Preface
My name is Lewis Jonker, and I have studied theology, earning a B.Th, DipMin, and CHC42315. However, I believe the most significant part of my education comes from a deep desire for personal study, investigation, and lived experience. Over the years, I have attended Lutheran, Pentecostal, Baptist, and independent churches, allowing me to witness firsthand the varied ‘methods’ of institutional Christianity.
It is my firm conviction that teaching Christians the tithe as a commandment from God constitutes false teaching. I state this with every ounce of my integrity.
This essay will not delve into the notion that financial generosity leads to wealth, health, or prosperity. That is the prosperity gospel—a far graver distortion of Scripture than the teaching of the tithe. For those interested in exploring that topic further, I recommend watching the documentary American Gospel.
I want to acknowledge, with gratitude, that my ministry is supported in part by the generosity of others. I deeply value generosity and remain thankful each day for the individuals who choose to support me. I also recognise that some individuals personally and willingly give set amounts—whether that’s 10% of their income, 5%, or even $2.50 a week. These decisions are matters between the individual and God, and if setting a percentage or specific amount helps someone in their spiritual journey, this essay is not condemning that choice. Rather, this essay seeks to expose and challenge the teaching of pastors and preachers who declare the 10% tithe as a binding command from God. That teaching is what I am calling into question—not the heart of generous giving, but the distortion of Scripture to enforce legalistic obligations.
Introduction
Teaching the tithe as a commandment from God remains widespread among Christian churches today. While many pastors and teachers may promote this doctrine out of sincere belief or a practical desire to meet financial needs, the reality is that this teaching represents a distortion of biblical theology. Often, it is the product of tradition, regurgitated lessons, or misunderstanding rather than intentional deceit. However, even when motivated by good intentions, such teaching has the potential to burden believers with undue guilt and financial strain. The tithe is rooted in the Old Testament Law—one we may admire for its communal generosity—but it is not a command for Christians living under the new covenant. Misrepresentation of the Tithe can result in spiritual and financial abuse, particularly for the vulnerable who trust their leaders' interpretations of Scripture.
This essay will argue two key points: (1) The tithe is not a biblical commandment for Christians, and (2) teaching the tithe as such is a form of false teaching that aligns with the warnings of Jesus regarding wolves in sheep’s clothing.
1. The Tithe is Not a Biblical Commandment for Christians
The Old Testament Context of the Tithe
The concept of the tithe in the Old Testament is rooted in the Mosaic Law. Israel was required to give 10 percent of their agricultural produce and livestock to support the Levites, who had no inheritance of their own (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:21-24). Additional tithes were given to support temple activities, feasts, and the poor, amounting to roughly 23.3 percent of annual income (Deuteronomy 14:22-29; 2 Chronicles 31:5).
A System for Ancient Israel: The tithe functioned more as a system of taxation to support the theocratic society of ancient Israel. It was tied to the land and economy of Israel and was never intended for application beyond that context.
Fulfilment of the Law: With the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the old covenant was fulfilled (Matthew 5:17). As such, the laws of the Mosaic covenant, including the tithe, no longer bind Christians. The New Testament explicitly teaches that Christians are not under the Law but under grace (Romans 6:14; Galatians 3:23-25).
The New Testament on Giving
The New Testament does not command tithing for Christians. Instead, it emphasises voluntary, generous, and cheerful giving:
2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
1 Corinthians 16:2: Paul advises believers to set aside money “in keeping with [their] income” to support ministry, but he gives no fixed percentage.
Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-35: Early Christians shared their resources freely and sacrificially, motivated by love rather than obligation.
Rebuttals to Common Arguments
"The tithe existed before the Law (e.g., Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek)":
Abraham’s tithe in Genesis 14:20 was a one-time, voluntary act, not a recurring command. Moreover, there is no evidence that it was ever repeated or became a universal principle.
"Jesus affirmed the tithe (Matthew 23:23)":
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. He acknowledges their adherence to the tithe as part of the Mosaic Law, which they were still under at the time, but this is not a command for Christians under the new covenant.
"The tithe is a timeless principle for all believers":
The tithe was specific to the theocratic structure of ancient Israel and cannot be divorced from its cultural and covenantal context. Instead, Christians are called to embody generosity that exceeds the tithe, as seen in teachings like Matthew 19:21 and Acts 4:32-35.
Insights from Church History
Prominent theologians throughout history have recognised that the tithe is not a Christian command:
Martin Luther: “The other commandments of Moses, which are not [implanted in all men] by nature, the Gentiles do not hold. Nor do these pertain to the Gentiles, such as the tithe.”
George Barna: “Tithing does appear in the Bible. So, yes, tithing is biblical. But it is not Christian.”
Tertullian: “There is no compulsion upon any. All here is a free-will offering.”
2. Teaching the Tithe as a Form of False Teaching
Jesus’ Warning About Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus warns about false prophets who appear outwardly righteous but lead others astray. Their "bad fruit" is seen in the harm they cause—whether spiritual, relational, or material. Teaching the tithe as a divine mandate for Christians resembles the actions of those Jesus rebuked:
Distortion of Scripture: Misinterpreting the tithe as a Christian command aligns with the Pharisees’ legalism, which burdened others with unnecessary obligations (Matthew 23:4).
Exploitation: Wolves in sheep’s clothing exploit their followers for personal or institutional gain. Teaching the tithe can lead to financial strain and spiritual abuse, especially for the poor and vulnerable.
The Bad Fruit of Tithe Teaching
Financial Strain: The tithe disproportionately impacts those with limited income, forcing them to give beyond their means out of guilt or fear.
Misrepresentation of God: It portrays God as a transactional deity who requires financial tribute, undermining the gospel of grace.
Spiritual Abuse: For the gullible or less fortunate, the teaching becomes a tool for control, fostering fear and distrust.
The Voices of Reason
Charles Spurgeon: “If there were any such rule laid down in the Gospel, it would destroy the beauty of spontaneous giving and take away all the bloom from the fruit of your liberality!”
John MacArthur: “Giving is never to be by coercion. Any gimmick is offensive to God.”
Who Benefits?
Leaders and institutions that teach the tithe often benefit from a steady flow of income, but at the cost of distorting scripture and alienating those who feel pressured or exploited. Such teachings produce bad fruit, harming the spiritual and material well-being of believers.
Conclusion
The tithe, while a valuable principle in its historical context, is not a biblical commandment for Christians. Teaching the tithe as such is a distortion of scripture that misrepresents God’s character, burdens believers, and fosters bad fruit. Jesus’ warnings about false teachers who exploit their followers for personal gain resonate strongly here. Christians are called to embody generosity, not under compulsion, but freely and cheerfully, as a response to God’s grace. The church must return to the gospel of grace and relinquish any teaching that binds believers with legalism and fear.
Further Quotes from Theologians
C.S. Lewis: “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.”
Francis Chan: “I don’t believe you are required to give a certain amount of your income. From my study of Scripture, as I look through this, when I look at the New Testament; I don’t believe that we’re required to give this ten percent.”
Irenaeus: “[Instead of the law enjoining the giving of tithes, Jesus told us] to share all our possessions with the poor” (Matthew 19:21).
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