Wycliffe Bible Dictionary of Theology (tithing)
Everett
F. harrison, BAPTIST THEOLOGIAN editor
Geoffrey
W. Bromiley BAPTIST THEOLOGIAN editor
Carl
F. Henry, BAPTIST THEOLOGIAN editor
"tithes", page 525
Orig. Baker's Dictionary, 1960 (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1999), s.v. "tithe."
Significantly
the tithe is not mentioned as part of the restored temple in Ezekiel's vision (Eze 40 to 48).
The NT is all
but silent on the tithe. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their legalistic observance of it (Lk 18:9-14) and for their placing
it above justice and the love of God (Mt 23:23). A final reference in Hebrews 7:2-9 (citing Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek)
concludes what the NT says on the busject.
"The silence
of the N.T. writers, particularly Paul, regarding the present validity of the tithe can be explained only on the ground that
the dispensation of grace has no more place for a law of tithing than it has for a law on circumcision." (STCTT,
P 173)
The principles
of Christian giving are clearly set forth in the epistles to the Corinthian church (1 Cor 16:1, 2; 2 Cor 8-9). They do not
exclude the tithe as a convenient basis for proportionate giving, nor do they limit one to the tithe.
