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Are Christians required to tithe?: Difference between revisions
→Philippians 4:15–20
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Three aspects of this passage stand out. First, as Paul mentions the need of those in Jerusalem in 2 Cor 8:14, here he discusses his own need (Phil 4:16). When Christians see a need on the part of a fellow believer—especially a minister of the gospel—they should attempt to meet it if they are able. Second, Paul’s use of ‘paid in full’ (ἀπέχω πάντα) indicates that the Philippians had no obligation to him. His motive in this passage is not to raise more funds but to express thankfulness. The Philippians’ giving was an example of voluntary giving: they gave what they had purposed in their hearts, not a set, required amount. Finally, they gave generously. Verse 18 contains two words (‘abound’; ‘filled up’) that communicate the exceeding generosity of the Philippians’ gift to Paul.<ref>Andreas Köstenberger, “Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving: A Discussion of Relevant Systematic Issues and New Testament Principles,” Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 16, 2006, 254–257.</ref> | Three aspects of this passage stand out. First, as Paul mentions the need of those in Jerusalem in 2 Cor 8:14, here he discusses his own need (Phil 4:16). When Christians see a need on the part of a fellow believer—especially a minister of the gospel—they should attempt to meet it if they are able. Second, Paul’s use of ‘paid in full’ (ἀπέχω πάντα) indicates that the Philippians had no obligation to him. His motive in this passage is not to raise more funds but to express thankfulness. The Philippians’ giving was an example of voluntary giving: they gave what they had purposed in their hearts, not a set, required amount. Finally, they gave generously. Verse 18 contains two words (‘abound’; ‘filled up’) that communicate the exceeding generosity of the Philippians’ gift to Paul.<ref>Andreas Köstenberger, “Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving: A Discussion of Relevant Systematic Issues and New Testament Principles,” Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 16, 2006, 254–257.</ref> | ||
====Romans 15:26 / Gal. 2:10==== | |||
=What does the Old Testament teach?= | =What does the Old Testament teach?= | ||