No — tithing is not a requirement for Christians.
Les Feldick teaches that believers are not under the tithe, because tithing was part of the Law and was given only to the tribe of Levi [Clip 3]. Paul's New Testament instruction is that each believer lay aside 'as God hath prospered him' (1 Corinthians 16:2), with ten percent serving as a guideline rather than a command [Clip 2].
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 — Paul's instruction for the collection reveals the New Testament pattern of giving as the Lord has prospered the believer — not a fixed tithe.
Paul's giving instruction in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 does not mention a tithe. He tells the believer to 'lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him' — setting aside on the first day of the week whatever the Lord has provided. Under the Old Testament Law, the tithe belonged to the sons of Levi: 'I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance' (Numbers 18:21). That tenth was a legal portion under the Law. The need behind Paul's collection is illustrated in Acts 2:44-45, where the earliest Jerusalem believers 'had all things common' and sold their possessions to distribute to any who had need.
Les Feldick is direct: believers are not under the tithe. He explains that the tithe was part of the Law and was given only to the tribe of Levi [Clip 3]. That is why Paul never uses the word 'tithe' when he instructs about giving — even in the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem [Clip 1]. Les points to 1 Corinthians 16:2, where Paul says every believer is to lay aside 'as God has prospered' — not 'as a tithe' [Clip 2]. That does not mean a believer has no responsibility to give. Les calls ten percent a helpful guideline — God makes it known 'that 10 percent is a guideline for a giver' — but it is not a thumb on the believer's head. A person may lose reward in glory for giving less, but no mandate is laid down [Clip 2]. Les also supplies the historical background for the 1 Corinthians 16 collection: the Jerusalem believers sold their possessions and put everything into a common fund in Acts 2–3. When the kingdom was rejected and the fund ran out, the saints became poor, which is why the Gentile churches were urged to give [Clips 0–1].
In Acts 2–3 the assembly at Jerusalem sold its possessions and pooled everything into a common fund so that no one lacked. As Les observes, such a common kitty eventually runs out — and it did in Jerusalem. Because the kingdom was rejected, these believers were left poor, and Paul instructed the Gentile churches to remember them with an offering [Clips 0–1].
Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 16:2 is that every believer should lay aside on the first day of the week 'as God hath prospered him.' Les emphasizes that Paul never says 'as a tithe' and never commands a set amount [Clips 1–2]. The giving is voluntary — Paul even asked the Corinthians to have it ready before he arrived so they would not give under his influence [Clip 5].
Yes, for the believer. Les says ten percent is a guideline — God lets it be known as a helpful measure — but the believer is not under a mandate to give exactly ten percent. 'God's not going to zap you if you don't give 10 percent,' though you may lose reward in glory. The governing principle is giving 'as God has prospered you' [Clip 2].
Why the Jerusalem Saints Were Poor
Les explains that the Jerusalem believers sold their possessions and lived from a common fund in Acts 2–3, which is why Paul later collected offerings for them.
The Collection Was for the Poor Saints
Paul does not use the word tithe because tithing was part of the Law; the collection he promotes is for the impoverished Jerusalem believers who had given everything.
Giving as God Has Prospered
Les reads 1 Corinthians 16:2 as 'as God has prospered,' not 'as a tithe' — ten percent is a guideline, but God places no mandate on the believer to give a set amount.
Christians Are Not Under the Tithe
Les says tithing was part of the Law and was given only to Levi, so believers are not under the tithe — Paul never imposes it.
What Does the Bible Really Say About Obeying Government?
Now I don't believe we have to pay as much as we are, but nevertheless government does need tax money. It's the only way they can operate. And so this is what He means here then, when He says for this cause, because of all the things that God intends government to do, for this cause you pay tribute.
Voluntary Giving Before Paul Arrives
Les stresses that giving should be voluntary and settled before Paul's arrival, so no one gives under pressure or influence.
What Does the Bible Really Say About Obeying Government?
Do them dirt in return, but of course that's just not the Christian principle, and we're to provide things honest in the sight of all men. I've always tried to impart the idea that I'd rather charge $5.00 too little, as to overcharge by $5.00.
Rahab's Shocking Faith — How a Harlot Ended Up in Jesus' Genealogy
We know that God is not going to bless a believer who is out there in total disobedience and rebellion. He can't. But on the other hand, I cannot stand here and teach that if you're obedient, and if you give, and if you pray, and if you do this, that God will make you a millionaire. No way. No way.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2: Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
This is the central New Testament giving passage Les points to — 'as God hath prospered,' not a mandated ten percent [Clip 2].
Acts 2:44-45: And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Les uses this passage to explain why the Jerusalem saints were later poor and in need of the collection [Clips 0–1].
Numbers 18:21: And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
This is the Old Testament portion that grounds Les's statement that the tithe belonged to the tribe of Levi [Clip 3].
No. Les Feldick teaches that Christians are not under the tithe because tithing was part of the Law given to the tribe of Levi [Clip 3]. The New Testament pattern through Paul is voluntary giving 'as God hath prospered' each believer (1 Corinthians 16:2).
It is Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 16:2 that each believer set aside on the first day of the week according to how the Lord has blessed him. Les says this respects the believer's free will rather than imposing a fixed percentage [Clip 2].
Not at all. Les says he has nothing against whatever a person gives, but believers are not under the tithe [Clip 3]. Ten percent is a guideline, not a command — God is not going to 'zap' you if you give less, though you may lose reward in glory [Clip 2].
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