Wines of Scripture, the Blessed and the Cursed…

[Anonymous]

Acts 10 and 11

Acts 10 and 11, yet other widely misunderstood and misused passages on this subject of “Clean and Unclean”.

Let us look closer at what Peter says as it is very important in more than one way [for Roman Catholics who believe in the infallible words of Peter in scripture, please listen carefully]:

God speaks to the Gentile Cornelius by an Angel, in a vision, saying that he was to send three men to bring Peter, so setting up a meeting between Jewry and Gentile:

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band], [Acts 10:1]

[A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, … [Acts 10:2;p]

And now send men to Joppa, and call for [one] Simon, whose surname is Peter: [Acts 10:5]

… he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. [Acts 10:6;p]

… he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier… [Acts 10:7;p]

…he sent them to Joppa. [Acts 10:8;p]

The three men travelled to Peter and he has his own vision:

… Peter went up upon the housetop to prayabout the sixth hour: [Acts 10:9;p]

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten… [Acts 10:10;p]

In the vision, Peter sees a sheet come down out of heaven covered with all manner of four-footed beasts, wild beasts, creeping things and fowls of the air, common and unclean, and a voice tells him to arise, kill and eat:

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him… [Acts 10:11;p]

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [Acts 10:12]

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. [Acts 10:13]

…but Peter, even though very hungry, and the timeframe being well after the ascension of Christ Jesus [when He was supposed to have already abrogated or lifted the Food Laws as many incorrectly articulate], Peter absolutely refuses to even consider eating them, refusing the direct commands of the “voice”, saying instead that he has never eaten such [these words verify that Peter continued to obey the Levitical and Deuteronomic Food Laws, long after the Ascension]:

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. [Acts 10:14]

The voice then repeats the matter two more times, making a total of three, but Peter absolutely remains steadfast in the conviction and refuses to eat anything, even though being very hungry, and yet the voice continues by saying:

…again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common. [Acts 10:15;p]

This was done thrice… [Acts 10:16;p]

Peter, knowing full well what the scriptures say about foods and what Christ Jesus Himself taught and lived by, was in doubt over the meaning of the message of the vision when the group from Cornelius came to visit him.

The Holy Spirit then tells Peter that He had sent the three men and to doubt nothing [very important words, for what had Peter been doubting in thought? the vision concerning the common and unclean which were sent of Heaven, for if Peter understood the words to “clean all unclean meats/foods” there would be no doubting]:

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius… [Acts 10:17;p]

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. [Acts 10:19]

… go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. [Acts 10:20;p]

Peter then goes down to see the three men sent of God, who then tell of the vision of Cornelius about contacting him:

Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; … [Acts 10:21;p]

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all
the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. [Acts 10:22]

… Peter went away with them… [Acts 10:23;p]

Peter then goes with the men to see Cornelius and those who had gathered with him:

… Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. [Acts 10:24;p]

And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. [Acts 10:27]

Peter, after seeing this, immediately expounds about what the visionary metaphor was truly all about, in that he was to no longer call any man common or unclean:

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. [Acts 10:28]

Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: [Acts 10:34]

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. [Acts 10:35]

Did Peter speak of “Pork” or “Persons”, did he speak of “food unclean” or “man unclean”?

While Peter preaches the Gospel, the miracle occurs and the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the Gentiles, even those who had yet to be baptised by water [who then were]:

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. [Acts 10:44]

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. [Acts 10:45]

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. [Acts 10:48]

In Acts 11, Peter, repeats the entire matter:

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. [Acts 11:1]

…they that were of the circumcision contended with him, [Acts 11:2;p]

Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. [please notice that the scripture does NOT say he ate what he was not supposed to, it merely says he ate with them, being at the same table and fellowshipping with Gentiles, as Jesus had done][Acts 11:3]

[More especially, Cornelius, was [A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house Acts 10:2 and “a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews“ Acts 10:22 and “worketh righteousness“ Acts 10:35, which means that Cornelius and his household could possibly have already been following the dietary commandments of God, He being of good report among the Jews and feared God, etc, but even if they were not yet doing so, the text nowhere indicates in the slightest that Peter helped himself to pork-roast, lobster salad, skunk parfait, snail soup, etc,…, for the text clearly says that nothing of such had ever entered into his mouth, forever sealing this text in favor of the Commandments of God on the subject of Clean and Unclean animals.]

