A Chapter by Chapter Analysis of Emphasis & Teaching
Matthew 1 – nothing
Matthew 2 – first example of someone giving to Jesus = Magi. First they fell to the ground and worshipped Him. (vs. 11)
Matthew 3 – nothing; Matthew 4 – nothing
Matthew 5 – “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” (vs. 42) This would be in regards to the poor and needy
Matthew 6 – As the first example of what true righteousness looks like (vs. 1), Jesus speaks again to giving to the poor – emphasizing this time that we should do it without anyone else knowing about it (vs. 2, 3). Vs. 4 speaks to the reward from Father when we give to the poor in secret. In vs. 19, Jesus gives the negative command “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth.” In vs. 20 the positive command – “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven”. The question is – how do we do that? The few verses immediately preceding vs. 19, 20 have to do with fasting. The verses immediately following (after vs. 21 that explains that what we treasure shows where our heart is really at) = vs. 22, 23 speak of the eye being clear or bad. So the context doesn’t really help. What helps is looking at the parallel passage in Luke 12:33,34, where Jesus specifically commands selling our possessions and giving to charity or to the poor. So going back to Matthew 6:1-4 – – when we give to the poor secretly – not to be noticed by men – our Father notices and rewards us and thus we are able to store up treasures in heaven.
Matthew 7 – nada; Matthew 8 – nothing; Matthew 9 – nope
Matthew 10 – “Freely you received, freely give.” Vs. 8 This command comes at the end of vs. 8. This precedes it, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.” Seems to me “give” in context does not have to do with money as much as hands on ministering to the sick, dead, diseased, and oppressed.
Two important passages in this chapter regard how a given disciple, family or even city
responds to, cares for and receives ministers or prophets. Vs. 9-15 has to do with the 12 when Jesus sent them out and how He instructed them regarding their provision while on their mission. See also vs. 40 in this regard. But then in vs. 41 He brings up how we all respond to prophets in our midst. In vs. 42, there is some question about who Jesus is referring to when He speaks of “these little ones”. These two passages could be compared with instruction in I Corinthians 9 re: how the church should care for its ministers.
Matthew 11 – no; Matthew 12 – nope; Matthew 13 – nothing
Matthew 14 – nada (feeding of 5,000 teaches perhaps that Jesus at times will ask us to meet a large overwhelming need with what we have – believing that He will make up for what we feel we don’t have)
Matthew 15 – nada (same lesson with feeding of 4,000); Matthew 16 – nothing
Matthew 17 – nope; Matthew 18 – nothing
Matthew 19 – vs. 16-26 = Rich young ruler story; lesson? One who comes to Jesus and truly wants to follow Jesus must be willing to give up all to Him. Cannot hold anything back. And for the rich – that is a tough one because they in general are very very attached to their riches.
Matthew 20 – nada; Matthew 21 – nope; Matthew 22 – nothing
Matthew 23 – vs. 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law; justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” Jesus affirmed their practice of tithing, but rebuked them for thinking that would balance out their neglect of justice, mercy and faithfulness. Specific word to the Pharisees and Scribes.
Matthew 24 – zip
Matthew 25 – vs. 34-46 – – Jesus’s expectation that those who are truly His will as a way of life minister to the poor and needy.
Matthew 26 – nothing; Matthew 27 – nada; Matthew 28 – nope
Mark 1 – nothing; Mark 2 – nope; Mark 3 – nothing; Mark 4 – nope;
Mark 5 – nothing; Mark 6 – (see Matthew 14 comments re: feeding of 5,000)
Mark 7 – nope; Mark 8 – nothing; Mark 9 – nope;
Mark 10 – story of rich young ruler; Mark 11 – nothing
Mark 12 – vs. 41-44 Jesus sits down and observes everyone putting their money/donations/tithes into the treasury of the temple. “many rich people were putting in large sums.” Then the poor widow comes and “put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.” Jesus then calls His disciples over to Him, and states that she gave more than “all the contributors to the treasury”. And His reasoning is thus: “…they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.” Now I agree that Jesus was not suggesting that all poor widows should give every cent they own to the church. But He was certainly establishing a principle in giving that the amount given is not the issue. Rather the level of sacrifice or passion or devotion that is behind the gift is what He notices and assesses. Clearly He is not impressed with people who give out of their surplus, regardless of how much they give. More historical research on the significance of giving to the treasury would be in order.
