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Tithing is Unscriptural Under the New Covenant Part 2 Scriptural Proof that Christian Tithing is a Hoax and The Malachi Prophecy I marvel that more people are not totally embarrassed by the way the world of Christendom exacts money from the poor and peddles the Word of God like so much merchandise for sordid gain. It is an international disgrace. I will not mince words, so get ready for some startling revelations. WHAT WE WILL LEARN What is the real message of Malachi’s prophecy for believers today? Did Paul finance his international ministry through the tithing system? Is there even one example of Christians paying tithes in the Bible? Why did Jesus not pay tithes or the Temple tax commanded by the Law of Moses? Will you or anyone be "cursed with a curse" for not tithing? THE SCRIPTURES KNOW NOTHING OF "CHRISTIAN TITHING" Jesus Christ’s followers did not pay tithe to Him from farm products or herds; neither did His followers pay Him ten percent of their salaries from other sources of income. "Christian tithing" is an oxymoron—it is a contradiction of words. Nay, it is more: it is, in fact, a Christian hoax! "Christian tithing" is about as Scriptural as "Christian burnt offerings," "Christian stonings," or "Christian synagogues." The leaders of Christendom have bamboozled millions (billions) of unsuspecting laity into believing that "Christian tithing" is a Scriptural command from God Himself, and can easily be found and supported in the pages of Divine Scripture. Oh really? Of the 613 laws contained in the first five books of the Bible written by Moses, why is it that aside from the ten commandments, "tithing" is virtually the only other law that the modern Church tries to retain? They retain it in name only, however, since there is nothing similar between Moses "law of tithing" and "Christian tithing" except the aspect of ten percent. Christian tithing is an extra-biblical concept and doctrine—aside from the ten percent it has nothing in common with the tithing law of Moses, and was never practiced by the New Testament Church. Not only is Christian tithing taught to be needful, it is taught as if it were a divine, binding LAW. But there is no such thing as a "Christian tithing law" in the New Testament Scriptures. It is a heresy, used by the Church, independent cults, and charlatans of every description, as a club to beat and threaten parishioners into surrendering ten percent of their salaries in obedience to this phantom law. All are forewarned that failure to pay this 10% Church tax will cause them to be "cursed with a CURSE!" There is indeed "a curse," but it is not God Who pronounces it. NO TITHING IN THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES We have Scriptural proof that no such law or custom as Christian tithing was taught or practiced in the Church by the early apostles. Their epistles are totally devoid of any such tithing custom or law. Gentile converts were never taught to tithe to anyone. Although the temple and priesthood in Jerusalem remained until 70 AD, not even J |
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12/30/2011 1:59 pm |
Well, we certainly agree on this doctrine. Well done. Now, I looked at the site mentioned in this paper. I do have a couple of concerns in what I saw but very well done on this.
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Dennis; You totally miss the point. As well as are showing being totally ungrateful for your salvation. So don't tithe. Don't give anything. After all, every ordained clergy is only hiding behind the pulpit to get rich on your 10%. Good thing Jesus didn't feel that way. Mar 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. Mar 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. Who were these people giving to? Not to Jesus. In fact they were giving to greedy, fleshly, hypocrites who were trying to have him killed. The very kind of people you described near the top of part 1 of your blog. So what did Jesus have to say about folks giving money to the ungodly pharisees? Mar 12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: Mar 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. That widow didn't give a tithe, she gave all she had, and Jesus admired her for it, even called her attention to His disciples. Another principle comes into play on this issue. 2Co 9  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. If you don't want to give,then don't. Be a Scrooge and keep your money. God doesn't need it. Your long winded heresy blogs say much of your lack of gratitude for your salvation, and God given position in God's kingdom. As for me, His forgiveness of my sin alone, is way more then I could repay in both my physical and eternal life. Ten percent or more of my earnings is not a big deal considering all He gave me. One final principle you are missing, is tithing is NOT about a gift, but teaching us Kingdom economy. Php 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only... ..Php 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account... ..Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. You have free will Dennis. Do what you want. Post erroneous blogs and contradict God's Word by splitting hairs on wording, and legalities just like the Pharisee's did. Hold on to the anger and bitter roots you've made into strongholds against God's will. Then don't wonder why you will spend eternity riding a moped, and living in an apartment, while those who gave joyfully from their hearts in this life, will drive Mercedes, and live in a castle.
