Tithing in the Ante-Nicene period [100-325 A.D.]

Abstract

This article will reflect on the practice of tithing in the Christian church during the post-apostolic period (100 A.D.) to the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.). Through literature search and analysis of primary sources, this article will consider: 1) whether the alleged absence of tithing practice in ante-Nicene church is confirmed historically, and 2) the possible explanations and meanings of the early church's views on tithing. Based on this research, it can be concluded that there aren’t strong evidences that the post-apostolic and ante-Nicene church had taught and practiced regularly tithe. This article suggests five explanatory factors indicating that such behavior occurred for circumstantial reasons, not theological.