But Peter rehearsed [the matter]… [Acts 11:4;p]

… A certain vessel descend… [Acts 11:5;p]

… I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [Acts 11:6;p]

…Arise, Peter; slay and eat. [Acts 11:7;p]

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth [again this is irrefutable evidence of Peter continuing to uphold the Leviticaland Deuteronomic Food Laws long after Christ's Death, Resurrection and Ascension]. [Acts 11:8]

… What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common. [Acts 11:9;p]

And this was done three times… [Acts 11:10;p]

And, behold, immediately there were three men
… [Acts 11:11]

And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. … [Acts 11:12;p]

Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. [Acts 11:14]

Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? [Acts 11:17]

The conclusion of the matter of the visionary metaphor:When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. [Acts 11:18]

As has been clearly shown, not in the whole of Acts Chapter 10 or 11 is there one single line of scripture alleviating or cancelling out the Levitical and Deuteronomic Food Laws.
In point of fact, they are upheld by Peter's own words, thoughts and actions, which are long after the Ascension of Jesus to Heaven.  The entirety is about bringing the good news of the Gospel of Salvation to the Gentiles.

[Anonymous]

Genesis 9

Looking at Genesis 9:3 with a little context:

And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. Genesis 9:1

And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth [upon] the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Genesis 9:2

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. Genesis 9:3

But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. Genesis 9:4

And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. Genesis 9:5

etc., etc.

In [Genesis 9 vs 1; as well as Genesis 8:17, “be fruitful and multiply”, etc.] we have a similar event of God's instruction as it was in Genesis 1 & 2, since God was giving to Noah, basically a clean slate by means of the Global World-Wide Catastrophic Flood:

And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. Genesis 1:22

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:28

Yet we must take notice that all was not yet without issue, for sin was still in the world at this point and satan still lived…

In [vs 2] we have mankind being given dominion [“into your hand are they delivered”] by “fear” and “dread” instead of the original plan of peace and love:

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26

In [vs 3] we then see again a giving of that which is for good for food, as even in the beginning with clear stipulations, but to know which, we have to look carefully, even at that which already was:

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. Genesis 1:29

And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein [there is] life, every green herb for meat: and it was so. Genesis 1:30

…yet when the passage says, “every green herb for meat”, it means every “green herb” which was allowed by God to be eaten, and being suitable/sanctified for food… for only in the beginning, before the sin of mankind, the earth being “very good” were there as yet no “thorns” or “thistles”, no “curse of the ground”, no “weeds/tares”, but rather everything was “very good”:

And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1:31

So when God, gave to Mankind all of the seed bearing plants, etc, there were no poisonous, noxious weeds, amalgamations, cursed and thorns things, but all was “very good”. It was only after the sin of mankind that God then allowed further “herb” to be eaten, again with stipulation, the “herb of the field”, not the “weeds/tares”, “thistles” and/or “thorns”, etc. of the field or world…

…God's Word says elsewhere that, “And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: curs
ed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life; Genesis 3:17

Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; Genesis 3:18

Then, moving forward, after sin even further, we see that only certain animals were allowed to be offered in sacrifice [such as the Lamb [of God], firstling of Abels flock, etc], these were known as the Clean animals, that which God allowed to be used in the sacrifice for sin, such as with Abel. God had not at this point allowed animals to be used for food, for there was no need, for though not as abundant as it was in the Garden, still plenty of “fruit of the ground” [even as Cain brought] to be had.

Additionally the blood of the sacrifice was to be poured upon the ground and the fat burned in the fire, never to be eaten in either case [and never once in scripture allowed to be eaten by God]. God never allowed that an Unclean animal be used as a sacrifice in His services, rather it was the apostate and pagan peoples that sacrificed and offered such things, to idols, false gods, and in vain to God etc.

We can see that even before Noah got into the Ark and was sealed in, God had told him to take aboard the Ark, that of everything of the “food” [of the plants, etc] was to be taken with them that was “good for food”, of all “food” that “is eaten”.

We can see even from this, from the very beginning, that of “everything”, it only allowed certain things that were “good for food”, which other things simply weren't, “all” and “everything” must always be seen in proper context, and they do not always have to mean “universal release/allowance” of all that is in existence:

“And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food…” Genesis 2:9

And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather [it] to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. Genesis 6:21

So, we can clearly see that of “everything” that Noah brought along was already automatically delineated by known restrictions, to take only of that which was “good for food” and to not take that which was 'not' so. Some people seem to think just because something looks “good for food”, and may even be “pleasant to the eyes”, that it can then be eaten, but God gives the rules, and is not mocked if people choose to ignore/disregard that… and Eve herself found out the hard way [Genesis 3:6].

So coming back again to Genesis 9:3:

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. Genesis 9:3

…we clearly see, the stipulations present in the text, even in the very text wherein God then allowed “animals” to be eaten, for He says, “even as the green herb”. We can know from previous texts and context, that this means a clear distinctive in what may and may not be eaten and/or “good for food”.

Additionally, if we also consider that even before getting into the Ark, God says something very specific to Noah again, and without Him having to introduce an entire series of lists on it to Noah, and that is the Clean and Unclean, that Noah was to take aboard the Ark. This means that Noah clearly already understood such a distinction:

Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that [are] not clean by two, the male and his female. Genesis 7:2

Of clean beasts, and of beasts that [are] not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth, Genesis 7:8

etc.

