Why Tithing Matters to Christians

TITHING is often misunderstood, dismissed as “Old Covenant stuff,” or treated as optional for New Testament believers. But the truth is, tithing remains a vital expression of faith, obedience, and worship for Christians today. Far from being obsolete, the principle of tithing is confirmed, practiced, and even elevated in the New Testament. When properly understood, it becomes clear that God's expectation for His people to give a tenth of their increase did not vanish with the so called "old" Covenant—it was affirmed and deepened in the New.

Abraham's Example

The first biblical mention of tithing occurs well before the Law was given to Moses, with Abraham. After rescuing Lot and recovering the spoils of war, Abraham gave Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, “a tenth of all” (Genesis 14:20). While this was considered a "voluntary" act on the part of Abraham, he was considered as conscientious observer of God's commandments. Genesis 26:5, states,

"...Because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." 

Thus, Abraham’s example, as the "father of the faithful" (Romans 4:11), reveals a spiritual principle that transcends the so called "Mosaic Law". He tithed to a priest who was a type of Christ (Hebrews 7:1-3), establishing a precedent that New Testament believers are called to follow—not in compulsion, but in faith and honor.

The Law and the Levites

Under the Law of Moses, tithing was formalized as God's method of sustaining the Levitical priesthood (Numbers 18:21-24). Israel was instructed to give a tenth of their increase, and the Levites, who had no inheritance in the land, were to live off these tithes. The tithe was God's provision for His ministers and His work. This shows that tithing was not merely a personal act of generosity—it was a covenant responsibility, tied to God’s system of worship and service.

But one might ask, isn’t the Levitical priesthood obsolete under the New Covenant? Yes—but that doesn’t nullify the principle. In fact, it shifts the focus toward Christ and His ongoing priesthood.

Jesus' Declaration on Tithing

Jesus Himself acknowledged the validity of tithing in His rebuke of the Pharisees: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others” (Matthew 23:23, ESV).

Far from abolishing tithing, Jesus affirmed it. He criticized the Pharisees not for tithing, but for neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. His words—“these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others”—indicate that tithing still had a place in the lives of God’s people, alongside the weightier matters of the law.

The Early Church's Giving and Sharing

The early church was characterized by radical generosity. In Acts 2:44–45 and Acts 4:32–37, believers sold their possessions and shared what they had so “there was not a needy person among them.” While this wasn’t a structured tithing system, it demonstrated a deep commitment to God’s work and to one another.

This level of generosity goes beyond tithing—it presumes that a minimum tenth belongs to God, and more can be given as needs arise. The early church didn’t abandon tithing—they expanded upon its spirit.

Paul’s Teachings on Service and Giving

The Apostle Paul, though he never uses the word “tithe” explicitly in his letters, upholds the principle in his instructions to the churches. In 1 Corinthians 9:13–14, Paul directly links Christian ministers to the Old Testament priesthood:

“Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”

Paul invokes the temple system of provision for priests (which was funded by tithes) and applies it to gospel ministers. Though Paul himself often chose not to receive support (to avoid burdening young congregations), he affirms that financial support for ministry is not only right—it is commanded by the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6–8, Paul teaches that giving should be generous and cheerful, with the promise that “God is able to make all grace abound to you.” This doesn’t replace tithing—it builds upon it. Giving generously presumes that believers already understand their foundational responsibility to return a portion to God.

Hebrews 7: Tithing and the Superiority of Christ's Priesthood

The most direct New Testament defense of tithing comes in Hebrews 7. Here, the writer draws a powerful connection between Abraham’s tithe and Christ’s superior priesthood:

“Here tithes are received by mortal men, but there he receives them, of whom it is testified that he lives.” (Hebrews 7:8)

This is a profound statement. The priesthood of Melchizedek, to whom Abraham gave tithes, is a type of Christ’s eternal priesthood. The author argues that just as Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, we—as Abraham’s spiritual descendants—ought to do the same for Christ, our living High Priest. The priesthood has changed, yes—but that does not abolish tithing. It transfers the recipient from the Levitical system to Christ Himself, through His ministers.

Further, Hebrews 7:12 states, “For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.” This change doesn’t eliminate tithing; it reorients it. No longer given to Levites, the tithe now supports the ministry of Christ through the Church.

Why It Still Matters Today

Tithing is not a relic of some of uninforceable "old law". It is a timeless spiritual discipline that acknowledges God’s ownership, funds His work, supports His ministers, and aligns our hearts with His purposes. It’s not about legalism—it’s about lordship. Who is first in our finances? Who is honored with our increase?

Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). If God has our heart, He must also have our treasure. Tithing helps free us from materialism, teaches trust in God’s provision, and ensures that His work can flourish.

In a world of financial anxiety and self-focus, tithing is a bold declaration of faith. It says, “I trust God to provide. I honor Christ as my High Priest. I invest in His eternal Kingdom.”

Thus, tithing matters among Christians—not as a burden, but as a blessing. From Abraham’s example to Christ’s priesthood, from Jesus’ own words to Paul’s teachings, the principle of giving a tenth is affirmed and carried forward. Christians are not under the Old Covenant law, but we are called to be faithful stewards under grace. Let us give—not reluctantly, but cheerfully, generously, and faithfully—knowing that in honoring God with our increase, we acknowledge Him as Lord of all (Eph. 4:6).