There is a Law of Silence in Bible hermeneutics. This simply means that sometimes, the Bible would say something by NOT saying it— it would make a point subtly.
For instance, tithing is NEVER mentioned as a Christian way to give in the Epistles. The Epistles DO speak of giving A LOT, as well as generosity:
Take 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 as an illustration here:
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NKJV)
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not GRUDGINGLY or of NECESSITY; for GOD LOVES a CHEERFUL GIVER. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
But although giving and generosity are encouraged, a mandatory 10% is NEVER mentioned as a Christian way to give in the New Testament. This shows that tithing, being an ordinance of the Law, ceased with the same (see Rom 10:4).
The Law of Silence thus shows that the Bible will sometimes say something by NOT saying it.
By not mentioning tithing as a means of giving, the Epistles show it isn’t a New Testament way of giving.
© Josh Banks Ministries. 2022.