Even in Genesis 8:7, we see that Noah sends the “Raven” [Unclean] out first.  If it would have found something to eat, it would be the first to know.  And so in Genesis 8:8, Noah afterwards sends out the “dove” [Clean], a foraging bird, seeds of the ground etc. Did Noah know the difference, absolutely.

We will also notice that the Unclean was only in a single pair [one male, one female], but yet the Clean by “sevens”, that is to say “Seven pairs” [male and female], which means that the Clean animals were going to be more abundant when Noah got off the Ark and in the immediate years after. God already foreknew what He was going to give to Noah and humanity after the flood was over, the Clean animals for food.

If God had given to Noah the Unclean right out of the Ark, that would have immediately ended their progeny, and might as well have been wiped out in the flood, but Noah as soon as he is out of the Ark, takes of the Clean animals and makes a sacrifice:

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. Genesis 8:20

So the very Context of Genesis 9:3 rightly states that which God allowed then to be eaten of among the animals saved, was that which was of the Clean variety. It is the only way it can be, unless a person would have the scriptures contradict themselves not only before, but even afterward of these events, and unless one simply refuses to remain in darkness and refuse to see. Will they also ask, “Are we blind also?” [John 9:40], as did the Pharisees?

And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which [is] in the waters, they [shall be] an abomination unto you: Leviticus 11:10

They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination. Leviticus 11:11

Whatsoever hath no fins nor
scales in the waters, that [shall be] an abomination unto you. Leviticus 11:12

And these [are they which] ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they [are] an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, Leviticus 11:13

All fowls that creep, going upon [all] four, [shall be] an abomination unto you. Leviticus 11:20

But all [other] flying creeping things, which have four feet, [shall be] an abomination unto you. Leviticus 11:23

And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth [shall be] an abomination; it shall not be eaten. Leviticus 11:41

Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon [all] four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they [are] an abomination. Leviticus 11:42

They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. Isaiah 66:17

etc., etc.

Remember, that what God says is Abomination, is never altered [and we shall see this demonstrated beyond all doubt].

From Genesis to Revelation, Clean and Unclean is clearly known:

“…three unclean … like frogs…” [Revelation 16:13]

“…a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” [Revelation 18:2]

Please, do not be deceived on this issue…

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing. Deuteronomy 14:3

…we are all verily related to Noah, that preacher of righteousness [2 Peter 2:5; Psalms 119:172].

[Anonymous]

THE BLOOD

 
Many [incorrectly] teach that the dietary division, given by God, of Clean and Unclean, Edible and Abominable, is no longer in force for Christians [or even mankind in general], and that the division was specifically and only for the Hebrew and Jew during the time before Christ Jesus and now all things may be freely eaten [a Nicolaitans doctrine].

[Food Laws [Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14 [14:3, very specifically]; Isaiah 66:17; Mark 7; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; Acts 10 and 15, Romans 12:1; Romans 14; Colossians 2:16; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20, 10:31; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 7:1; Galatians 6:7-8; 3 John 1:2]

Here are Abomination examples before the LORD OT and NT, that are still binding upon all Christians.  Which of these are also then negated [using the same reasoning] since the dietary laws are also supposed to be negated, for some of them were given even in the same passages for the same reasons?:

Certain Animals, called Unclean and Abomination, Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14; Ezekiel 8:10;

Homosexuality, Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, 1 Kings 14:24;

Beastiality, Leviticus 18:23,

Idols and False gods, Deuteronomy 7:25-26, 20:18, 27:15, 29:17; 1 Kings 11:5,7; Jeremiah 13:27; Malachi 2:11;

Sacrifice other than Prescribed by God, Deuteronomy 17:21, Proverbs 21:27;

Passing through Fire, Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 18:10, 2 Kings 16:3, 2 Chronicles 28:3;

Observers of Times and Diviners, Charmers, Consulter of Familiar Spirits, Enchanter, Wizard, Witch, Necromancer, Deuteronomy 18:10,11,14; 2 Kings 23:24;

Crossdressing, Deuteronomy 22:5;

The hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow, Deuteronomy 23:18;

Unrighteousness, Deuteronomy 25:16;

Proud Look, Lying Tongue, Hands that Shed Innocent Blood, Heart Devising Wicked Imaginations, Feet Running Swiftly to Mischief, A False Witness Speaking Lies and One Sowing Dischord Among Brethren, Proverbs 6:16-19, 12:12, 16:5;

A False Balance, Proverbs 11:1, 20:23;

Way of Wickedness, Proverbs 15:8-9,26;

Proud in Heart, Proverbs 16:5;

He who Justifies Wickedness and Condemns the Just, Proverbs 17:15;

Prayers of those who turn away from The Law Of God, Ezra 9:14; Proverbs 28:9;

Oppressing the Poor and Needy, Ezekiel 18:12;

Sexual relations with immediate Family, Mother, Daughter, etc or Neighbors Wife, etc, Leviticus 18:6-20; Ezekiel 22:11;

That which is Highly Esteemed among Men, but not before God, [ie. traditions counter to God's explicit commandments]Luke 16:15;

Babylon, Revelation 17:5.

