The Bible distinguishes between charity and tithing. Tithing is giving ten percent back to what God has graciously given. Tithing can require faith at times. Yet still, tithing is a command, and not without God’s promise. (Leviticus 27:30-33; Malachi 3:8-12) Tithing predates the Old Covenant law, as Cain and Abel presented offerings to the Lord God before the flood. (Genesis 4:1-7)
Apostle Paul was not gathering a tithe to send off to the head church. This did not exist until a few centuries later. Rather, Paul was arranging a charitable gift to the poor and needy in Jerusalem and Judea. Charity is as ancient as tithing. Abraham displayed charity by providing food for three traveling strangers. (Genesis 18:1-8)
Paul did not command the congregation to make a collection for the poor in another nation, for it was charity. (8) Rather, to protect their honor, he encouraged them to keep the promise they made a year earlier and finish what they started. The other churches knew of their promised commitment. If they did not follow through, they would be humiliated by the poorer congregations in Macedonia who eagerly and joyfully gave. (10-12)
After reminding Corinth of Jesus’ willing riches to poverty for our sake (9), Paul advises them to give as they are able within their means, and in the future, the riches the Jewish believers in Jesus have will help them. (14-15) Consider this: charity forced in any way, including humiliation and rebuke, is not giving in love, and is therefore turning into an obligation. For charity without love is not charity at all.
