Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has offered insight into why Jesus Christ and His apostles did not collect tithes during their ministry. Speaking during the October edition of the RCCG Holy Ghost Service, Adeboye addressed a growing debate about the practice of tithing in the Christian faith.
He explained that Jesus did not collect tithes because He was not a local church pastor, but rather a “world evangelist.” Pastor Adeboye shared his reaction to a sermon preached by one of his pastors, who had argued against tithing, citing that Jesus never collected tithes. In response, Adeboye said, “I watched the sermon, thinking I would learn something profound. He said we shouldn’t pay tithes because Jesus didn’t collect tithes. I said, ah, Jesus was not a parish pastor; He was a world evangelist.”
Clarifying further, Pastor Adeboye noted that the Bible shows that Jesus’ ministry was supported by the financial contributions of His followers. He referenced Luke 8:1-3, which mentions women such as Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, who provided financial support for Jesus and His disciples.
In conclusion, Pastor Adeboye emphasized that tithing remains an important practice in the church today, even though Jesus Himself did not personally collect tithes during His ministry.
