to donate this money to the nearby church. The Bible contains the origins of tithing.

The first book of the Bible introduces the idea of saving whatever percentage of one’s income one has. In the book of Genesis, Cain, and Abel, the offspring of Adam and Eve, presented “portions” of their flocks and crops to the Lord.

To give thanks to God for a fruitful harvest, a portion of the first crop of the season was intended to be set aside. The Israelites carried on with this custom as they grew and even as they were treated as slaves in Egypt.

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What Makes Tithing so Crucial

Presenting the Firstfruits of Your Money to God

10% of your income should be given to God in a consistent manner as the tithe. Tithing respects the tenets of Scripture, which call for the generous support of religious authorities, almsgiving to the poor, and storing up of treasures in heaven.

The Bible constantly exhorts us to give God the first portion of our wealth as a sign of respect and thanks.

“Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9–10).

Recognize the Biblical Justification for Tithing

The concept of tithing is addressed frequently in the Old Testament, particularly when God appointed the Israeli tribe of Levi to serve by taking care of the tabernacle and acting as Israel’s spiritual leadership.

God did not give the tribe of Levi a portion of land (as He had given sections of land to the other tribes of Israel) since they were given these two special obligations instead He commanded the other Israelites to bring tithes of their increase to care for the priests and Levites.

Jesus endorsed tithing in the New Testament (see Matthew 23:23), and the Apostle Paul urged Christians to give to those in need and to those spreading the gospel (see II Corinthians 9:6–15).

You help those who God has chosen to serve as pastors, missionaries, and ministry staff by giving tithes today, enabling them to faithfully strengthen the Church and advance God’s kingdom.

Use it in your daily life

One way to acknowledge God as your provider and to keep in mind that all of your resources belong to Him and are provided via His grace is by tithing. You set your course to serve God in how you manage the rest of your resources when you give away the initial 10% of your income.

Increase your fear of the Lord

Regularly being reminded of your reliance on God is made possible through the act of tithing. Tithing allows you to express your thankfulness for God’s care while also helping you remember that He is the source of all blessings. Tithing encourages you to reflect on God’s faithfulness and allows you to show that you trust Him to meet all of your needs when times are tough.

God gave the Israelites these instructions in Deuteronomy 14:22–23:

“Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed . . . . of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.”

Whatever your current circumstances, tithing is essential to developing a life-long fear of God.

Keep Your Treasure Safe in Heaven

Christians are challenged to focus on the important things in life instead of worldly luxuries. (See Colossians 3:1–2.)

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not beak through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21)

Read more about tithing in the new testament in our article here: What is Tithing in New Testament?

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Comparison of Old and New Testaments Regarding Tithing

Whether or not the tithe exclusively relates to the Old Testament is a topic of long-standing disagreement.

Genuinely a part of the New Testament.

No one will contest that the Old Testament uses the word “tithe” the most, with Malachi 3:8–12 being one of the most frequently cited verses:

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.”

However, as was already indicated, tithing is also addressed in the New Testament.

Jesus chastises the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 for tithing while ignoring the more crucial matters of justice, mercy, and faith:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

The fact that He doesn’t criticize tithing and instead recommends that they should have done so in addition to exhibiting justice, mercy, and loyalty is worth noting.

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Tithing in the Bible

Tithing is an important part of Christianity and is mentioned throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, tithing is also taught as an act of worship.

Understanding tithing and offering money to the church is crucial for those who follow Jesus. Where in the Bible does it say to tithe? is a common question. Others query if it’s really necessary to contribute to the neighborhood church and, if so, how much. The topic is fraught with queries.

A person’s ability to grow spiritually can be unlocked by grasping the idea of tithing. Giving tithes can bring happiness and independence. But tithing is also a Christian doctrine that is sometimes misinterpreted. Mistrust in the church may result from confusion about the matter. Some people could conclude that the church exclusively worries about money as a result of these misconceptions.

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Where in the Bible Does it Say to Tithe

In the New Testament, “tithing” is not specifically addressed. If you’re wondering where the word “tithe” appears in the Bible, you might assume that this rules out the idea as being Biblical. Though it is!

In the book of Matthew, Jesus was lecturing at a gathering when he denounced the hypocrisy of the legal scholars. They put a lot of effort into strictly adhering to the rules, but they paid little regard to their hearts. Jesus claims

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices–mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

Jesus did not advocate against charitable donations. He was bringing up the fact that giving is about more than just money to religious leaders. Giving to God was about the heart of the giver. It was one of the various ways someone may give their life to God and commit to doing so.

This feeling is similar to one that Jesus previously stated in reference to the Pharisees and other legal authorities’ activities. In Matthew 15:8-9 Jesus says, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”

Jesus is most interested in the hearts of both men and women. Giving money has value only when it is done from a place of worship, according to God.

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The New Testament Church and Tithing

The apostle Paul discussed giving as he established churches all throughout the world. His suggestions for giving went beyond tithing (or 10%) donations. Giving in the New Testament actually consists of three components. Generous, constant, and happy giving.

Give Generously

Paul shared the generosity of the Macedonian churches with the Corinthian church as he gave them encouragement. e says, “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Cor. 8:3). “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously,” he concludes after his encouraging remarks (2 Cor. 9:6).

Consistently give

Giving has the effect of refocusing the giver’s heart on God’s priorities over worldly concerns. It states unequivocally that God comes first in our life, preceding all else. Consistent giving is necessary for this declaration to be effective.

“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income” (1 Cor. 16:2). 

The church was urged to reserve a certain sum of money each week for donations. The intention is to promote consistent donation rather than to establish a new regulation that every churchgoer must abide by.

Give Joyfully

If a person’s heart is what God wants, then the motivation behind their giving counts. Paul emphasizes this point once more: “ Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7)

Giving should not be done “reluctantly” or “under compulsion,” according to Paul. ““grudgingly,” the sentence reads in another translation. The follower of Jesus should cheerfully give in its place.

The cheerful giver is aware that there is more to life than this planet. This is the reason Jesus said,

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).

These donors are aware of the importance of supporting the local church and the mission of the kingdom of God.

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Conclusion

Christian believers have always been taught the importance of giving back to God. This is especially evident in the New Testament, where tithes are specifically mentioned many times. Not only is tithing an essential part of the Christian life, but it also helps to support the ministry of the church.

By understanding the key reasons why the tithe is important and the instructions for tithe-giving found in the Bible, you can be a faithful giver and help God’s work continue. Thank you for reading and we hope you leave this blog with a better understanding of the importance of tithing!