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12/30/2011 9:38 pm |
Hisglory, I havnt read all the interactions with various individuals here but the interpretation of this topic is dead on. I do not see him, though he can speak for himself, as saying we are not to give. On the contrary, we are give as we are prospered (very clearly taught in II Cor there) and we are to give sacrificially (again very clearly taught in the Cor. passage on giving), we also are blessed according to how we give. I do not see that as the issue at all. And, how many don't give anything because they think I cant afford 10% so I wont give anything. If they were taught giving biblically, I think they would be enlightened and their faith stretched and they would grow and see some awesome blessings from God. I do not see this teaching as a negative at all. We ministers are called to teach the Word of God and not the traditions of men. Did you really take the time to study and see if what he wrote is biblical or not? I wonder??? Now, I do also have some serious questions about a few of the beliefs from that web site that has me very concerned. On this one though, he nailed it. One more thing, I would have been lighter in my judging of the motives of the other preachers. I pray they sincerely believe what they teach to be truth and would not have been so "harsh" in my words as the above, but that doesn't change the teaching as biblical. Looking forward to reading more on these blogs from all of you.
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Oh, I see. We are going to censor anything that doesn't agree with what you have to say. Well happy new year to you anyway.
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12/31/2011 2:00 pm |
No, but I don't think you even tried to understand the position. Furthermore, what should be censored is anything not biblical and some of the attitudes I read here. It came across to me, who isn't familiar with all this personal hatred going on here, that all you wanted to do in this blog is lash out rather than to maybe get a better grasp on the Word of God. It seems your mind was made up before you even read it if you indeed did read it. My main concern is knowing the bible as well as I can and teaching it correctly - something that God holds me accountable for. Yes, and I may agree that some of it was rather harsh - I do agree with you on that btw - but that doesn't deter me from the biblical position that was argued very well. I don't make it a matter of me or him or anything or anybody else, but a matter of rightly dividing the Word of God - that and living it should be first. I take that seriously, and personally I don't think there is a possible rebutable to the position he posted above. I certainly pray that the spirit in these blogs will improve from what I have read. Wow, I find it absolutely appalling that people, who name the name of Christ, can't even debate a topic without all the hatred, attitudes, and pride. I pray that in this upcoming year some of these attitudes will change.
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12/31/2011 2:11 pm |
Oh, one more thing, I could see me debating him on some other issues that I saw on that site - but I am not going to debate a topic unless the spirit of the debate is proper. It's not worth my time if it's not. I am not one to argue and cut people down; however, I do love a good spirited debate (emphasis on good spirited). If there is not a mutual concern for the truth and understanding it correctly, then I don't see the use of bickering, getting an attitude about it, and even chatting about it at all. Most importantly, if it is not upbuilding to someone and building a fellow believer up in the faith, then why even post a blog that is mean spirited?
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Oh, I see. We are going to censor anything that doesn't agree with what you have to say. Well happy new year to you anyway.