Mark 13 – nope
Mark 14 – Could Mark’s portrayal of the woman who broke the very costly alabaster vial of perfume over Jesus’s head be in the same vein as the poor widow who gave her all in ch. 12? The disciples saw it as awful waste. But Jesus was very touched by it and prophesied that her act of devotion, which came out of her pocket book, would be spoken of as long as the gospel is preached (vs. 3-9).
Mark 15 – nothing; Mark 16 – nope
Luke 1 – nothing; Luke 2 – nope; Luke 3 – nothing; Luke 4 – nothing
Luke 5 – nope
Luke 6 – “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure – pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38 A look at the context leads me to believe this is not talking about giving or tithing. The context is more about extending mercy and not judging per vs. 36,37. The context that follows also has to do with not judging (log and splinter passage).
Luke 7 – nothing
Luke 8 – vs. 1-3 reveals that there was a band of women who traveled with Jesus and the twelve and who supported them financially “out of their private means”
Luke 9 – nope
Luke 10 – interesting that just as in ch. 9 with the 12 disciples, in this chapter Jesus sends the 70 out on their mission and commands that they “carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes;” (vs. 4) (see 9:3). With the 12 minimal explanation for such restrictions except that He communicated whatever house/home/family received them in, allow them to meet their needs. In Luke 10, He states the principle – “….for the laborer is worthy of his wages” (vs. 7) to explain why it was appropriate for them to allow others to help meet their needs.
Luke 11 – vs. 41 is a curious verse spoken to a Pharisee who had invited Jesus to lunch – “But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.” In the verse before Jesus had given a general rebuke of the Pharisees claiming that while they are consumed with their outward appearance, “…inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness.” Now they probably were not out and out robbing people as a thief would. So what is He getting at? Then in vs. 42 He continues His rebuke of the Pharisees by saying, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” So some refer to this as an example of Jesus having no problem with old testament tithing.
Luke 12 – After warning the crowd against worrying about one’s provision and being consumed with the pursuit of provision in vs. 22-30; Jesus says instead in vs. 31 “seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” Then in vs. 32 He again warns against fear of lack, assuring them that their Father “has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Then in vs. 33 – on the basis of all of that – He says to the crowd “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, ….” Ending with the principle, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (vs. 34).
Luke 13 – nothing; Luke 14 – nothing; Luke 15 – nope; Luke 16 – nope
Luke 17 – nothing; Luke 18 – nope; Luke 19 – nothing
Luke 20 – vs. 22-25 – – “…Then render to Caesar the things that are Casesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” looking at a coin, seems to refer to giving of $$, but no explanation.
Luke 21 – vs. 1-4 – – contrast of the gifts of the rich (who gave out of their surplus) and the poor widow (who gave all she had) into the treasury Lesson? Giving that doesn’t cost doesn’t count? God responds to sacrificial giving?
Luke 22 – nope; Luke 23 – nothing; Luke 24 – nothing
John 1 – nothing; John 2 – nope; John 3 – nothing; John 4 – nothing
John 5 – nothing; John 6 – nothing; John 7 – nothing; John 8 – nope
John 9 – nothing; John 10 – nothing; John 11 – nothing; John 12 – nothing
John 13 – “For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the thing we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor.” One of the ways we know Jesus and the disciples did receive offerings from the people for their needs. Also appears they sometimes gave money to the poor from this box.
John 14 – nothing; John 15 – nothing; John 16 – nothing; John 17 – nope
John 18 – nope; John 19 – nothing; John 20 – nothing; John 21 – nope
Acts 1 – nothing
Acts 2 – first mention of any kind of giving in the early church is vs. 45; was a spontaneous sharing of personal resources with their needy brothers and sisters. Dispels the thought that one cannot/should not help meet the financial/material needs of brothers and sisters in their own congregation.
Acts 3 – nothing
Acts 4 – second mention of any kind of giving in the early church in vs. 32-37 is similar to the first in that it is giving to help meet one another’s needs. Difference is in this passage the monies the more well to do members gained from selling their land and houses (presumably extra land and houses not the ones they were living in) was not given directly to the people in need, but rather in offerings to the apostles, who then saw that these needs were met somehow. Key to all of this was this heart attitude, “and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own,….” Vs. 32.
