Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

In this situation (which, as noted in the question, is mentioned in all the synoptic gospels), I would say that Jesus was not referring specifically to the tithe. Instead, when He spoke of rendering to Caesar what belonged to Caesar, and to God what belonged to God, He was primarily addressing the general subject of a Christian's obligations to civil government, and pointing out that the fulfillment of those obligations was not incompatible or in conflict with the person's service to God. As I interpret it, He was not referring to any specific rule or commandment regarding the amount of a person's resources that was to be offered back to God, as was commanded by God in the Old Testament (Leviticus 27:30-33). 

Paul made the same point in his epistles, in passages such as Romans 13:1-7.

I would say that, rather than the specific rules on tithing given in the Old Testament, the emphasis in the New Testament for Christians is more on attitude, and on remembering that God is the source of all blessing, as well as of salvation through Christ, and on individuals giving back to Him cheerfully and gratefully as He prospers them, as a reflection of their thankfulness, rather than out of ritual obedience that is unaccompanied by love for God and for one's neighbor. (In Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:10-14), the Pharisee boasted of his tithing, but this did not result in his going back to his house justified.)

October 29 2017 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Insightful question, Salvador! I wondered about that myself, previously. Now, though I believe this: Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25). This was a response to a trap question about taxes. By pointing to Caesar’s image on the coin, Jesus affirmed paying taxes to government authority. But he also reminded them to give God what bears his image: their very lives. This statement was not about tithing—there’s no mention of temple giving or Levitical law—but the principle still applies. God owns everything, and while this isn’t a tithing passage, it calls for full devotion, which includes generous, willing giving.

My Faithlife Study Bible says this: "Matthew 22:21 give to Caesar the things of Caesar Jesus brilliantly avoids the Pharisees’ trap (compare note on Mt 22:17). Since the coin bears Caesar’s image, it belongs to him. However, God should likewise be given His due—the faithful obedience of humanity, which bears His image (Gen 1:27)." 

Perhaps they got it from Warren Wiersbe who said, "Man bears God’s image and owes God his all. Caesar’s image was on the coin; God’s image is on man (Gen. 1:26-27). Sin has marred that image, but through Jesus Christ, it can be restored (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10)."

2 days ago • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report