The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has explained why Jesus Christ did not collect tithes during His ministry on earth.

Speaking during the church’s October Holy Ghost Service on Saturday at the Redemption City, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Adeboye clarified this in response to an unnamed RCCG pastor who preached against tithing, citing that Jesus never collected tithes.

Adeboye’s comments came shortly after he apologised for previously stating that those who don’t pay tithes may not make it to heaven, also suggesting that 10% tithing is for beginners.

The pastor said, “One of my pastors went online and preached a sermon on why people should not pay tithes. I watched the sermon, thinking I would learn something profound.

“He said we shouldn’t pay tithes because Jesus didn’t collect tithes. I said, ah, Jesus was not a parish pastor, He was a world evangelist.”

He added that he was, however, disappointed because it was a repetition of what others had been saying.

“Forgive me for saying so, but it was a very shallow sermon,” he added.

In addressing the claim that Jesus did not collect tithes, Adeboye said, “Jesus was not a parish pastor; He was a world evangelist.

“The Bible in Luke 8:1-3 tells us that certain women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, supported His ministry financially.”

He further emphasised that the apostles did not collect tithes for the same reason because they were not parish pastors.

Adeboye concluded with a word of caution, referencing a fellow clergyman who had a group of women supporting his ministry, urging against gathering women solely for that purpose and highlighting the potential for moral missteps in such arrangements.

PUNCH