Expert: Paul Walker - 1/7/2007

Question
In the O.T the tithes consisted of agricultural produce and land animals. who started monetary titihing, when and why ?

Is " The Church " required to tithes out of their income ?

Did Paul, Peter, or James ever institute the O.T system of tithing for The New Testament Church ?  

Answer
First let me apologise for the delay, I did not receive an e-mail informing me of this question for some reason.

One gave tithes of his increase, I suppose with the change from agrarian society to one of urbane it was just a natural change. Although, in Deut 14 is was allowed to change your tithe to money for traveling purposes.

The answer to your other two questions concerning NT & tithing is no. No tithe was instituted for the church. God requires much more than that from us. We are to give all unto the Lord and his service.

Mark 10:21  Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, ONE THING THOU LACKEST: GO THY WAY, SELL WHATSOEVER THOU HAST, AND GIVE TO THE POOR, AND THOU SHALT HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN: AND COME, TAKE UP THE CROSS, AND FOLLOW ME.

What we do is according to our faith and calling. Naturally, as a local congregation we work together to do more than we as individuals can do alone.

Philippians 4:15-16  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.  16  For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

2 Corinthians 8:12-15  For if there be first a WILLING MIND, it is accepted ACCORDING TO THAT A MAN HATH, AND NOT ACCORDING TO THAT HE HATH NOT.  13  For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:  14  But by an equality, THAT NOW AT THIS TIME YOUR ABUNDANCE MAY BE A SUPPLY FOR THEIR WANT, THAT THEIR ABUNDANCE ALSO MAY BE A SUPPLY FOR YOUR WANT: that there may be equality:  15  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

But all should be done in the full knowledge, understanding and agreement of all the congregation. We should take care of one another locally first, then expand from there. Our first testimony is to love and care for one another.

James 2:15-17  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  16  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding yE GIVE THEM NOT THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE NEEDFUL TO THE BODY; WHAT DOTH IT PROFIT?  17  EVEN SO FAITH, IF IT HATH NOT WORKS, IS DEAD, BEING ALONE.

Your Servant In Christ Jesus,
Paul Walker
www.aficj.org