Holy Spirit Interactive
Friday, February 10, 2012
Inside Holy Spirit Interactive

Tithing
Holy Spirit Interactive: Tithing: Frequently Asked Questions: Are there other references in the New Testament to the obligation of tithing?

Are there other references in the New Testament to the obligation of tithing?

Yes! On a number of occassions, St. Paul has touched on the support directly and indirectly.

When collecting money for the poor in Jerusalem, St. Paul taught that since the Gentiles shared in the spiritual blessings, in other words, they have received the Word of God through preaching, then they also, should financially help their Christian brothers and sisters in need with whatever material blessings they have received from God.

"They were pleased to do this, and indeed they owe it to them; for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material things." [Rom.15:27]

To the Corinthians, St. Paul asked, those (the preachers) who have sown spiritual good (preaching, Sacraments, etc...) towards them, do they not have a rightul claim upon them? St. Paul goes further by stating that this is a RIGHT that the preachers have, such having been commanded by God.

"Who tends a flock and does not get any of its milk?" [1 Cor. 9:7]

"If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we still more?" [1 Cor. 9:11-2]

"Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is sacrificed on the altar? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing this so that they may be applied in my case." [1 Cor. 9:13-5]

To the Galatians, St. Paul taught that those who receive the Word of God through preaching should share their good things with their teachers.

"Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher." [Gal. 6:6]

And, in the First Letter to Timothy, St. Paul again emphasized that God's labourers deserved to be paid for their preaching.

"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching: for the scripture, 'The labourer deserves to be paid.'" [1 Tim. 5:17-8]

Next: In view of all what has been said, how much should one give to the Church?


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