Which of these have then also been allowed in the New Testament “Christianity”?  None, so why then do those which take the name of Christ[ians] then think that the laws upon health and diet have changed, for Christ Jesus lived to bring Glory to God, and are we not followers of He?  It is because of deception and lusts…

God's Word says clearly:

They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. Isaiah 66:17;

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21:27

Blood, was also to Never be eaten:

But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. Genesis 9:4;

[It shall be] a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood. Leviticus 3:17;

Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, [whether it be] of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings. Leviticus 7:26;

For the life of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul. Leviticus 17:11;

Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. Leviticus 17:12;

For [it is] the life of all flesh; the blood of it [is] for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh [is] the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off. Leviticus 17:14;

Ye shall not eat [any thing] with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. Leviticus 19:26;

Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water. Deuteronomy 12:16;

Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood [is] the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh. Deuteronomy 12:23;

Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water. Deuteronomy 12:24;

Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do [that which is] right in the sight of the LORD. Deuteronomy 12:25;

Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water. Deuteronomy 15:23;

And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay [them] here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew [them] there. 1 Samuel 14:34;

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood. Acts 15:20;

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. Acts 15:29
As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written [and] concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from [things] offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Acts 21:25

The Hebrew word for “eat” in these passages is “'akal” “אכל” and it means “eat, consume, devour, destroy by eating”[Strong's Concordance].

It is obvious by these passages and context that blood is not meant to be Eaten, Consumed, Taken into the digestive processes [which many a pagan nation still practice, Swahili, that still drink the blood of the cow mixed with its own milk, etc.], which in turn destroys it.

Jesus Himself said: Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy [it]? Luke 6:9.

Jesus Himself shed and poured out His own blood to save us while we were yet sinners and gave His whole body and life.

The New Testament is quite clear that it fully upholds these things, and yet how many do what they want to anyway, some ignorantly, and some willingly knowing and will eat things with the blood still in them, eat things strangled, eat things that died of itself, eat things unclean, and still seek to bypass the words, even as the Pharisees and Sadducees of old…

…Jesus loves us, and it breaks His heart to see His children sick and diseased, dying slowly for 30 years in homes, overweight, miserable, slaves to food, mental wrecks, depressed, etc, but He will not force it upon us.  He has given the cure in His word, will we not now believe and ask Him for salvation?  He will set us free…  I know that He has done so for me…

…therefore, the Word of God will tear away the excuses, while hold out to us the beautiful truth…

…now let us look at the very Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15…

[Anonymous]

Acts 15 – The Council At Jerusalem, Upholds the Dietary Laws of God

…we now come to the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15, taking place years after Christ Jesus had bodily ascended. The primary concern of this council was the matter of salvation in Christ Jesus, which was being distorted amongst both the Jewish-Christians and the Gentile-Christians, because that “certain” were proclaiming that in order to be saved in Christ Jesus, one must of necessity become partakers of the physical rite of 'circumcision', and also stated along with that physical 'circumcision' was that any, in order to saved/included in Salvation of Christ Jesus had then also to keep the myriad rites/rituals of 'law of Moses' [aka 'ceremonial law'], being 'the law' referenced also later therein:

“And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” [Acts 15:1]

Throughout Acts 15, these “certain” are so noted [being possibly some of that “great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” [[Acts 6:7;p]; see also Acts 21:20]:

“But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses.” [Acts 15:5]

“Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment:” [Acts 15:24]

Paul and Barnabas already had begun to heavily dispute this notion:

“…therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them…” [Acts 15:2;p]

Paul was also later accused by the Jews that he was teaching to “forsake Moses”, yet he clearly denies doing so in [Acts 28:17]:

“And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise [their] children, neither to walk after the customs.” [Acts 21:21]

Therefore the Apostle Paul and Barnabas went unto Jerusalem and were greeted and “received” by the “church”, along with the other “apostles” and “elders”, who then gathered together:

“…they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and [of] the apostles and elders…” [Acts 15:4;p]

“And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.” [Acts 15:6]

And so even in the Council at Jerusalem, there was much disputing at first over this:

“…there had been much disputing…” [Acts 15:7;p]

Simon 'Peter' Barjona, after much disputing had gone on [he not being first, nor last to speak], raises his voice over all in the matter [yeah, that sounds like Peter… ], seeing, how he had earlier received the vision [approved of by the Holy Spirit] in Acts 10[reiterated in Acts 11] on the matter of going unto the Gentiles with the Gospel, before any physical 'circumcision', so that they were to enter in by the Grace of God through Faith, unto obedience unto Him:

