Who Should You Tithe To? The Surprising New Testament Answer

The New Testament Perspective on Tithing

When discussing the tithe, many believers look to the Old Testament, where the practice was a mandatory tax for the support of the Levites and the Temple. However, the New Testament shifts the focus from legalistic requirements to the posture of the heart.

In the New Testament, there is no explicit command for Christians to give a fixed ten percent to a specific institutional entity. Instead, the focus is on generosity and the support of those who labor in the Gospel. As noted by The Gospel Coalition, the early church practiced communal sharing to ensure no one was in need.

So, to whom should you give? The New Testament principles emphasize:

• Supporting Ministers: Paul argues that those who preach the Gospel should make their living by the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14).
• Helping the Poor: The early church prioritized collecting funds for the needy, especially the saints in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
• Cheerful Giving: The emphasis is not on the percentage, but on giving "as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion."

Ultimately, your resources belong to God. While many Christians choose to support their local congregation, local church as their primary "storehouse," the New Testament calls for a lifestyle of stewardship that seeks to advance the Kingdom of God and care for the vulnerable wherever the need arises.