Acts 5 – the story of Ananias and Sapphira is a clear contrast to what has come before in ch. 2 and ch. 4. Greed and covetousness had overtaken this couple. They clearly believed what they had was their own. But they wanted to look spiritual, so they pretended to give the full amount, but kept back some for themselves (vs. 2). God’s judgment was seemingly severe perhaps because of what was at stake – – “a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough” (I Cor. 5:6)
Church leaders must know that the Head of the Church watches and is very concerned about motives and inner attitudes re: money and possessions. We must never be so focused on receiving offerings that we overlook the motives behind the offerings.
Acts 6 – nothing; Acts 7 – nothing; Acts 8 – nope
Acts 9 – nothing except perhaps Tabitha’s example of “abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did.” (vs. 36)
Acts 10 – nothing except Cornelius’s example as an unsaved gentile of a lifestyle of prayer and alms (deeds of charity) that God noticed and responded to is mentioned twice (vs. 4, 31). Perhaps we can say that God did not choose just any gentile to bring the gospel to and to use to establish a beachhead among the Gentiles?
Acts 11 – vs. 28 the prophet Agabus prophesies that a great famine was coming. Vs. 29, “And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea.” No mention of this being a program or led by an apostle, though it could have been led and facilitated by an apostle. Widespread participation among the disciples it appears.
Acts 12 – nothing; Acts 13 – nothing; Acts 14 – nothing; Acts 15 – nothing
Acts 16 – nothing; Acts 17 – nothing; Acts 18 – nothing; Acts 19 – nothing
Acts 20 – vs. 35 “It is more blessed to give than to receive” – Jesus – says Paul.
Acts 21 – nothing; Acts 22 – nothing; Acts 23 – nothing; Acts 24 – nothing
Acts 25 – nothing; Acts 26 – nothing; Acts 27 – nothing; Acts 28 – nothing
Romans 1 – nothing; Romans 2 – nothing; Romans 3 – nothing
Romans 4 – nothing; Romans 5 – nothing; Romans 6 – nothing
Romans 7 – nothing; Romans 8 – nothing; Romans 9 – nothing
Romans 10 – nothing; Romans 11 – nothing
Romans 12 – vs. 8 “he who gives, with liberality”; vs. 13 – “contributing to the needs of the saints,”
Romans 13 – nothing; Romans 14 – nothing
Romans 15 – vs. 25-27 re: Paul’s delivering of the gift from Macedonia and Achaia for the poor brethren in Jerusalem. Twice says they were “pleased” to do so. Speaks of the debt gentile believers have towards Jewish believers
Romans 16 – Roman believers exhorted to help Phoebe “in whatever matter she may have need of you” vs. 1,2
I Corinthians 1 – nothing; I Corinthians 2 – nothing; I Corinthians 3 – nothing;
I Corinthians 4 – nothing; I Corinthians 5 – nothing; I Corinthians 6 – nothing
I Corinthians 7 – nothing; I Corinthians 8 – nothing;
I Corinthians 9:6 “Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working?” Implies the other apostles did not do tent making, but their needs were met by the church.
I Corinthians 9:7 “Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock?” Paul is saying it is only logical that a minister who gives himself completely to the work of the ministry would reap the financial rewards of that ministry.
I Corinthians 9:8 “I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things?” Lest the Corinthian believers think Paul was leaning too hard on mere logic or reason, he now turns to the law of God.
I Corinthians 9:9 “For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You Shall Not Muzzle The Ox While He Is Threshing.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He?” Paul states that this old testament principle refers to a minister’s renumeration or pay. And that the church should abide by this O.T. principle.
I Corinthians 9:10 “Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.” First he states this principle is relevant and current in the New Covenant. Then he states that as a minister pours his heart and life out for the sheep he should legitimately have some hope that he will be financially rewarded for it.
I Corinthians 9:11 “If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” Implies that this is reasonable and appropriate.
I Corinthians 9:12 “If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.” Some ministers who had not ministered near as much to the Corinthians as Paul had were receiving offerings from them. But because Paul sensed receiving from them would be a stumbling block to some, he denied himself that right.
I Corinthians 9:13 “Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?” Again Paul refers to the Old Testament pattern of ministers being remunerated for their services as being relevant for today.
I Corinthians 9:14 “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.” Pretty straightforward principle or statement that those who proclaim the gospel as a way of life should be financially supported by those who are the recipients of their proclaiming.