“…Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.” [Acts 15:7;p]

“And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he did] unto us;” [Acts 15:8]

“And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.” [Acts 15:9]

And so, because of this example and witness of Peter, he conintues by saying,

“Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” [Acts 15:10]

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” [Acts 15:11]

Therefore, Peter an Apostle testifies of the Vision, the Holy Spirit testifies, the Gentiles that were present of that outpouring testify [Acts 10], as do those Jews which also believed that later heard the testimony of Peter concerning them [Acts 11]. Peter speaks of God knowing the “heart”, that the Gentiles he was sent unto by God heard the “Gospel” and “believed” and so they too received of the “Holy Ghost”, God “purifying their hearts by faith” through “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ”, and so “they” also “shall be saved”.

Paul and Barnabas then stand up and give their testimo
nies [the multitude giving silence to them], in all of the miracles that God had done among them in the Gentiles [Acts 14:9, etc.]:

“Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.” [Acts 15:12]

Therefore we now have more witnesses, two apostles, Paul and Barnabas [Acts 14:14], and again the Holy Spirit, and the Gentiles which believed and were healed [miraculously], etc.

Then James stands and concludes:

“And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men [and] brethren, hearken unto me:” [Acts 15:13]

“Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.” [Acts 15:14]

“And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,” [Acts 15:15]

“After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:” [Acts 15:16]

“That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.” [Acts 15:17]

“Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.” [Acts 15:18]

“Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:” [Acts 15:19]

“But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood.” [Acts 15:20]

“For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.” [Acts 15:21]

So from James, he begins by acknowledging what God had done in the Gentiles by visiting them by Vision and an Angel, and also while 'Simeon' [Peter] had went unto them as given of the vision he had been given [Acts 15:14], and then James follows by confirming it with the Prophets, “it is written” [Acts 15:15;p], quoting Amos 9:11-12 in Acts 15:16-17, which is what scripture says to do, to test all things by it [Isaiah 8:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 14:32; etc].

So, through God sending a vision and an angel, and moving upon the Gentiles, sending Peter, and also Paul and Barnabas, etc, by the very council held [Proverbs 11:14] and the scriptures [Psalms 119:24] all approved of by the Holy Spirit [Acts 15:28].

The entire council was not over the matter of Clean and Unclean dietary law at all [and nowhere directly mentioned or even contested or raised at all by anyone, Jewish-Christian or Gentile-Christian], but over the matter of Salvation in Christ Jesus. For some had taught that in order for the Gentiles to truly be saved and in Christ Jesus, they must be physically circumcised and also keep the law of Moses [being the ceremonial laws].

The very evidence of the events in Acts 10 and 11, and also with Paul and Barnabas reveal that it was not so. In fact, Paul later writes about this issue [as in many letters], being somewhat sarcastic and poetic, because the issue continued to rear its head and wouldn't die, and was found everywhere he went [the idea, 'to be saved one must become physically circumcised'], that he says, “I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” [Galatians 5:12], and elsewhere gives OT scriptures in direct proof of the position on the matter of Salvation in Christ Jesus, using Abram/Abraham as the central evidence, of being saved by Grace through Faith [Romans 4:1-25] unto obedience [Ephesians 2:8-10; Genesis 22:18, 26:5, like Abraham, even teaching his household after him; Genesis 18:19].

Notice, James clearly citing the OT, “… I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up.” [Acts 15:16;p] and “That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles…” [Acts 15:17;p]. God was going to restore that which had been broken down, not tear down further, but rather build up again. The “residue [remnant] of men” and even the “Gentiles” were to “seek after the Lord” and His ways. This is direct prophetic evidence that those [especially the Gentiles] who were “turned to God” among these, were going to “seek” Him [as prophecy foretold; Isaiah 56, etc] and want to know what He has said on the matter of so many other things [like Clean and Unclean [animals], Ten Commandments, 7th Day Sabbath of the Lord thy God, etc…]. They were not looking to avoid these things, or undo, or cast away, etc, but by the New Covenant [and His better promises; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Ezekiel 36:23-31; Hebrews 8:8-10, 10:16], God was writing His Law upon their hearts, and they desired to know these things, and to please and live unto Him [see Acts 4:24, Acts 14:15, etc].

In fact, we can see that this council does not cover all the minutae, but merely the immediate matters at hand that were springing up and causing division over the matter of salvation in Christ Jesus.

If this council had covered every matter, there would have been no need for any further epistles to be written, for they could have simply referred to it, but as we can see by the NT, many more letters were indeed written, covering various issues that arose, and the continual nagging of those advocating the physical circumcision that seemed to plague Paul everywhere he went.

