Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. - 1 Co 9:13–18.
Context
As mentioned in our recent devotional, we continue to delve into Paul's defense within the current context. In verse three, Paul asserts that his defense to those scrutinizing him serves as an apparent response to individuals who questioned the authenticity of his apostleship. Our previous devotional outlined several potential reasons for this skepticism. However, the preceding passage suggests that one aspect under scrutiny was Paul's entitlement to compensation for his efforts in the kingdom.
Paul provides several reasons justifying his right to receive compensation for his labor. Employing examples from everyday life, such as a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd, he argues that individuals who toil in a specific field have a legitimate claim to benefit from their labor. To bolster his case further, Paul draws an analogy to Old Testament practices related to the support of the Levites and priests who ministered in the temple.
This line of reasoning indicates that some questioned the legitimacy of Paul receiving support for his ministry. By drawing parallels to common occupations and Old Testament practices, Paul aims to demonstrate that it is not uncommon or unjust for those dedicated to the work of the kingdom to be supported in their efforts. This defense becomes crucial in addressing doubts about the sincerity and validity of his apostleship.
The example of the Levites
In this verse, Paul is making a point about the support and provision for those who serve in the temple ministry, and in doing so, the premise he uses can be found in Numbers 18:8-20. We would recommend one read the full passage, but for today's point, we will only cite verse 20 and then provide a brief context.
Then the Lord said to Aaron: "You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.
Notably, the Levites were chosen for the unique role of priests due to their faithfulness during a crucial moment in Israel's history. As the book of Exodus recounted, when the Israelites, led by Moses, worshipped the golden calf at Mount Sinai, the Levites were the sole tribe that abstained from participating in this idolatry (Exodus 32:25-29). Recognizing their loyalty and zeal for His commandments, God selected the Levites for distinctive service in the Tabernacle and later in the temple.
Their responsibilities encompassed the upkeep of the sanctuary, assistance to the priests, and various worship-related tasks. This consecration of the Levites reflected God's acknowledgment of their faithfulness and dedication to worshipping the true God.
However, upon entering the promised land, the Levites did not receive a portion of land. This lack of a land inheritance symbolized the idea that God Himself was their inheritance, as explicitly stated in Numbers 18:20. While the Levites were without tribal territory, they were provided with cities dispersed throughout the territories of the other tribes. These cities, known as Levitical cities, served as both residences for the Levites and centers for their priestly functions. This arrangement is detailed in Numbers 35:1-8 and Joshua 21.
The primary means of sustaining the Levites was through the tithes and offerings brought by the other Israelite tribes. People were instructed to give a tenth of their produce and livestock, as outlined in passages like Numbers 18:21-32 and Deuteronomy 14:27-29. In a symbolic and spiritual sense, the Levites were informed that God Himself was their inheritance (Numbers 18:20), underscoring their unique role and reliance on God for provision.
Levitical tithing and the modern tithe
The concept of tithing in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and modern practices of tithing differ in several ways, including the nature, purpose, and application of the tithe.
In the Old Testament, tithing was primarily an agricultural and livestock-based system. People were required to give a tenth (10%) of their produce, such as grains, fruits, and livestock, as a religious offering to support the Levites and priests who served in the Tabernacle or temple. While in modern times, tithing often extends beyond agricultural products. Many contemporary religious traditions interpret tithing as giving a tenth of one's income, and the emphasis is placed on financial contributions rather than specific agricultural products.
The primary recipients of the tithe in the Old Testament were the Levites, who had no inheritance of land, and the priests who served in the sanctuary. The tithe served as a sustenance for those dedicated to religious service.
In modern practice, tithes are often directed toward the upkeep of religious institutions, clergy salaries, community projects, and other charitable causes. The recipients may include religious leaders, church staff, and the church itself.
The Old Testament prescribes various tithes, including the tithe for the Levites, the feasts, and the poor (occurring every third year). The total percentage could exceed 20% in some years (see Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Deuteronomy 26:12-15). Today, Tithing is often simplified to a regular practice of giving 10% of one's income, typically monthly or weekly.
Tithing in the Old Testament was mandated by the Mosaic Law, and failure to tithe was considered a violation of God's commandments (see Malachi 3:8-10). Today, tithing is a voluntary act of worship and generosity rather than a legal requirement.
Practical Application
In the New Testament, the obligation of tithing is not articulated in the same authoritarian manner as it was under the Mosaic Law in the Old Testament. Nevertheless, the Scriptures offer guidance on giving, promoting generosity, and supporting the ministry's endeavors. The New Testament sets forth principles for managing finances, highlighting the importance of a voluntary and joyful spirit in giving. A pertinent passage in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reinforces this perspective:
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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."
This scripture underscores the New Testament's stress on giving with a willing and joyful heart rather than as a strict legal obligation. Furthermore, we witness the early believers exemplifying this principle through their generous support for one another, as seen in the following passage.
"Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
As mentioned, the New Testament doesn't prescribe a specific percentage of income for tithing. Instead, it encourages believers to contribute generously, willingly, and joyfully to uphold the ministry and assist those in need. The emphasis lies on cultivating a generous spirit and a sincere desire to contribute to the welfare of others rather than rigid adherence to a fixed amount of money.
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