Biblical Answer

The Principle of Tithing in the Old Testament

The principle of tithing in the Old Testament is rooted in the law of the tithe, which is found in Leviticus 27:30-33 and Deuteronomy 14:22. The law prescribed that a tenth of the harvest of all fields, flocks, and produce be set aside for the Lord. This tithe was intended to provide for the priests and the Levites, as well as for the poor and needy (Deut. 14:28-29). The tithe was not just a financial obligation, but also a way for the Israelites to acknowledge the Lord as their King and to provide for those who led them in worship (Deut. 14:23).

The Abrogation of the Tithing Law in the New Testament

The question remains whether the principle of tithing has been abrogated in the New Testament. The New Testament does not explicitly mention the tithe, and some argue that the law of the tithe has been replaced by the principle of giving in proportion to one's means (1 Cor. 16:2). However, this does not necessarily mean that the principle of tithing has been abolished. In fact, Jesus commends the Pharisees for their care in tithing even the smallest pieces of produce (Matt. 23:23), and the Didache, one of the earliest books of the Christian community, recommends designating a portion of one's tithe for the support of other Christian ministries.

The Application of the Tithing Principle in the New Testament

While the law of the tithe has been abrogated, the principle of tithing remains a relevant and important principle in the New Testament. The principle of giving in proportion to one's means is not a replacement for the tithe, but rather a way to apply the principle of tithing in a new context. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul recommends giving proportionately, which implies that the principle of tithing is still relevant. Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of giving to support the poor and needy, which is a key aspect of the tithe in the Old Testament (Gal. 6:2; 1 Tim. 5:3-16). Therefore, while the law of the tithe has been abrogated, the principle of tithing remains a vital principle in the New Testament.