James concludes by saying, “Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:”[Acts 15:19] and “But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood.” [Acts 15:20]

Was this  the end-all-be-all instruction that the Gentile converts were to do and carry out and abide by? No [for not a single word was said about murder, stealing, covetousness, honouring fathe/mother, etc], and in any case, if that really were all that the Gentile-Christians would have to do, that would be a salvation by works ethic. But while Peter spoke earlier of an unbearable “yoke”[Acts 15:10] [referring to physical circumcision and entering into the [old] “covenant”] which many incorrectly articulate as being the Ten Commandments, etc, notice that by the mouth of James, the council [“…seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord…” [Acts 15:25]] and signified by the Holy Spirit, that those things were a “burden” and “necessary things”[Acts 15:28]. Each of those things were OT [Leviticus 7:26, 17:12-14, 19:26; Deuteronomy 12:16,23, 15:23] and in the writings of Moses, very specifically in the same passages as relating unto the Clean and Unclean [animals] even.

Why then did no one [not even James] mention all of the Clean and Unclean laws then right here? It was not the immediate issue, but if we will notice he does bring it/and other things into the picture in another manner:

“For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.”[Acts 15:21]

The Council did not say nor imply, “it is necessary to do only these things and that's it” or “it is necessary to not do only these things and that's it”. It should be noted that the Council did not have to go into the detail of having them stay away from abominable meats, for there was no hint nor peep of a complaint or argument, made by anyone, Jew nor Gentile, made over the commandments pertaining to the Levitical and Deuteronomic Food Separation Laws given by God.

This was because they were already widely understood to be important to God, but the Council made absolutely sure that they also understood to stay away completely from even those clean animals [meats] which were strangled still having blood in them, from eating blood itself and also from those which had been offered to idols [of which Paul addresses further in Romans, Corinthians, etc] and from fornication, which was a problem among the Gentiles.

He [James] basically told them, that they would continue to go to gathering [synagogue/church] every Sabbath Day [the 7th Day Sabbath of the Lord thy God; which by the way, this is direct evidence of its continuance and adherence by both Jewish-Christian and Gentile-Christian, in the Jerusalem Council and approved as being correct], since they are “turned unto God”, and then “Moses” [Pentatuech/Torah] would be there read, and they would learn so much more about the God who has come to save them [as can be seen in all of the Book of Acts was happening, whole cities coming together on the Sabbath Day, both Jew and Gentile, to hear the Word of God; Acts 13:14-16,42-44, 15:21, 16:13, 17:2, 18:4]. And if they had any doubts or questions concerning those basic things, or that which concerned health/sanitation, etc., they would eventually learn of all those things then, even upon the Clean and Unclean [animals] and so much more!
Just because Jesus died upon the Cross and later arose, does not nullify any of the health laws. It doesn't change needing to wash ones hands [and santitation] when touching/dealing with dead things, or in dealing with diseases, or using the 'toilet', or in the matters of diet and health, in what may or may not be eaten, etc. Christ Jesus did not die to cleanse the cockroach, the pig, poisonous plants, etc. It would be foolish to think so, for taking those conclusions to their ultimate end some very dangerous doctrines appear.

Why can't I drink cyanide? Don't judge in matter of drink, eh? Or are there obvious rules involved?

Well, someone might say, “That would be suicide [murder of self.]”.

So what? That's the 6th Commandment. A person cannot have their 'cake' and eat it too in saying in one instance it has been fulfilled, etc and in the next breath of air say it remains, thereby being unfulfilled. It either is or isn't a Commandment today to be kept by the people of God, and James says they all stand or fall together.

What difference in killing [murdering] yourself quickly, or slowly over 60 years by eating what God said not to eat? There is no difference except in length of time.

Today Christians the world over eat “blood” [of animal or man, today the vampire craze, even among Christians is serious] and “fat” and things “strangled”[not too many Christians eat 'kosher' meat, and not that 'kosher' is a perfect representation of what Scripture says in the first place, but most markets slaughter the animal in its own blood/urine/feces and even cook them in it, to give it that 'flavor', etc] completely disregarding what they claim to uphold in Acts 15, yet completely ignoring it altogether for the vast majority. Then they eat the Unclean and the Abomination, all the while the knowledgeable Christian, Jew, Muslim and even in some cases atheists knows that those things are forbidden to be consumed by God in the very scriptures, that the majority of Christians proclaim to believe.

Why can't I eat humans? Don't judge in matter of eating, eh? God is not mocked…

Letters and people were then sent out with this conclusive decree that had been reached in Acts 15:22-27:

…the message being:

“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;” [Acts 15:28]

“That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” [Acts 15:29]

…and then “confirmed” by prophets in Acts 15:30-32.

Peter himself in Acts 10 and 11, confirmed his
continued observance of the separational Food Laws and their importance to him.

Would he now place a defining difference between himself and the Gentile converts, saying that they could eat something that he himself would never dare eat?

No, for how then could they ever be one people under Christ Jesus?

