Paul teaches giving under grace, not a mandated tithe.
Paul never commands a specific amount, nor does he use the word 'tithe.' Instead, he instructs believers to give as the Lord has prospered them, led by the Holy Spirit. This is a voluntary, cheerful response to God's grace, not a legal obligation.
2 Corinthians 8:7 — Paul urges the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:12 — Paul implies giving is based on what one has, not on a set amount.
The Bible shows that tithing was part of the Mosaic Law, given to the tribe of Levi. For example, Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14), which serves as a guideline but was not a mandate for believers under grace. In the New Testament, Paul does not command tithing. Instead, he encourages believers to give as they have been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:2). Giving is to be voluntary and from the heart, led by the Holy Spirit, not out of legal obligation.
Les Feldick emphasizes that believers are not under the tithe, which was part of the Law given only to the tribe of Levi. He teaches that Paul never mandates a specific percentage, but instructs believers to give as the Lord has prospered them. Giving is to be led by the Holy Spirit, not by rules, and is a response to grace, not a legal requirement. Les also notes that Abraham's tithe is a guideline, not a binding law.
Les Feldick explains that Christians are not under the tithe, which was part of the Law given to the tribe of Levi. He stresses that Paul never mandates a percentage, and believers give as the Lord prospers them, led by the Holy Spirit.
Under grace, giving is not according to rules but as the Lord lays it on one's heart. Paul teaches that giving is based on prosperity and is a free-will act of worship, not a legal obligation. Les also mentions that believers should first give themselves to the Lord, then open themselves to ministry.
Are Christians Required to Tithe? 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 Explained
And I think we got down as far as verse 6, so we'll pick up in verse 7. And again, for all of you joining us on television, we'd just like to invite you to open your Scriptures and compare Scripture with Scripture. We do not try to twist arms, we are not trying, as I've said so often, to move people from one group to another.
Not Under the Tithe
Les clarifies that believers are not under the tithe, as it was part of the Law given only to the tribe of Levi.
Grace-Based Giving
Les explains that believers give as God prospers them and as the Lord leads, not according to rules.
Tithing as a Guideline
Les says Abraham's tithe is a guideline, but mandating 10% puts one back under the law; Paul instead says give as prospered.
Not Under Law but Under Grace — What Romans 6:14 Really Means
Now I'm emphasizing this exercise of will in the life of the believer, because the word here again doesn't demand, it doesn't say we're not gonna have an opportunity to have a choice, but it's a matter of yielding. He says, do not yield or do not give in and let your members be instruments of unrighteousness unto sin or again unto old Adam.
Why Mixing Law and Grace Cancels the Work of the Cross
Because you see, if Peter would not have come to Paul and Barnabas' defense, the rest of those Jews would have simply squashed them, and it would have stopped Christianity in its tracks, and they'd have been no longer able to go to the Gentile world with the Gospel of Grace. But Paul says, 18. I did not give in. I stood my ground. Now read on. 19. But by subjection, he says, 20.
Why Paul Said "I Die Daily" — 1 Corinthians 15:31 Explained
But now in Romans chapter 6, verse 13, he says it so clearly. "...neither yield or give in to your members," that is, in the old Adam, "...neither yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin," or unto the old Adam. See, it's that up to us. You are given with that free will. God is not going to take you by the nap of the neck and say, You will obey Me. You will walk in My way.
What 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Really Says About Who Goes to Heaven
Now of course Paul can write that way, being a Jew himself. That we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. What's he saying? That we're no longer under those demands of the Ten Commandments of Moses, we are now under the control of the Holy Spirit. Now be logical, will the Holy Spirit ever lead a believer to do something contrary to the law? No. Of course not.
2 Corinthians 8:7: Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
Paul encourages the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:12: For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
Paul teaches that giving is accepted based on willingness and ability, not a set amount.
1 Corinthians 16:2: 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.
Paul instructs believers to give as they have been prospered, indicating a voluntary, proportional giving.
No, Les Feldick notes that Paul never mentions tithing. Instead, Paul encourages giving as the Lord has prospered, without a mandated amount.
Les explains that the tithe was part of the Law and was given only to the tribe of Levi. Under grace, giving is voluntary and led by the Holy Spirit, not a legal requirement.
Watch the Teaching: Are Christians Required to Tithe? 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 Explained