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Hisglory, I havnt read all the interactions with various individuals here but the interpretation of this topic is dead on. I do not see him, though he can speak for himself, as saying we are not to give. On the contrary, we are give as we are prospered (very clearly taught in II Cor there) and we are to give sacrificially (again very clearly taught in the Cor. passage on giving), we also are blessed according to how we give. I do not see that as the issue at all. And, how many don't give anything because they think I cant afford 10% so I wont give anything. If they were taught giving biblically, I think they would be enlightened and their faith stretched and they would grow and see some awesome blessings from God. I do not see this teaching as a negative at all. We ministers are called to teach the Word of God and not the traditions of men. Did you really take the time to study and see if what he wrote is biblical or not? I wonder??? Now, I do also have some serious questions about a few of the beliefs from that web site that has me very concerned. On this one though, he nailed it. One more thing, I would have been lighter in my judging of the motives of the other preachers. I pray they sincerely believe what they teach to be truth and would not have been so "harsh" in my words as the above, but that doesn't change the teaching as biblical. Looking forward to reading more on these blogs from all of you. I did read both blogs and understand what I read as being authored by someone who is very embittered over tithing. I read in between the lines, of the discouragement from any kind of monetary giving because of the author's perceived corruption of hypocritical clergy. Yes, there are clergy who are as the author described,but not all are as stated, or even a majority. In fact even among the hypocrites, most of them genuinely believe they are fulfilling God's call. Spiritual leaders who are involved full time, need some means of support since God doesn't rain manna on us in this dispensation. This support should rightfully come from the congregation that leadership serves, and yes, it was done that way in the first century church for the most part. The exceptions are given in the Epistles where Paul told of how he showed the example by working to be accountable. Those were also among the times that were most trying for Paul, and deducted from his ability to serve the churches he visited. Not unlike Acts 6; where problems arose when the Greek-speaking widows were not given their share when the food supplies were handed out each day. Seldom ever, does spiritual leadership of most churches live high on the hog. My wife is a pastor's daughter, and her father has never been rich, nor will he ever be. In fact, my wife told me of times they didn't have enough to live on, and at times even lived in the churches basement because the tithes were not enough to support them. No, there is not the glory and riches for spiritual leadership that many like to think there is. Many pastors put in 18 to 20 hour days dealing with alcoholics, domestic violence, drug users, abortions, teenage rebellion, crime, and many other forms of spiritual bondage. Then we are too into ourselves to fork out $50 or $60 a week, that we would otherwise spend on cigarettes, booze, gambling, or ourselves so that our churches full time staff can feed their families. The vast majority that do live in wealthiness and wastefully are leading mega-churches, and/or have large TV ministries, but it's still not all of them. Joel Osteen admits to being wealthy, but he receives no pay from his church. His riches come from the books he wrote. My former senior pastor Francis Fragipane is likewise. He has not received any pay from his church in decades, but he makes good money from his writings. Which is totally honorable and honest. God does not require his ministers to be poverty stricken. Quite the opposite. He sent His son to give us an abundant life in John 10:10; and in 3rd John verse 2 He wishes above all things that we prosper, and have good health. This includes our spiritual leadership. The arguments about corrupt spiritual leadership is not our concern as I documented from Mark 12; with the widow who gave to the temple ran by hypocritical Pharisee's. God looks at the heart, so how we give will be honored, and how the gift is used is not our responsibility. Almost nothing about either article is dead on, and in fact most of it is private interpretation, and/or circumstantial. The lack of Scripture specifically stating that Abraham tithed does not mean that he didn't. Likewise with the record of Jacob wrestling with the angel. The Malachi prophesy part which tells of the deleted word is an attempt to confirm a preconceived train of thought. The author took a missing word from the ancient Hebrew text and applied it to modern English. Everything in both articles defy the use of good Hermeneutics, or any kind of Hermeneutics for that matter. For example, the reason why tithes were more defined by crop and meat offerings is because the culture of the Bible times was almost entirely agricultural. In today's culture, offering rams, bulls, and grain is not practical for most of us. But 10% of gross pay is pretty easy, even for the most financially challenged, if Scriptural principles are followed. Most people who claim they can't afford to tithe are trying to do so after everything else is paid. But God calls for our offerings to be of the first fruit, which in finances would be the very first action taken after paychecks are cashed, or deposited. If financial tithes were handled like that, nobody would ever miss it, and God's blessings for having tithed are assured. Curses for not tithing, and blessings for tithing are well documented in the Bible, but the 10% is not the only issue. There are actually 7 aspects, and any one of which can be displeasing to God if misapplied. 