I Corinthians 9:15 “But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.” Now Paul begins to share his personal conviction that he – in regards to the Corinthians – is to refrain from exercising this biblical right to remuneration for his ministry to them.
The rest of the chapter is Paul’s explanation of why he chose to deny the right to financial remuneration for his service or ministry = to not be a stumbling block to those who he knew would stumble if he took financial pay so as to have the best opportunity to reach them for Christ. His example of denial of rights when necessary for the advancement of the gospel should always be considered.
I Corinthians 10 – vs. 33 kind of sums up the latter section of ch. 9 re: denial of rights for the winning of the lost.
I Corinthians 11 – nothing I Corinthians 12 – nothing I Corinthians 13 – nothing
I Corinthians 14 – nothing I Corinthians 15 – nothing
I Corinthians 16 – vs. 1 – “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.” While Paul denied himself the right to collect or receive monies from the church in Corinth for himself, he had no problem directing them to give the poor saints in Jerusalem/Judea.
Vs. 2 – “On the first day of the every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.” Paul expected regular and consistent and intentional setting aside and saving of funds for this united gift. And he wanted it to be done without fanfare and apart from his physical presence (and perhaps potential manipulation or accusation of such).
Vs. 3,4 – Paul’s stated responsibility was to help facilitate both the receiving of this gift and its delivery, though in neither case was he demanding to do it himself. His responsibility was just to make sure that it got done and done appropriately.
Vs. 11 – When Paul commands re: Timothy – “…send him on his way in peace” – – does that imply some financial support?
II Corinthians 1 – vs. 15,16 is interesting and perhaps shows a bit of change in Paul’s freedom to receive financial help from the Corinthians – “….and by you to be helped on my journey to Judea.”
II Corinthians 2 – nothing II Corinthians 3 – nothing II Corinthians 4 – nothing
II Corinthians 5 – nothing II Corinthians 6 – nothing II Corinthians 7 – nothing
II Corinthians 8 – vs. 1-5 – Paul holds up the example of the “churches of Macedonia” (vs. 1) in giving liberally towards the needs of their brethren (cf. Rom. 15:25,26) in Jerusalem. He stated that God’s grace enabled them to give “beyond their ability” (vs. 3) “of their own accord” (vs. 3).
Vs. 6 Titus evidently stirred up the church in Corinth to also participate in this offering. Paul reminds the Corinthians that he exhorted Titus to “complete in you this gracious work.” There is a way for offerings to be stimulated by grace all the way to the finish line by leaders/pastors/apostles.
Vs. 7 Now Paul directly exhorts them to “abound in this gracious work as well.”
Vs. 8 He appeals to them to prove the sincerity of their love by following through with this offering.
Vs. 9 He now commends them to the example of Jesus Christ Himself, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” Note again the theme of grace motivated giving and sacrifice.
Vs.10 Paul reminds them of the spiritual/material “advantage” that will be theirs as a result of following through with this offering.
Vs. 11 He again exhorts them to finish what they began with this offering. In both vs. 10 & 11 he speaks of their “desire” to give this offering.
Vs. 12 For an offering to be acceptable, it must come from a person or church who both are ready to give and who have something to give from.
Vs. 13-15 Now for the first time I think – Paul introduces the principle in the church of “equality”. That is if one church is blessed with an abundance they should want to give out of that to those who are suffering with lack so that no one has too much or too little.
Vs. 16-23 speaks in detail of the administration and delivery of this special offering – again commending Titus and again giving glory to God for inspiring and enabling the whole thing (vs. 16, 24).
Vs. 24 Paul again urges them to demonstrate their love in deed and not just in word.
II Corinthians 9:1,2 Paul affirms their readiness to give and speaks again of how he has boasted about their readiness to give to other churches.
Vs. 3-5 – -Paul explains why he has sent brethren/leaders to Corinth – – to help them fulfill their intention of contributing in this offering and not be “affected by covetousness.”
Principle: Clearly without leaders leading and facilitating the church in its giving, at least from the Corinthians’ example, giving will be negatively affected.
Vs. 6 Paul now seeks to motivate them by appealing to how their obedience or disobedience in giving will affect their own provision. “..he who sows (or gives) sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
Vs. 7 Paul adds that giving that pleases God and causes Him to look affectionately at us is giving that came from within – not grudgingly or under compulsion
Vs. 8 -11 God’s promise to provide abundantly for those who live a lifestyle of giving and sowing “good deeds” of giving.
