Were tithes ever required by Jesus or the Apostles?

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Originally Posted by OP_Carl

I didn't say tithing is a NT law!

Then what is your problem? I said give tithes! But do not think you are cursed if you do not. IOW, don't make it a law.

But tithing has been a NT principle and practice for 2000 years.

Incorrect. Actually the Catholic Church re-implemented it after law was gone centuries after the church began.

From http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14741b.htm

TITHING - -Catholic Encyclopedia.

In the Christian Church, as those who serve the altar should live by the altar (1 Corinthians 9:13), provision of some kind had necessarily to be made for the sacred ministers. 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 make laws which would insure the proper and permanent support of the clergy. 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. The earliest positive legislation on the subject seems to be contained in the letter of the bishops assembled at Tours in 567 and the canons of the Council of Maçon in 585. In course of time, we find the payment of tithes made obligatory by ecclesiastical enactments in all the countries of christendom. The Church looked on this payment as "of divine law, since tithes were instituted not by man but by the Lord Himself" (C. 14, X de decim. III, 30).

At least they admitted they made it a law.

It fits right in there with modesty as a principle that is encouraged, not mandated, in an effort to improve the spiritual walks of believers and keep them striving for perfection.

Our Southern Baptist, AME, UMC, and COGIC friends would have some stern words for anybody suggesting that the principle of tithing be hung out to dry, and reliance on free-spirit giving to replace it. Why should it appeal to Apostolics?

I don't give because I greedily want and expect a monetary blessing from heaven's cash register drawer in return!

I give because I believe in the ministries and missions of my local church assembly, and I want to help and to be a blessing.

If you were running your own business, which would be more helpful? Sporadic or steady income? Do your creditors accept free-spirit-guided payment plans?

It is fine to give to keep the work of God going. But Jesus encouraged people to give so it would be given back to them. And so long as it is not a law, THEN FINE. But take note that the catholics made it LEGALISM, and a law. And I am afraid many Apostolics followed suit.