1, That the tithe or offering, as called today be the first. Neh_10:36 Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God: 2,That it be the best of that which you produce. Num_18:29 Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof out of it. 3, That it be offered by free will. Deu_12:6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: 4,That it is indeed a minimum of 10%. Lev_27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. Deu_14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. 5, That the tithe or offering be given cheerfully, and not out of a sense of obligation. 2Co 9 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 6, That the giver be truthful about the offering. Act 5:1 But there was a man named Ananias, who with his wife Sapphira sold some property that belonged to them. Act 5:2 But with his wife's agreement he kept part of the money for himself and turned the rest over to the apostles. Act 5:3 Peter said to him, "Ananias, why did you let Satan take control of you and make you lie to the Holy Spirit by keeping part of the money you received for the property? Act 5:4 Before you sold the property, it belonged to you; and after you sold it, the money was yours. Why, then, did you decide to do such a thing? You have not lied to people---you have lied to God!" 7, That your heart be right with God, and fellow mankind. Mat 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Mat 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift The word 'tithe' or 'tithes' is used 38 times in the Bible, and 8 of those usages are in the NT. Many of those usages are in conjunction with 'offering'. The word 'offering' or 'offerings' appear 989 times in the Bible. Just because it doesn't specifically and exactly say 'tithing' does not negate God's principles of spiritual economy. Now you can do what you want with it. Is tithing required for salvation? No it is not, for we are saved by grace. Which is undeserved, and unmerited favor. Is tithing required to receive the gifts of Holy Spirit? No. Those gifts, 'charisma' in the Greek, are also by grace, more specifically defined as a (divine) gratuity, or a (spiritual) endowment. Will not tithing result in curses from God? Not by itself, for this is the age of grace. Remember the Acts 5 record including holding part of it back, lying about it, free will, and not giving cheerfully. Is tithing something to bring God's people into bondage? No,it's not to be done not out of a sense of obligation. In fact, tithing actually brings freedom. If we are walking with God, the 7 aspects I listed will mean nothing, because it all comes naturally when you are walking in the spirit. See Romans 8:1-3; Will tithing (within all it's aspects) bring blessings? Yes it will, as promised in Malachi 3; and reaffirmed in Luke 6:38; It is the only one of all spiritual principles where God challenges us to test Him. There is no requirement to tithe, however, it is in our best interest to do so, and if you're going to give, or tithe, do it correctly. Or don't give to God if that is how you feel. But don't discourage people to not tithe, give offerings, perform service, or whatever you want to split hairs and call it. May God bless you and bring you understanding in this new year.
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Jesus taught giving which includes your time. Under the New Covenant, everything we have is God's. Its that simple. Jesus never taught tithing, neither did any of his disciples. Tithing was not about money in the old Covenant either. It was about wheat. Farmers gave wheat to the communities. Malachai is written to who? The people of Israel OR the Leviticus Priests? It clearly states it is written to the Leviticus Priests. It speaks of the great drout going on and if the Priests would stop robbing God, then he would make it rain.
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Modern Tithing is Based on Many False Assumptions One major denomination’s statement on stewardship is typical. "Tithing is the minimum biblical standard and the beginning point which God has established that must not be replaced or compromised by any other standard." It adds that the tithe is from gross income which is due to the church before taxes.
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oint #1: Christian Giving Principles: New Covenant Giving Principles are Superior. (Ch. 26, 27) The false teaching is that tithing is a divine mandatory expectation which always must precede free-will giving. Christians are commanded to give freely, sacrificially, generously, regularly, joyfully and with the motivation of love for God and man. The following New Covenant free-will principles are found in Second Corinthians 8 and 9: (1) Giving is a "grace.” These chapters use the Greek word for "grace" eight times in reference to helping needy saints. (2) Give yourself to God first (8:5). (3) Give yourself to knowing God’s will (8:5). (4) Give in response to Christ’s gift (8:9; 9:15). (5) Give out of a sincere desire (8:8, 10, 12; 9 ). (6) Do not give because of any commandment (8:8, 10; 9). (7) Give beyond your ability (8:3, 11-12). ( Give to produce equality. This means that those who have more should give more in order to make up for the inability of those who cannot afford to give as much (8:12-14). (9) Give joyfully (8:2). (10) Give because you are growing spiritually (8:3-4, 7). (11) Give because you want to continue growing spiritually (9:8, 10-11). (12) Give because you are hearing the gospel preached (9:13).
