Biblical Answer

Is tithing required in the New Testament?

Understanding the Old Testament Principle of Tithing

The Old Testament principle of tithing, as stated in Leviticus 27:30 and Deuteronomy 14:22, was a command for the people of Israel to bring 10 percent of their annual earnings to the Lord. This principle was meant to acknowledge the Lord as their King and provide for those who led in worship and cared for the needy (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). However, as Jesus taught, the Pharisees were meticulous in their tithing practices, even to the point of tithing garden herbs (Matthew 23:23), but their problem was not the principle of tithing itself, but rather their misunderstanding of who was exempt from this law.

The New Testament Perspective on Tithing

In the New Testament, Jesus did not abolish the principle of tithing, but rather accepted it as proper (Matthew 23:23). The New Testament teaches that Christians are no longer under the Sinai covenant, and therefore, the command to tithe does not automatically apply as stated in the Old Testament. However, this does not mean that Christians are not required to give. In fact, the principle of tithing should be a "no-brainer" for Christians, and if they are not giving, they should move to do so. This principle is not about meeting a legal requirement, but rather about demonstrating a heart of generosity and faith.

Designating a Portion of the Tithe

While the principle of tithing remains an Old Testament principle, it is perfectly legitimate to designate a portion of our tithe for the support of other Christian ministries that need our help. This principle is set forth in the Didache, one of the earliest books of the Christian community. In fact, the New Testament teaches that we should be generous and give to those in need, not just 10 percent, but also to the support of other Christian ministries. This is not about meeting a legal requirement, but rather about demonstrating a heart of generosity and faith. As Christians, we should strive to give cheerfully and generously, not just 10 percent, but also to the support of other Christian ministries that need our help. The Bible teaches that Christians are not required to tithe in the same way that Israelites were required to tithe in the Old Testament. The New Testament teaches that Christians should give generously and cheerfully, but it does not specify a particular percentage. In fact, the Bible teaches that we should give to those in need and support other Christian ministries that need our help. This is not about meeting a legal requirement, but rather about demonstrating a heart of generosity and faith. As Christians, we should strive to give cheerfully and generously, not just 10 percent, but also to the support of other Christian ministries that need our help.