The Blessedness of Giving (Acts 20:35)
Reverend F. J. May, Associate Professor Church of God School of Theology
“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Introduction
These words of our Lord, spoken by the Apostle Paul in his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, form a summary of the theology of giving as found in the New Testament. This statement is broader and perhaps has far greater implications than the Old Testament teaching on tithing and giving.
Paul was recounting his own ministry among the Ephesians as it related to them and their possessions. He had faithfully served with humility, tears, and temptations. He had not coveted their silver or gold, but had labored with his own hands to provide the necessities of life for himself and others. He mentioned, also, the responsibility of the prosperous to support the weak.
It is in this context that Paul quoted this beautiful teaching of Jesus. He was not speaking this teaching in order to receive anything for himself, but he was pointing out the blessing that would come to the Ephesians if they would give.
The purpose of this message is to help us to understand this blessedness which our Lord promises to give us when we give. First, we will look at the Old Testament teaching of tithing and giving; then, we will come back to the New Testament interpretation.
Old Testament Teaching and Examples of Tithing and Giving
From a brief survey of the Old Testament it is easy to observe that tithing and special offerings were a part of the ongoing stewardship of the people of God. Let us look at a few of these examples.
Abraham
(Genesis 14:17-24)
One of the earliest examples of tithing in the Old Testament is this record of Abraham when he gave “tithes of all” to Melchizedek, king of Salem and “priest of the most high God.” Along with this act of worship, Melchizedek pronounced a blessing upon Abraham. This shows the direct relationship between tithing and the blessings of God
Jacob
(Genesis 28:20-22)
A close look at the context of this reference reveals that Jacob was engaged in prayer, worship, and consecration when he said, “Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” From somewhere, Jacob understood that tithing was directly related to his own consecration and God’s blessings upon him.
Moses
(Leviticus 27:30-33)
The most clearly outlined program of tithing and giving in the Old Testament is set forth in the Levitical Law given by Moses. He declares that “all the tithe of the land…is the Lord’s.” Moses was explicit in outlining a program of stewardship which included tithes and offerings. For example, there were special religious festivals which reminded the people of their stewardship—Passover, the Feast of the Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles (Exodus 34; Deuteronomy 16; Leviticus 23). On these occasions, in response to the great things God had done for them, the people offered to God in sacrifice the best of what they owned.
One outstanding example of sacrificial giving was when Moses called upon the people to give in order to build the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 35). This was a “free-will” offering based on the condition “whosoever is of a willing heart.” We are told in verse 21: “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.”
Tithe of Tithes
During the time of the restoration, the tithes were counted as absolutely necessary in order to carry on the work and ministry of the priesthood. Nehemiah shows the function of the “tithes of tithes” as it was brought into the house of God. Generally, the Levites received tithes from all the cities and farms, and then they were instructed to bring the tithe of tithes into the house of God (Nehemiah 10:37, 38; also see 12:44; 13:12).
Malachi
The climatic statement concerning tithes and offerings in the Old Testament is found in the message of the Prophet Malachi. In no uncertain terms this prophet made it clear to Israel the relationship between their giving and God’s blessings upon them. Those who failed to worship and honor God with their tithes and offerings were considered to be robbing God. Also, they were informed that they were “cursed with a curse” because of their failure to tithe and to honor God with their substance.
They were then challenged to bring in the tithes in order to “prove” God. They were promised that great blessings would accompany their obedience far beyond their ability to receive (Malachi 3:8-12).
Thus, we should understand that the Old Testament has a very clear doctrinal foundation for tithing and giving. Also, we should understand that there are many promises of God which assure us of His blessings upon us when we are obedient to His Word.
New Testament Teaching of Tithing and Giving
As we have seen, there is a very clear doctrine of tithing and giving in the Old Testament. We should understand that Jesus approved this principle. It is certainly true that Jesus condemned the actions of certain people who where giving just for show, to publicize their own gifts (Matthew 23:23). But, in this case, He was talking about the setting of priorities. In the first place should be the weightier matters of judgment, mercy, and faith. Then He instructed that tithing should not be left undone.
Another strong witness of the blessedness of giving is the Apostle Paul. Besides the quotation of our text (Acts 20:35), Paul also gave further instructions concerning giving. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, he instructs us, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him.” This teaching fits perfectly into the scriptural doctrine of tithing.
Beyond this, Paul shows the close relationship between our giving and God’s blessings. His words speak for themselves: “But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6, 7).
Conclusion
From this simple survey of Scripture, we are able to conclude that God has instituted the system of tithing and offerings to finance His work in this world. Those people who give with a willing heart, honoring God and His Word, have the promise of being blessed in return beyond their capacity to receive.
It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