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Point #2: Defining Tithe: In God’s Word the Holy Tithe was Always Only Food from Inside Israel! (Chapter 1) The false teaching is that holy biblical tithes include ALL sources of income. DEFINITION: True biblical holy tithes were always only food from the holy farms and herds of Israelites who lived inside God’s holy land, the national boundary of Israel. In God’s Word tithe does not stand alone. Although money existed before tithing, the source of God's holy tithe over 1500 years was never money. It was the holy tithe of food and the increase was gathered from what God miraculously produced from His holy land and not from man's craft or ability. No tithes could come from Gentiles or unclean pagan lands. There are 16 verses from 11 chapters and 8 books from Leviticus 27 to Luke 11 which describe the contents of the holy tithe. And those contents never included money, silver, gold or anything other than food from inside Israel! Yet the incorrect definition of tithe is the greatest error being preached about tithing today! Lev 27:30, 32; Num 18:27-28; Deu 12:17; 14:22-23; 26:12; 2 Chron 31:5-6; Neh 10:37; 13:5; Mal 3:10-11; Matt 23:23; Luke 11:42.
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Point #3: Money: Money was an Essential but Non-Tithed Item. (Chapter 1) The false assumption is that food barter usually replaced Money. One argument to support non-food tithing is that Money was not universally available and barter from food was used for most transactions. This argument is neither biblical nor historical. Genesis alone contains Money in 32 texts and the word occurs 44 times before the holy tithe is described in Leviticus 27. Gold is in Genesis 2:12. The words jewelry, gold, silver and shekel also appear often from Genesis to Deuteronomy. Abram was very rich in silver and gold (Gen 13:2); Money in the form of silver shekels paid for slaves (Gen 17:12+); Abimelech gave Abraham 1000 pieces of silver (Gen 20:16); Abraham paid 400 pieces of silver for land (Gen 23:9-16); Joseph was sold for silver pieces (Gen 37:2 ; slaves bought freedom (Lev 25:47-53). Court fines (Ex 21 all; 22 all), sanctuary dues (Ex 30:12+), vows (Lev 27:3-7), poll taxes (Num 3:47+), alcoholic drinks (Deu 14:26) and marriage dowries (Deu 22:29) included Money.Joseph gave Benjamin 300 pieces of silver (Gen 45:22). According to Genesis 47:15-17 food was used for barter only after Money had been spent. Banking and usury laws exist in Leviticus even before tithing. Therefore the argument is false. Yet the holy contents from Leviticus to Luke never include Money from non-food products and trades.
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Point #4: Genesis 14:20: Abram’s Tithe to Melchizedek Reflected the Law of the Land. (Chapters 2, 3) The false teaching is that Abraham freely gave tithes because it was God’s will. Scores of reputable secular history books document the existence of spoils of war tithing from Babylon to Egypt before Abraham’s time. For the following reasons, Abram’s pre-circumcision tithe in Genesis 14:20 cannot be used as an example for Christians to tithe (17:5). (1) The Bible does not say that Abram "freely" gave this tithe. (2) Abram’s gift was NOT a holy tithe from God’s holy land gathered by God’s holy people under God’s holy Old Covenant. (3) Abram’s tithe was clearly only from pagan spoils of war and was required in many nations as the law of the land. (4) In Numbers 31:21-31, God only required 1% of spoils of war as an ordinance. (5) Abram’s tithe to the priest-king Melchizedek was a one-time recorded event. (6) Abram’s tithe was not from his previously owned personal property. (7) Abram kept nothing for himself; he gave everything back. ( Abram’s tithe is not quoted anywhere in the Bible to endorse tithing from Israel or from the church. (9) Genesis 14, verse 21, is the key text. Since most commentaries explain verse 21 as an example of pagan Arab law, it is contradictory to explain the 90% of verse 21 as pagan, while insisting that the 10% of verse 20 was obedience to God’s will. (10) If Abraham is an example for Christians to give 10% to God, then he should also be an example for Christians to give the other 90% to Satan, or to the king of Sodom! (11) As priests themselves, neither Abraham nor Jacob had a Levitical priesthood to support; they probably left food for the poor at their altars to Yahweh.
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Point #5: No Minimum Principle: Tithing was not a Minimum Requirement from All Israelites. (Chapter 1) The false teaching is that everybody was required to begin their giving level at ten per cent. Only those Israelites who earned a livelihood from farming and herding inside holy Israel were required to tithe under the Mosaic Law. Their increase came from God’s hand. Those whose increase came from their own crafts and skills were not required to tithe products and money.
