Clean and Unclean Foods & 1 Timothy 4
According to Christian doctrine, most of the Old Testament law has been fulfilled or abolished. This includes the strict dietary laws outlined in Leviticus 11, which prohibit the consumption of certain creatures. However, some argue that these laws still hold relevance for modern Christianity. To truly understand the meaning and implications of these laws, it's essential to examine the Bible verses that have been used to support or reject them. In this series of articles, we'll take a closer look at these claims and examine the context of the verses. Let’s review the original command in Leviticus and Deuteronomy:
Leviticus 11:1-8
1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them,
2 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth:
3 Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud--that you may eat.
4 Nevertheless these you shall not eat among those that chew the cud or those that have cloven hooves: the camel, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you;
5 the rock hyrax, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you;
6 the hare, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you;
7 and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.
8 Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch. They are unclean to you.
Deuteronomy 14:8-10
8 Also the swine is unclean for you, because it has cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud; you shall not eat their flesh or touch their dead carcasses.
9 "These you may eat of all that are in the waters: you may eat all that have fins and scales.
10 And whatever does not have fins and scales you shall not eat; it is unclean for you.
On the surface, Leviticus 11 seems to be the starting point for the command to abstain from eating certain types of creatures. However, these laws must have been given even before the command was given to Israel as part of their covenant with God. We see that there is a distinction between clean and unclean animals in Genesis.
Genesis 7:2
2 You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female;
God instructed Noah to bring with him onto the ark seven of every clean animal, while only two of every unclean animal were to be taken aboard. This command highlights the distinction between animals that are suitable for eating and sacrifice and those that are not.
Later, in Genesis 8:20, we see Noah building an altar to the Lord and offering burnt offerings using only clean animals and birds. It's worth noting that this occurred long before the time of Moses and the establishment of the Levitical law, indicating that principles regarding food and sacrificial practices were already in place.
Just before we begin to review the scripture that seems to point to the fulfillment of the dietary laws, let’s review a warning from Peter regarding the writings of Paul:
2 Peter 3:14-17
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;
“For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving”
1 Timothy 4:1-7
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.
7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.
According to the prevailing interpretation of these verses, those who teach that God’s dietary laws still apply are accused of:
Commanding to abstain from eating meat.
Causing others to depart from the faith.
Speaking lies in hypocrisy.
Promoting doctrines of devils.
Holding onto old wives’ fables.
Holding onto things profane.
Not exercising godliness.
Searing their conscience with a hot iron.
ever, it's important to consider the context and intent of these accusations, which are based on a letter from 1 Timothy. The question arises whether it's fair to extract a single sentence from a letter and use it to create a doctrine. As 2 Peter 3:14 warns, even the writings of Paul were misinterpreted in Peter's time, and are now read centuries later and in different languages. Therefore, it's crucial to approach these texts with caution and seek a deeper understanding of their meaning and relevance for modern Christianity.
Psalms 119:142
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth.
The “truth” here is the same truth found in 1 Timothy 4. The law is truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In 1 Timothy 4, Paul warns against false teachings that forbid marriage and certain foods. These "liars" are misleading believers by prohibiting meat and other foods that God has deemed clean and good to eat in Leviticus 11. As a Jew, Paul would have understood the Hebrew perspective and context of the Old Testament, in which food was defined by the guidelines in Leviticus 11. Therefore, it's essential to consider Leviticus 11 as a valid instruction for righteous living, as it was written and adhered to by all the authors of the Bible. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the intent behind Paul's warning against false teachings and the implications for modern Christianity.
test everything that is said; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. - 1 Thessalonians 5:21. This principle of discernment was also upheld by the Bereans, who diligently scrutinized all teachings. The Bereans would test everything said, even things said by authorities who claim to represent scripture to what scripture actually says. Paul commended the Bereans for their diligent pursuit of truth, which demonstrates the importance of examining all teachings in light of God's Word. At the time of the Bereans, the New Testament did not yet exist, so they relied solely on the Old Testament as their standard for testing doctrine.
In 1 Timothy 4, the Greek word for "sanctified" is "hagiazo" which means to be set apart for God or by God, making it sacred and consecrated according to Strong's #37. In the Bible, something is considered holy when it is set apart and distinguished from the common or profane. Animals that are designated for consumption are specifically set apart from those that are not. Therefore, if all animals were clean or set apart, what would they be set apart from? It is clear that 1 Timothy 4:5 is not declaring that all foods are now spiritually acceptable.
The only creatures that are to be received with thanksgiving as food are those that have been set apart by the word of God and prayerful gratitude. This is why 1 Timothy states "if" it is received with thanksgiving, meaning that only animals listed in Leviticus 11 are to be prayerfully received with gratitude. The "truth" referred to in this passage is defined by those who know and follow the law, which is the foundation of God's truth.
Paul uses the Greek word "muthos" for fables in 1 Timothy 1:4, 2 Timothy 4:4, and Titus 1:14, while Peter refers to "the word" in 2 Peter 1:16. This illustrates the importance of discerning the truth and rejecting falsehoods by testing them against the authority of Scripture, as exemplified by the Bereans in Acts 17:11.
1Timothy 1:4-8
4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk,
7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,
Paul contrasts fables with the law. Fables and God’s law are not one in the same but complete opposites.
2 Tim 4:2-4
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
In 2 Timothy 4:2-4, Paul urges Timothy to preach the word of God, to be prepared to teach and correct with patience and persistence. Paul warns that a time will come when people will reject sound doctrine and instead pursue their own desires, seeking out teachers who will tell them what they want to hear, rather than the truth.
This pursuit of falsehoods is what Paul refers to as "fables." Fables are not the truth, but instead are the teachings of false teachers, who propagate man-made commandments and traditions that contradict the word of God. This was a significant issue in the 1st century, as the Jewish leaders of the time were creating their own laws and commandments, which were often in opposition to God's law.
In contrast to fables, the truth is the commandments of God, as declared throughout scripture, such as in Leviticus 11. The truth is not a matter of personal preference, but is objective and unchanging. By turning away from the truth and embracing fables, people are led astray from God's will and purpose.
Mark 7:6 & 7:13
6 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.
7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
8 "For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."
9 He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.
13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do."
Leviticus 11 is not a fable. Fables are traditions and doctrines of men. 2 Peter tells us what fables are:
2 Peter 1:16
16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
In Acts 10:14, Peter affirms that he has never consumed anything that is considered "common or unclean." This demonstrates that Peter does not equate "fables" with God's law. Throughout the Bible, whenever "fables" are mentioned, they refer to man-made commandments and doctrines that contradict God's commandments, as recorded by Moses.
The teachings described as "fables" are in direct opposition to the commandments given by God. However, it is important to note that the commandments regarding dietary restrictions and marriage, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 4, did not come from deceiving spirits or doctrines of demons. These commandments, outlined in Leviticus, were given by God and were not influenced by any evil entity.
Therefore, it is clear that 1 Timothy 4 is not suggesting that the commandments in Leviticus 11 originated from deceiving spirits. On the contrary, the dietary instructions and other commandments in Leviticus are part of God's divine plan and serve as guidelines for His people.