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Originally Posted by JBaldwin  Quote: |
I understand the appeal of a pastor being ignorant of individual giving, but is it really biblical? The Levites knew who was giving what. In fact, it would appear that the giver would want the Levite to know that he had tithed because the act avouched that he was a part of God's people. Also, Ananias brought his offering 'and laid it at the Apostles feet'.
| I completely understand your point. However, I still question why an officer in the church should have any reason to pry into the finances of an individual church member. For one thing, a simple word from a treasurer that a person's giving has dropped off, someone might want to see if they are having financial troubles, is entirely different from keeping track of what people are giving.
In the case of Ananias and his wife, Peter made it clear that they were free to do whatever they wished with their property, and that the sin they commited was that of lying about it. They wanted to appear more spiritual in the eyes of the congregation, and that is what Peter rebuked them for. |
I understand Ananias' sin, what I am refering to is the fact that it was brought to the Apostle's feet and there is no indication that the
place where he brought it was inappropriate. The amount was inappropriate. The point I am trying to make is the idea of bringing tithes and offerings straight to the Levite or the Apostle has precedent in the Bible.
I am not necessarily advocating such a practice, just looking for Biblical prohibitions for doing so.