Vs. 12-15 – – speaks of the impact their obedience in giving will have on others and the glory it will bring to God.
On the one hand, our right hand should not know what our left hand is doing in terms of giving; but on the other hand the body of Christ is built up and strengthened and God is glorified when we see sacrificial obedient giving in the body of Christ.
II Corinthians 10 – nothing
II Corinthians 11 – vs. 7 Paul reminds them he denied himself the right to be remunerated by them in his ministry to them. Then in vs. 8 he reminds them a bit sarcastically that he “robbed other churches by taking wages from them”.
II Corinthians 12 – nothing II Corinthians 13 – nothing
Galatians 1 – nothing Galatians 2 – nothing Galatians 3 – nothing
Galatians 4 – nothing Galatians 5 – nothing
Galatians 6 – vs. 6 “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” While this can include money, it obviously can mean other things as well, and probably in that day often meant crops, and who knows maybe even a chicken or goat or….? The point is people who are under the teaching, mentoring ministry of others should find a way regularly and as a way of life to bless those teaching them with whatever good things the Holy Spirit points them to.
Ephesians 1 – nothing Ephesians 2 – nothing Ephesians 3 – nothing
Ephesians 4 – nothing Ephesians 5 – nothing Ephesians 6 – nothing
Philippians 1 – vs. 5 – “in view of your participation (or “sharing in the preaching of the gospel”) in the gospel from the first day until now.” This could and probably includes, but should not be limited to their giving of finances to Paul.
Philippians 2 – nothing Philippians 3 – nothing
Philippians 4 – vs. 3 “Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.” He doesn’t define “help”, but the last half of the chapter would lend to the contention that help included financial support.
Vs. 10-19 Paul thanks the Philippian church and speaks of the profit or blessing coming to them from God for their financial investment in him and his ministry. He also speaks of his ability by God’s grace and strength to be content in much or little. And he speaks of the abundance he was presently experiencing.
Colossians 1 – nothing Colossians 2 – nothing
Colossians 3 – nothing Colossians 4 – nothing
I Thessalonians 1 – nothing I Thess. 2 – nothing
I Thess. 3 – nothing I Thess. 4 – nothing
I Thess. 5 – nothing
II Thessalonians 1 – nothing II Thess. 2 – nothing
II Thess. 3 – vs. 7-9 similar to Paul’s stance with the Corinthian church of working and not receiving financial support from them to leave them an example of selflessness and dying to one’s rights.
I Timothy 1 – nothing I Timothy 2 – nothing
I Timothy 3 – nothing I Timothy 4 – nothing
I Timothy 5 – nothing
I Timothy 6 – “instruct (the rich) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” (vs. 18) = the action to be taken
“storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” (vs. 19) = the promised reward
II Timothy 1 – nothing II Timothy 2 – nothing
II Timothy 3 – nothing II Timothy 4 – nothing
Titus 1 – nothing Titus 2 – nothing
Titus 3 – While Paul never commands giving to himself, he often commands it for others. In this case – Zenas the lawyer and Apollos – – “Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.” (3:13) What is interesting to ponder with this little book is in every chapter doing good deeds is commanded or mentioned (1:16; 2:7, 2:14, 3:1, 3:8, 3:14). After Paul commands that Zenas’s and Apollos’s needs be met, he in the next verse gives this command: “Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.” (vs. 14). Paul’s command to meet the needs of Zenas and Apollos is to Titus. But in the next verse is he not saying that the whole church must learn to do likewise? Note the word “also”.
Good deeds certainly are not confined to giving of one’s finances. Even in meeting Zenas and Apollos’s needs, some might have given food or clothing rather than finances. I think the message of this book re: good deeds is just that we ought to be a people who are constantly ready to help meet the pressing needs of those around us – especially the household of faith (Gal. 6:10) and especially those who lay their lives down for the gospel and shepherding and discipling and equipping of the church.
Philemon – nothing
Hebrews 1 – nothing Hebrews 2 – nothing
Hebrews 3 – nope Hebrews 4 – nothing
Hebrews 5 – nothing Hebrews 6 – nothing
Hebrews 7 – vs. 4-10 discusses how Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek; and the how the priests/sons of Levi are commanded in the law to receive tithes from the people, etc., but the point of the passage is not to encourage tithing as much as it is to compare Jesus as a high priest with Melchizedek. I suppose it could be helpful to know how early the practice of tithing began, and that even Abraham practiced it before the law was given.
