A Closer Look at Tithing, page 6

Are Pastors Worthy of Double Pay?
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My encounters with several pastors regarding their tithing doctrine have yielded mixed responses. I have discovered that if some practitioners of today's tithing system cannot produce a constructive theological rebuttal that proves tithing is a new covenant law or guideline, they will then argue that leaders in the church are worthy of double pay. Their argument is based on the following passage:

1 Timothy 5:17-18: The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teach ing. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." (NIV)

Many leaders in the church have suggested that "double honor" means double pay for those who preach and teach the gospel. This hypothesis is highly spotlighted by the Spin Doctors who flaunt their false honorary doctorate credentials with the scheme of securing a higher salary. This author disagrees with their interpretation for the following reasons:

1) The word "honor" in this passage is from the Greek word "time". Its primary definition means "respect". A secondary definition of "time" means "the price of an item or person". Lateral passages to
1 Tim. 5:17 -18 in the context of "honor" meaning respect can be found at: 1 Timothy 6:1-2,
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

2) The Greek word for pay is "misthos"; and it is not used in the passage above (In the original Greek text).

3) Why would the above passage suggest double pay when the Bible accentuates equality and affordable giving (2 Cor. 8:11 -13, Phil. 4:10).

4) And while the Bible also stresses sacrificial giving (2 Cor. 8: 2-4), it is never in the context of "double pay" for pastors.

5) The "Double Pay" misinterpretation is diametrically opposed to 1 Timothy 6:5-10. It is also often pointed out that "elders" in this passage is pertaining to all pastors. But that conjecture is inaccurate as well. The word "elders" is specifically referring to older church leaders (1 Peter 5:1,5) who labored arduously teaching the gospel.

"In ancient times authority was given to older people with wider experience. These were often considered the most qualified to hold places of leadership. The basic meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words for elder is 'old age.'" (Illustrated Dictionary of The Bible, [Herbert Lockyer, Sr.], "Elder", Page 330)

Due to their age, experience, and diligent efforts, they are worthy of "double honor" (double respect and acknowledgment). Because elders are typically past the age of effective manual labor for self-support, proper recognition and distinct financial remuneration should be paid to older men who work diligently teaching the Word of God.

This does not mean, however, that elders are required to be compensated double pay. As noted in the five points above, to accept such misinterpretation would create inconsistencies within the scriptures.

In The Order of Melchizedek
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The first account of tithing mentioned after Calvary occurs in the seventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 7:1-19: This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means "king of righteous"; then also "king of Salem" means "king of peace." Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever. Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people --- that is, their brothers --- even though their brothers are descended from Abraham. This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. One might even say that Levi; who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor. If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come --- one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law. He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe ever served at the alter. For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and it regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. (NIV)

Leaders in the church direct attention to this lengthy passage to allege that since Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek, and by reason of Jesus being in the order of Melchizedek, then Christians are required to pay monetary tithes to the church.

Although tithing is mentioned several times here, it is not in the context of its applicability to the Christian church. The writer of Hebrews is simply referring back to tithing in Genesis 14:18-20 to illustrate that the priesthoods of Melchizedek and Jesus are superior to that of the Levitical order. Let me explain in greater detail.

Prior to the Mosaic Law, tithing was a man-made custom that was used to pay tribute to higher authorities such as kings, pagan gods, and the one true God (please review the section: Abram: The Tithe To Melchizedek). The fact that Abraham gave a tithe of the spoils of war (Heb. 7:4) to Melchizedek indicated that Abraham recognized him as someone who was his superior (Heb. 7:7). Since the tribe of Levi was the descendants of Abraham (Heb. 7:5,10), the Levitical Priesthood was thus inferior to Melchizedek's priesthood (Heb. 7: 11). Because Jesus' priesthood is in the order (similar to, not the same as) of Melchizedek, His priesthood is also superior to that of the Levitical establishment
(Heb. 7:15-16).

Some pastors specifically allude to Hebrews 7:5 to argue that tithing is an eternal law. This assertion continues to display examples of the incredible proliferation of errors within today's church. Contrary to their allegations, verse five is directly referring to tithing after the institution of the Mosaic Law and the Levitical Priesthood.

After the abrogation of the Levitical Priesthood and the regulations of the Mosaic Law (Heb. 7:12,16,18) tithing was rendered void. Under the new covenant the priesthood consist of all Believers (2 Cor. 3:6, 1 Peter 2:5,9); and Jesus is our High P riest. If tithing is valid today, then from whom do Christians (since they are the new priesthood) collect tithes? Moreover, as we examined previously, Jesus' ministry was not supported by tithes even while the Mosaic Law was in effect.

Considering what we have learned to this point, it should be evident that church tithing today is a far cry from the historical traditions and the Mosaic Laws of tithing as expressed in the Bible.

The Adoption of Tithing Within The Church
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As mentioned previously, the Apostle Paul and the early church never taught tithing. In the course of time, however, the enlargement of chur ches accompanied by their development of secondary ministerial administrations lead to mounting operating cost. Due to these expenses, the Catholic Church adopted a forced means of giving by illegally "reinstating" the Old Testament tithing law and refashioned the regulations to suit their needs. Shortly thereafter, this modified tithing doctrine crept into mainstream churches.

"As the Church expanded and various institutions arose, it became necessary to make laws which would insure the proper and permanent support of the clergy. The payment of tithes was adopted from the Old Law...The earliest positive legislation on the subject seems to be contained in the letter of the bishops assembled at Tours in 567 and the [canons] of the Council of Macon in 585." ---The Catholic Encyclopedia

"No law of tithing is found in the New Testament, although the principle of church support is laid down in Matt. 10:10 (see also Luke 10:7) and echoed in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14." ---Roman Catholic Encyclopedia

So there we have it. Many years ago tithing was introduced into the church by power hankering bishops and priests who conveniently discounted new covenant grace principles along with the new priesthood of Believers. It has been due to this unauthorized enactment that has channeled tithing into tradition at best and false doctrine at worst.

As long as we continue to have numerous unsuspecting sheep and ministerial idolaters, tithing will remain a needless controversial issue. Predatory false teachers (wolves in sheepskin) and pastors who are outrageously biased will work very hard to preserve their highly regarded tithing doctrine by all means necessary.

Concluding Statements
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I have discovered that many pastors and their supporters become inflamed when their tithing doctrine is questioned. They charge those of us who will not affirm to their fictitious teachings as stingy, divisive, unloving, and candidates for Hell. Such illegitimate accusations are nothing more than psychological rhetoric used by offended false teachers who feel threatened; having difficulty accepting challenge; particularly when a constructive rebuttal is not attainable.

Having said that, we must be cognizant of the fact that it is the responsibility of every believer to test all teachings (Acts. 17:11); expose and separate from false teachers (Eph. 5:8-11), and encourage other believers in sound doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16; 5:20, 2 Tim.4:3 -4, Titus 1:9). False teachers are not deserving of our resources.

In honoring my commission, this article was written for the express purpose of exposing the false teachings on tithing. Although tithing is not a New Testament command, it remains the responsibility of every Christian to maintain a disposition of generosity based on love for God and those in need. All believers should decide in their own hearts how much to give, and not allow themselves to be controlled by subtle or overt manipulative and deceptive tactics.

I pray that this article has been a blessings to you; especially those who have been held captive to the bondage of tithing. It is my hope that you now understand your freedom in Christ: Free to live and free to give; to which I say: AMEN!
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If you have any comments, questions, or critiques regarding this article, please feel free to send an email or sign my guessbook. Thanks!
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