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Point #6: Levite Assistants: First-Tithes were Received by Servants to the Priests. (Chapter 4) The false teaching is that Old Testament priests received all of the first Levitical tithe. The whole tithe, the first Levitical tithe, did not go to the priests at all. It was not even the best tenth (Lev 27:33). According to Numbers 18:21-24 and Nehemiah 10:37b, it went to the servants of the priests, the Levites. And according to Numbers 18:25-28 and Nehemiah 10:38, the Levites gave the best tenth of this tithe (1  to the priests who ministered the sin sacrifices. Priests were expected to give freewill vow offerings –not tithes (Mal 1:13-14).
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Point #7: Levitical Tithe-Recipients Could Not Own Land. (Chapter 6) The false assumption today is that preachers can both receive tithes and also own land. In exchange for receiving tithes, both Levites and priests forfeited all rights to permanent land inheritance inside Israel (Num 18:20-26; Deu 12:12; 14:27, 29; 18:1, 2; Josh 13:14, 33; 14:3; 18 ; Eze 44:2. Even if tithes were New Covenant they would first go to the ordinary workers who assist the preachers and maintain the buildings.
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Point #8: Holy And Most Holy: It is Holy to the LORD Does Not Make Tithing an Eternal Moral Principle. The false teaching is that Leviticus 27:30-34 proves that the tithe is an eternal moral principle because it is holy to the LORD. The phrases it is HOLY unto the LORD and it is MOST HOLY unto the LORD are very common in Leviticus. However, almost every other use of these two phrases in Leviticus has long ago been discarded by Christians. These phrases are used to describe all the festivals, the sacrificial offerings, the clean foods, the old covenant priests and the old covenant sanctuary. Especially read verses 28 and 29 in chapter 27. While the tithe of the tithe (1 which was given to the priests was the best of what the Levites received, the tithe which the Levites received was only one tenth and not the best (Lev 27:33).
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Point #9: First-Fruits: First-fruits are Not the Same as Tithes. (Chapter 1) The false assumption is that tithes are first-fruits. The first-fruit was a very small token amount of the first crop harvest and the first-born was the first offspring of animals. First-fruits and first-born could only come from inside God’s holy land of Israel. The first-fruit was small enough to fit into a hand-held basket (Deu 26:1-10; Lev 23:17; Num 18:13-17; Neh 12:44; 2 Chron 31:5a). First-fruits and first-born offerings went directly to the Temple and were required to be totally consumed by ministering priests only inside the Temple (Neh 10:35-37a; Ex 23:19; 34:26; Deu 18:4). The whole Levitical tithe went first to the Levitical cities and portions went to the Temple to feed both Levites and priests who were ministering there in rotation (Neh 10:37b-39; 12:27-29, 44-47; Num 18:21-28; 2 Chron 31:5b). While the Levites ate only the tithe, the priests could also eat from the first-fruits, first-born offerings and other offerings.
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Point #10: Four Tithes: There are Four Different Tithes Described in the Bible. (Chapter 7) The false teaching ignores all other tithes and focuses on an incorrect interpretation of the first religious tithe. (1) The first religious tithe, called the Levitical tithe, had two parts. Again, the whole first tithe was given to the Levites who were only servants to the priests (Num 18:21-24; Neh 10:37b). The Levites, in turn, gave one tenth of the whole tithe to the priests (Num 18:25-28; Neh 10:3 . (2) According to Deuteronomy 12 and 14, the second religious tithe, called the feast tithe, was eaten by worshipers in the streets of Jerusalem during the three yearly festivals (Deu 12:1-19; 14:22-26). (3) And, according to Deuteronomy 14 and 26, a third tithe, called the poor tithe, was kept in the towns every third year to feed the poor (Deu 14:28, 29; 26:12, 13). (4) Also, according to First Samuel 8:14-17, the ruler collected the first and best ten per cent for political use. During Jesus’ time Rome collected the first ten per cent (10 of most food and twenty per cent (20 of fruit crops as its spoils of war. It is dishonest to single out the one religious tithe and ignore the other two important religious tithes.
