An offering is different than the tithe.
1. The tithe was 10%. The offering was any amount given above and beyond the tithe. Here’s an example...In the book of Ezra, when the Temple needed to be rebuilt (because it had been destroyed by Israel’s enemies) the Israelites were asked to give freewill offerings (Ezra 1:4,6; 3:5; 7:16; 8:28). These offerings were not substitutes for their tithe, they were to be given above and beyond their tithe. The Israelites were to tithe first to their local church, then give a free will offering, if they had the means, as they felt led, above and beyond the tithe.
2. The tithe was mandatory, an offering was not (unless God prompted them to give one). When it came to offerings the Israelites could give or not give as they felt led by God, but not so with the tithe. The tithe was required whether they felt like returning it or not.
3. The Israelites could not designate their tithe. The tithe belonged to God so only he could designate its use, and he said the tithe was earmarked for funding the local church. But an offering was different. The offering didn't come out of the 10% that belonged to God, but out of the 90% God let them steward. That belonged to God too, but God allowed some freedom in how it was used. They were free to designate an offering, but not the tithe.
4. An offering was given, whereas the tithe was returned. The tithe belonged to God, so when the Israelites gave their tithes, they were returning to God what was already his. But whatever they gave above and beyond the tithe, that was considered true giving, because that wasn’t required.
5. The tithe was consistent. The offering was sporadic. Every time an Israelite got paid, they would tithe. But they didn’t give an offering every time they got paid. They only gave an offering as the need for one appeared.
2. The tithe was mandatory, an offering was not (unless God prompted them to give one). When it came to offerings the Israelites could give or not give as they felt led by God, but not so with the tithe. The tithe was required whether they felt like returning it or not.
3. The Israelites could not designate their tithe. The tithe belonged to God so only he could designate its use, and he said the tithe was earmarked for funding the local church. But an offering was different. The offering didn't come out of the 10% that belonged to God, but out of the 90% God let them steward. That belonged to God too, but God allowed some freedom in how it was used. They were free to designate an offering, but not the tithe.
4. An offering was given, whereas the tithe was returned. The tithe belonged to God, so when the Israelites gave their tithes, they were returning to God what was already his. But whatever they gave above and beyond the tithe, that was considered true giving, because that wasn’t required.
5. The tithe was consistent. The offering was sporadic. Every time an Israelite got paid, they would tithe. But they didn’t give an offering every time they got paid. They only gave an offering as the need for one appeared.
A tithe and an offering are two separate things. And Paul's teaching here should be understood to be instructions on giving an offering.
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