| Biblical History of Giving |
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Biblical History of Giving Old Testament Tithing. The custom of tithing reaches back to the beginning of Biblical times. In Genesis, the very first Book of the Bible, we see Abraham offering tithes of the spoils of the enemy to the royal priest, Melchizedek (Gn 14) and Jacob giving a tithe of all his possessions to the Lord (Gn 28). Under the Mosaic Law the payment of tithes was made obligatory. The Hebrews were commanded to offer to God the tenth part of the produce of the fields, of the fruits of the trees, and the firstborn of oxen and of sheep (Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:22). In addition to this annual tithe, they were also obligated to give an additional tithe once every three years (Dt 14:28). While it was to God Himself that the tithes had to be paid, God then “transferred” them to His sacred ministers: "I have given to the sons of Levi all the tithes of Israel for a possession, for the ministry wherewith they serve me in the tabernacle of the covenant" (Nm 18:21). New Testament Tithing and Sacrificial Giving. In the New Testament, we learn that the early Christians gave well beyond the traditional (obligatory) percentage mandated by the (Jewish) Law. Immediately after Pentecost, we see the believers selling their property and possessions and dividing them according to their needs (Acts 2:44-45). Some new disciples who joined the apostles are recorded as selling their property and houses and placing the proceeds “at the feet of the apostles” (Acts 4:34-35). Within the first century, the early Christian document called the Didache refers to Christians “tithing” of money as well as agricultural goods. St. Augustine later endorsed tithing as an acceptable minimum standard for Christians. Since the 16th century the obligation to contribute financially to the church has been treated as one of the “commandments” of the Catholic Church. The Baltimore Catechism disseminated this teaching for the past century, but without specifically recommending 10 percent tithing. Dual Focus of Giving. The Old and New Testaments support the giving of support to both the poor and to ministers of God. In the Old Testament, the Hebrews were admonished to support the Levites (the Old Testament priests) as they had foregone ownership of property and gainful employment for the service of God (Dt. 12:19, 14:27-29, 26:13, Nm 18:21; Sir 7:31). Similarly, Paul admonished the new Christians to provide monetary support for the Church (1 Cor 9:13; 1Cor 16:1-4; 2 Cor 8:1-15; 2 Cor 9:5-15). In the Old Testament, the Hebrews were encouraged to give to the needy among them (Dt. 15:1-11, 26:12-13; Ps 37:25; Prv 19:17; Prv 28:27; Sir 7:32). In the New Testament, the importance of providing for the poor is reiterated (Mk 10:21; Lk 14:13, 19:8; Acts 20:35; 1 Tm 6:17-19). In fact, Jesus reminds us that in giving to those in need (the hungry, thirsty, naked, etc), we are actually giving to our Lord Himself (Mt 25:44-46). Currently, the Code of Canon Law codifies this dual focus of giving outlined in the Bible. Cannon 222 outlines two financial obligations of the faithful: (1)“to assist with the needs of the church,” and (2)“to promote social justice and...help the poor.” As part of its ministry, LOTWEM seeks to bring people to a greater understanding of the biblical teachings regarding giving and the spiritual fruits to born there from. It hopes to shed light upon the confusion surrounding the biblical concepts of “tithing,” “sacrificial giving” and “stewardship. LOTWEM seeks to promote spiritually inspired financial support for the Church (parishes, dioceses and ministries such as LOTWEM) and for the needy. Click Here to donate to LOTWEM |