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Point #11: The Poor: Jesus, Peter, Paul and the Poor Did Not Tithe. (Chapter 9) The false teaching is that everybody in the Old Testament was required to begin their giving to God at the ten per cent level. The poor were not required to tithe at all! Neither did the tithe come from the results of man’s crafts, hands and skills. Only farmers and herdsmen gathered what God produced as tithe increase. Jesus was a carpenter; Paul was a tentmaker and Peter was a fisherman. None of these occupations qualified as tithe-payers because they did not farm or herd animals for a living. It is, therefore, incorrect to teach that everybody paid a required minimum of a tithe and, therefore, that New Covenant Christians should be required to at least begin at the same minimum as Old Covenant Israelites. This common false assumption is very often repeated and completely ignores the very plain definition of tithe as food gathered from farm increase or herd increase. The widow’s mite is an example of free-will giving and is not an example of tithing. According to Edersheim none of the Temple’s chests were for tithes. The poor received money from those chests before leaving the temple. It is also wrong to teach that the poor in Israel were required to pay tithes. In fact, they actually received tithes! Much of the second festival tithe and all of a special third-year tithe went to the poor! Many laws exempted the poor from abuse and expensive sacrifices which they could not afford (Lev 14:21; 25:6, 25-28, 35, 36; 27:8; Deu 12:1-19; 14:23, 28, 29; 15 , 8, 11; 24:12, 14, 15, 19, 20; 26:11-13; Mal 3:5; Matt 12:1, 2; Mark 2:23, 24; Luke 2:22-24; 6:1, 2; 2 Cor 8:12-14; 1 Tim 5:8; Jas. 1:27).
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Point #12: Taxes: Tithes were Also Used as Political Taxes. (Chapter 10) The false teaching is that tithes are never comparable to taxes or taxation. In the Hebrew economy, the tithe was used in a totally different manner than it is preached today. Once again, those Levites who received the whole tithe were not even ministers or priests—they were only servants to the priests! Numbers chapter 3 describes the Levites as carpenters, metal workers, leather-craftsmen and artists who maintained the small sanctuary. And, according to First Chronicles, chapters 23 to26, during the time of King David and King Solomon, the Levites were still skilled craftsmen who performed and/or approved all work in the Temple: 24, 000 worked in the Temple as builders and supervisors; 6,000 were officials and judges; 4,000 were guards and 4,000 were musicians. As political representatives of the king, Levites used their tithe income to serve as officials, judges, tax collectors, treasurers, temple guards, musicians, bakers, singers and professional soldiers (1 Chron 12:23, 26; 23:2-5; 26:29-32; 27:5). It is obvious why these examples of using biblical tithe-income are never used as examples in the church today. Tithes never stimulated Old Covenant Levites or priests to establish a single mission outreach or encourage a single Gentile to become an Israelite (Ex 23:32; 34:12, 15; Deu 7:2). Old Covenant tithing was motivated and mandated by Law, not love. In fact, during most of Israel’s history the prophets were God’s primary spokesmen – and not the tithe-receiving Levites and priests. Tithing failed! See Hebrews 7:12-19.
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Point #13: Levitical Cities: Levitical Tithes were Usually Taken to the Levitical Cities. (Chapter 12) False teachers want us to think that all tithes were formerly taken to the Temple and should now be taken to the "church storehouse” building. Nehemiah 10:37b and Second Chronicles 31:15-19 make it clear that the people were to bring the tithes to the Levitical cities where 98% of the Levites and priests needed them for food (also Num 18:21-24). And Nehemiah 10:38 makes it clear that normally only Levites and priests had the task of bringing weekly tithes into the Temple (also Num 18:24-2 .The whole tithe NEVER went to the Temple! According to Numbers 35, Joshua 20, 21 and First Chronicles 6, Levites and priests lived on borrowed land where they farmed and raised (tithed) animals. (Also 2nd Chron 11:13-14; Neh 12:27-29; 13:10; Mal 1:14.)
