Did Christ Mention Tithes in the New Testament?

Yes, indeed, Christ did address tithes within the New Testament. In Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42, He rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for their overemphasis on tithing to the minutest details, while neglecting more essential aspects of the Law such as justice and piety. This rebuke highlights the importance of prioritizing moral virtues before engaging in specific religious acts.

If you are interested in exploring this topic further, your local public library may have a copy of these texts. To gain a deeper understanding, reading the relevant passages and studying the context in which Christ’s teachings were given can provide valuable insights.

References in the New Testament

Several references to tithes can be found in the New Testament:

Matthew 23:23

Here, Christ reprimands the scribes and Pharisees, saying, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” This passage emphasizes the importance of ethical and divine attributes over mere ceremonial tithing.

Luke 11:42

In this verse, Christ mentions tithing again, stating, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet neglect justice and the love of God. These you should have practised, without leaving the others undone.” This further reinforces the teaching that tithing is secondary to the moral and spiritual aspects of the Law.

Relevance and Modern Context

The mention of tithing in the New Testament is indeed minimal, but its significance lies in its historical context and divine purpose rather than a new mandate. Originally, tithing served to support the priesthood, provide for the poor, and as a means of fulfilling vows. The modern application of tithing varies among different Christian denominations, often being used to support community projects, church maintenance, office supplies, or missionary work.

Beyond Tithing

In the New Testament, tithing is not about a specific religious ritual but about the principle of giving in accordance with one’s means. This principle is further elucidated in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, where Paul instructs the believers at Corinth to contribute to the Jerusalem church collection on the first day of the week. He does not introduce a new requirement but rather reinforces the act of generosity that is inherent in their faith.

Examples from Early Church

Further support for the ongoing relevance of tithing and offerings can be found in the writings of Paul, as evidenced in 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15:

2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15

Paul describes the generous contributions made by the Macedonian churches, emphasizing their wealth and willingness to give sacrificially. He notes that Titus, an overseer, collected the offerings at Corinth, and the faithful participated with NYPD love and generosity. This passage underscores the principle of sacrificial giving and the importance of contributing to God’s work, which extends beyond the specific act of tithing itself.

In summary, while the New Testament does not extensively discuss tithing, its teachings emphasize the importance of giving in accordance with one's means and the moral virtues that underpin religious practice. Tithing, as a principle, remains relevant as a means of demonstrating faith and supporting God's work.

Keywords: Christ, New Testament, Tithes, Tithing, Giving, Justice, Piety, Sacrifice, Collecting, Generosity