It is not merely a matter of personal preference, or choice in food, for then Peter would be the one causing others to stumble, causing separation and the one who was weak.

It is a matter of the definition and commandment of God.

The Council's words actually strengthens the case of the Old Testament Levitical and Deuteronomic Food Laws for all Christians, calling them “necessary things”, and in no way weakens or negates them in any manner.  It even strengthens the case of the observance of the 4th Commandment and the 7th Day Sabbath of the Lord God as well among professed Jews and seeking Gentiles who are drawn of Christ Jesus [more on this later, in another thread].

The reason the Council used the words “no greater burden than these necessary things” was because there was so much more that could have been said, in great detail, and laid upon them, but the Council chose to keep it simple for the time being and keep the decision focused upon the current arguments of physical circumcision and the Ritual Ceremonial Law of Moses.

The Levitical and Deuteronomic Food Laws are not merely ceremonial/ritual as some say, in fact, the Lev/Deut giving of the Food Laws is not in the context of ceremony/ritual at all, but rather concern of holiness/sanitation [Leviticus 11, 20; see also 1 Peter 1:16].  Afterall, it was Jesus which gave them to Moses in the first place.

Now let us consider the Book of Romans, and Chapter 14 more specifically.

[Anonymous]

Romans 14

Romans 14 is so often abused, “wrest[ed]” [2 Peter 3:16] and misused by all manner of peoples because only certain portions of the text are read and cited independently of all other contextual witness, of not only the immediate passages themselves and closest surrounding, but also of the whole letter of Romans, and even further in the other Epistles [like Corinthians, etal.] written by the same author – Paul the Apostle, under the Holy Spirit.

Shall we, like them, seek [ignorantly or willingly] to justify the carnal self in being able to, with impunity, break and/or transgress God's Laws [antinomian, either in part or total] through like ideology, being foisted upon the text, so that we, even as they, may continue in a self-righteousness, an ever shifting sand of self-standard of morality, apart from God's own perfect righteousness and eternal standard of morality?

Shall we, like them, seek [ignorantly or willingly] to nullify or even more subtly stultify the very Ten Commandments of Christ Jesus, who being God, asks us, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15; Exodus 20:6; Deuteronomy 5:10, 7:9, 11:1,22, 19:9, 30:16; Joshua 22:5; Daniel 9:4; John 15:10,14; 1 John 5:2-3; etc.]?

Shall we, like them, even more specifically, seek [ignorantly or willingly] to cast away the 4th Commandment in particular, which is in regards to His Holy, Sanctified and Blessed Day, being the 7th Day Sabbath of the Lord thy God [Exodus 20:8-11; etc]?

Shall we, like them, also seek [ignorantly or willingly] to also relish to the trash-heap the very Laws of Health and Sanitation, and therefore self-sanctify the “unclean” [Grk. akathartos] and the “abomination” [Grk. bdelygma] [“Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.” [Deuteronomy 14:3]] for consumption apart from what the rest of Scripture, and God Himself, says on the matter? … and do so likewise the same for the drinking and consumption of intoxicating alcohols and spirituous liquors, or smoking, or 'chewing', etc., and all manner of evil vice and sin?

Shall we not consider most carefully and prayerfully what Paul is verily saying, so that we do not recklessly come to a hazardous and life endangering conclusion?

What shall we notice as we consider the text of Romans 14 in whole? The first thing that should immediately be noticed, is that the following greek words are nowhere present in Romans 14:

[1.] sabbaton [Sabbath, the Holy 7th Day of the Lord thy God]
[2.] th hmera th ebdomh [the 7th Day],
[3.] akathartos [[inherently] unclean],
[4.] bdelygma [abomination],
[5.] katapausis, anapauo, anapausis [rest],
[6.] episynagoge, synago [gathering, [sacred] assembling],
[7.] nomos [Law],
[8.] entole [commandment]

What we will find in the text is the consideration of matters of Faith, of both those who are “weak” and those who are “strong”; also of matters of Judgment, of both the incorrect and of the correct; and also of matters of Brotherly Love in Christ Jesus, of stumbling, and of standing; and also matters of service, unto selfishness and inconsideration to/of others in Him, or selflessly and in consideration to/of others in Him.