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Point #14: Malachi: Malachi 3 is the Most Abused Tithing Text in the Bible. (Ch. 13a, 13b) The false teaching about tithes from Malachi 3 ignores important Bible facts. A. Context: Malachi is Old Covenant and is never quoted in the New Covenant to validate tithing (Lev 27:34; Neh 10:28-29; Mal 3 ; 4:4).B. Context: In Malachi 3:10-11 tithes are still only food 1000 years after Leviticus 27. C. Law: Malachi’s audience had willingly reaffirmed the Old Covenant (Neh 10:28-29). The blessings and curses of tithing are identical to and inseparable from those of the entire Mosaic Law. The rain in Deuteronomy 28:12, 23-24 and Leviticus 26:1-4 is only obtained by obedience to all 600+ commandments. Galatians 3:10 (quoting Deu 27:26) “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” Trying to earn God’s blessings through tithing only brought curses for failure to keep all of the law. See also Galatians 3:19. D. Priest-Thieves: Beginning in 1:6 “you” in Malachi always refers to the dishonest priests and not the people (also 2:1-10; 2:13 to 3:1-5): “Even this whole nation of you—priests” (3:9). In 1:13-14 the priests had stolen tithed animals vowed to God. In Nehemiah 13:5-10 priests had stolen the Levites’ portion of the tithe. God’s curses on the priests are ignored by most tithe-teachers (1:14; 2:2 and 3:2-4). E. Levitical Cities: The Levitical cities must be included in a correct interpretation of Malachi 3:10 and they are not. Most tithe-recipients (98 lived outside of Jerusalem.F. Twenty-Four Courses: The 24 courses of Levites and priests must be included in a correct interpretation of Malachi 3 and they are not. Normally only 2% of the total Levite and priest work force served at the temple one week at a time. Subtract wives, males under the age of 30 and daughters. Therefore 2% did not require all the tithe. See 1 Chron 23-26; see also 28:13, 21; 2 Chron 8:14; 23:8; 31:2, 15-19; 35:4, 5, 10; Ezra 6:18; Neh 11:19, 30; 12:24; 13:9, 10; Luke 1:5. G. Nehemiah 10:37b-39 is the key to understanding Malachi 3:10. The people were commanded to bring their tithes, not to the temple, but to the nearby Levitical cities. Verse 38 says that the priests were with the Levites in the Levitical cities when they received the tithes. H. Storehouse: According to Nehemiah 13:5, 9 the “storehouse” in the Temple was only several rooms. The real “storehouses” were in the Levitical cites per Nehemiah 10:37b. Only the Levites and priests normally brought tithes to the Temple (10:3 . Two rooms in the Temple were far too small to contain the tithe from the entire nation and 98% of the Levites and priests lived too far away to eat from them (1 Kg 6:6).Therefore, Malachi 3:10’s “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse” only makes contextual sense if it is only commanding dishonest priests to replace the tithes they had removed from it or had failed to bring to it. While the 3:10 of the Law in Malachi is so important to tithe-teachers they ignore the 3:10 of the Gospel in Galatians and 2nd Corinthians. Perhaps those wanting to enforce the 3:10 Law of Malachi should also enforce the 3:10 Law of Numbers. They share the same context.
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Point #15: Matthew 23:23: The New Covenant Does Not Teach Tithing. (Ch. 14, 16, 25) The false teaching is that Jesus taught tithing in Matthew 23:23 which (they say) is clearly in the New Testament. The New Covenant did not begin at the birth of Jesus, but at his death (Gal 3:19, 24, 25; 4:4, 5). Tithing is not taught to the church after the cross! When Jesus discussed tithing in Matthew 23:23, “you” referred to “you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites” who had made the Law a burden. Jesus endorsed and supported Old Covenant law until the cross. (Note “matters of the law” in 23:23). In Matthew 23:2 and 3 (the context of 23:23) Jesus told his Jewish followers to obey the scribes and Pharisees "because they sit in Moses’ seat." Yet He did not (and could not) command Gentiles whom He healed to present themselves to the priests and obey the Law of Moses (compare Matt 5:23-24 and 8:4). And churches do not collect tithes from garden herbs as Jesus commanded. There is not a single New Testament Bible text which teaches tithing after the cross! Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-35 are not examples of tithing to support church leaders. According to 2:46 the Jewish Christians continued to worship in the Temple. And according to 2:44 and 4:33, 34 church leaders shared what they received equally with all church members. (This is not done today). Finally Acts 21:20-25 proves that Jewish Christians were still zealously observing all of the Mosaic Law 30 years later –and that must include tithing—otherwise they would not have been allowed inside the Temple to worship. Therefore, any tithes collected by the early Jewish Christians were given to the Temple system and not to support the church.
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