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→Tithing in the New Testament: updated link
In the beginning this was supplied by the spontaneous offerings of the faithful. In the course of time, however, as the Church expanded and various institutions arose, it became necessary to write canons which would ensure the proper and permanent support of the clergy.
Christians support the [[Church]] and her [[pastor]]s with monetary contributions of one sort or another. Sometimes these monetary contributions are called tithes whether or not they actually represent ten-percent of anything. However, as tithing was an ingrained Jewish custom by the time of [[Jesus]], no specific command to tithe ''per se '' is found in the [[New Testament]]. References to tithing in the New Testament can be found in [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]], [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]], and the catholic epistle to the [[Book of Hebrews|Hebrews]].
The payment of tithes was adopted from the Old Law, and early writers speak of it as a divine ordinance and an obligation of conscience, rather than any direct command by Jesus Christ.
Some Christians cite Matthew 23:23 as support for tithing.
:''Away with you, you pettifogging Pharisee lawyers! You give to God a tenth of herbs, like mint, dill, and cumin, but the important duties of the Law -- —judgement, mercy, honesty -- —you have neglected. Yet these you ought to have performed, without neglecting the others.'' :(Albright & Mann, '''Matthew, Anchor Bible''', Vol. 26 (1971))
and its parallel Luke 11:42
:''Woe to you, Pharisees! You tithe mint and rue and every edible herb but disregard justice and the love of God. These were rather the things one should practice, without neglecting the others.''
:(Fitzmyer, '''Luke, Anchor Bible''', Vol.l, 28A (1985))
Because of Jesus' specific mention of tithe in this passage, it is often felt that he thereby gave his endorsement to the practice of tithing in general. Some scholars disagree, however, pointing out that Jesus was simply obeying Mosaic law as an obedient Jew.