Hebrews 8 – nothing Hebrews 9 – nothing
Hebrews 10 – nothing Hebrews 11 – nothing
Hebrews 12 – nothing
Hebrews 13 – “And do not neglect doing good and sharing for, with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Vs. 16 Believers should be involved in each others’ lives, and in the lives of whomever God has placed in our sphere of influence, and we should always be generous and ready to meet needs. Helping to meet the needs of one’s fellowship/congregation is also an application of this command.
James 1 – nothing James 2 – nothing
James 3 – nothing James 4 – nothing
James 5 – nothing
I Peter 1 – nothing I Peter 2 – nothing
I Peter 3 – nothing I Peter 4 – nothing
I Peter 5 – nothing
II Peter 1 – nothing II Peter 2 – nothing
II Peter 3 – nothing
I John 1 – nothing I John 2 – nothing
I John 3 – nothing I John 4 – nothing
I John 5 – nothing
II John – nothing
III John – vs. 8 “Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.” Vs. 6-8 seem to give credence to an appeal here to support these workers financially.
Jude – nothing
Revelation 1 – nothing Revelation 2 – nothing
Revelation 3 – nothing Revelation 4 – nothing
Revelation 5 – nothing Revelation 6 – nothing
Revelation 7 – nothing Revelation 8 – nothing
Revelation 9 – nothing Revelation 10 – nothing
Revelation 11 – nothing Revelation 12 – nothing
Revelation 13 – nothing Revelation 14 – nothing
Revelation 15 – nothing Revelation 16 – nothing
Revelation 17 – nothing Revelation 18 – nothing
Revelation 19 – nothing Revelation 20 – nothing
Revelation 21 – nothing Revelation 22 – nothing
Summary thoughts & observations:
The following books in the N.T. do not address this subject at all: Gospel of John except for the one mention of the money box Judas was responsible for in ch. 13.; Ephesians; Colossians; I Thessalonians; II Timothy; Philemon; James; I & II Peter; I & II John; Jude; Revelation. These books do address root issues affecting giving and tithing such as: envy, greed, coveting, etc., (e.g. Eph. 5:3 “But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.”)
Seems the generous even extravagant giving seen in the book of Acts was not in response to a “giving campaign” or any other organized fund raising drive or initiative, but rather a more natural response to the Spirit of God moving among them, and a conviction (as seen in 4:32) that “not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own,….” . It may very well be that the teaching (and the example) of the apostles to the churches in this first century were more in the vein of Jesus being good, and being Lord over all than “everyone should tithe!”. If we really believed those two things, giving would be a joy and not a drudgery.
Clearly the emphasis of the N.T. is not on tithing (the word tithe only appears twice – 19 x’s in O.T.; “tithes” 3 x’s; 10 x’s in O.T.), though nowhere is the practice ruled out, and Jesus does speak/teach as if it will be practiced (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42). Though both of these passages speak to the same incident of Jesus rebuking the Pharisees for their thinking that their tithes somehow would suffice for their lack of living righteous lives. Disciples of Jesus should be aware of the Old Testament practice of tithing, but their focus should be what the New Testament focuses on, which clearly is not tithing, but rather a lifestyle of generous and sacrificial Spirit led giving.
Concern for the poor and willingness to get involved in helping to meet the financial and material needs of the poor as a lifestyle should be a growing reality in the life of every disciple of Jesus as seen in Matthew 5:42, 6:2-4; 25:34-46; Luke 12:33;
Clear commands are as follows: Matt. 5:42 “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.”
Matt. 6:1-4 “….when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,…”
Matt. 6:20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy…” (see explanation above under gospel of Matthew ch. 6)
Luke 11:41 “But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.”
Luke 12:33 “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys.”
Luke 20:25“…Then render to Caesar the things that are Casesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”
Romans 12:13 “contributing to the needs of the saints..”
Galatians 6:6 – “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.”
I Timothy 6:18 – “instruct (the rich) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”
Titus 3:14 “Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”
Hebrews 13:16 ““And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
There are many wonderful principles and patterns in the Old Testament regarding giving that any disciple of Jesus can profit from such as Proverbs 3:9,10, “Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine.”