TITHING UNDER THE NEW COVENANT (2)
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Act 2:41-42
In the early church, under the new covenant, what they had was what is commonly called ‘fellowship’ in the KJV (but also: contribution, distribution, communion, and communication).
Other translations use English words like participation, sharing, taking part, etc. It is the Greek word: ‘koinonia‘, which means ‘sharing‘
The early church, put simply, shared what they had with those who did not have. And they did it generously.
And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need. Acts 4:32, 34-35
READ ALSO: SHOULD CHRISTIANS TITHE (PART 5)
How Christians Ought to Give
2 Corinthians 8 and 9 tells us how to give. From these passages, you can see that the early church gave without measuring the percent they were giving. Also, you will find the principles of giving that Christians are to walk by:
Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 NLT
Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed, in the beginning, be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. As the Scriptures say, “Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.” 2 Corinthians 8:11-15 NLT
The above was how the early Christians gave.
READ ALSO: SHOULD CHRISTIANS TITHE (PART 7)
