Is it biblical to tithe?
I know that the you cannot necessarily apply the OT tithe to Christians. I also know that giving and the support of the clergy was and is an important part of the NT. But is there any basis for making this into a 'tithe' which Christians are required to give?
Yes, that is what I meant, as it is what scripture teaches
ml said -
we understand the act means nothing"
drp said -
Are you sure that's what you meant? 1 Cor 8:1-13.
Yes, I am sure as long as we look at everything I said. Specifically I said all of the following:
We can even eat of the table of idols, as long as we understand the act means nothing and does not affect our love of God or of our fellow man.
Now lets look at the verses I was referencing and you mention in your question - I will highlight those sections that say what I said.
1 Cor 8:1-13 1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him. 4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak., 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
We can even eat of the table of idols, = for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
as long as we understand the act means nothing = we know that an idol is nothing
and does not affect our love of God or of our fellow man. = take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak
We can equate these phrases by reading this section of verse along with the other scripture which discusses this issue. I refer of course to -
1 Cor 10:23-33 23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the meat market, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof: 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
We can even eat of the table of idols, = All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me,
as long as we understand the act means nothing = whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
and does not affect our love of God or of our fellow man. = But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it,