Here is a list of certain primary words that are found in Romans 14:

“krinō” “κρίνω” is used 10 times in Romans 14:

“judge” [Romans 14:3,10,13 (two times)]
“judgest” [Romans 14:4]
“esteemeth” [Romans 14:5 (two times)]
“condemneth” [Romans 14:22]
“dost” [Romans 14:10 (combined)]
“let us” [Romans 14:13 (combined)]

“exoutheneō” “ἐξουθενέω” is used 4 times in Romans 14:

“despise” [Romans 14:3]
“set at nought” [Romans 14:10]
“let” [Romans 14:3 (combined)]
“dost” [Romans 14:10 (combined)]

“bēma” “βῆμα” is used 1 time in Romans 14:

“judgment seat” [Romans 14:10]

“plērophoreō” “πληροφορέω” is used 2 times in Romans 14:

“be fully persuaded” [Romans 14:5]
“let” [Romans 14:5 (combined)]

“phroneō” “φρονέω” is used 5 times in Romans 14:

“regardeth” [Romans 14:6 (three times)]
“regard” [Romans 14:6]
“he doth” [Romans 14:6 (combined)]

“brōma” “βρῶμα” is used 3 times in Romans 14:

“meat” [Romans 14:15 (two times) [that which is eaten, food]
“meat” [Romans 14:20]

“kreas” “κρέας” is used 1 time in Romans 14:

“flesh” [Romans 41:21] [(the) flesh (of a sacrificed animal)]

“dokimazō” “δοκιμάζω” is used 1 time in Romans 14:

“alloweth” [Romans 14:22]

“pistis” “πίστις” is used 4 times in Romans 14:

“faith” [Romans 14:1]
“faith” [Romans 14:22]
“faith” [Romans 14:23 (two times)]

“pisteuō” “πιστεύω” is used 1 time in Romans 14:

“believeth” [Romans 14:2]

“hēmera” “ἡμέρα” is used 5 times in Romans 14:

“one day” [Romans 14:5]
“day [alike]” [Romans 14:5]
“the day” [Romans 14:6 (two times)]
“another” [Romans 14:5]

“esthiō” “ἐσθίω” is used 11 times in Romans 14:

“eateth” [Romans 14:2]
“him that eateth” [Romans 14:3 (three times)]
“him which eateth” [Romans 14:3]
“he that eateth” [Romans 14:6 (two times)]
“he eateth” [Romans 14:6]
“eateth” [Romans 14:6]
“who eateth” [Romans 14
:7]
“let” [Romans 14:3 (combined)]

“adelphos” “ἀδελφός” is used 5 times in Romans 14:

“brother” [Romans 14:10 (two times)]
“brother” [Romans 14:15]
“brother” [Romans 14:21]
“in [his] brother's way” [Romans 14:13]

“ergon” “ἔργον” is used 1 time in Romans 14:

“the work” [Romans 14:20], being the “the work of GOD”

“koinos” “κοινός” is used 3 times in Romans 14:

“unclean” [Romans 14:14 (three times)] [actually should read “common”]

So, let us go back to the beginning of the text and see what Paul is actually addressing.
Romans 14:

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations. Romans 14:1

Even at the beginning of Romans 14 [and yea, all of Romans], we see that we are dealing not with the abolition or setting aside of any of God's 10 Commandments or Health Laws in Diet, in any manner, as may be witnessed throughout [Romans 1:18, 3:31, 6:1-23, 7:7,12,14,16, 8:4-14, 9:6-8,27,31,32, 11:1-36, 12:1,2,5,9, 13:8-14, 15:1-27, 16:17-19], for Paul clearly says, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” [Romans 3:31].

“…the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men …” [Romans 1:18;p]

“All unrighteousness is sin …” [1 John 5:7;p]

“…as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:”[Romans 11:26;p]

How did Paul teach about the Law, Ten Commandments, and Sin and Transgression just in the Book of Romans?

“…keep the righteousness of the law …” [Romans 2:26;p]

“…if it fulfil the law …” [Romans 2:27;p]

“…we establish the law …” [Romans 3:31;p]

“… we are buried with him by baptism into death…that like as Christ was raised up… even so we also should walk in newness of life.” [Romans 6:4;p]

“…our old man is crucified…we should not serve sin.” [Romans 6:6;p]

“…he that is dead is freed from sin.” [Romans 6:7;p]

“…in that he died, he died unto sin…he liveth unto God.” [Romans 6:10;p]

“…reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” [Romans 6:11;p]

“Let not sin therefore reign…” [Romans 6:12;p]

“Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.” [Romans 6:13]

“… shall we sin…God forbid.” [Romans 6:15;p]

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” [Romans 6:16]

“… ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” [Romans 6:16;p]

“…made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” [Romans 6:18;p]

“…as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” [Romans 6:19;p]

“…ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.” [Romans 6:20;p]

“…fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death.” [Romans 6:21;p]

“…made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” [Romans 6:22;p]

“… the wages of sin [is]
death…” [Romans 6:23;p]

“…[Is] the law sin? God forbid…I had not known sin, but by the law…I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” [Romans 7:7;p]

“…the commandment, which [was ordained] to life …” [Romans 7:10;p]

“…the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” [Romans 7:12;p]

“For we know that the law is spiritual …” [Romans 7:14;p]

“…I consent unto the law that [it is] good.” [Romans 7:16;p]

“That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” [Romans 8:4]

“…they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” [Romans 8:5;p]

“…to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.” [Romans 8:6;p]

“…the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” [Romans 8:7;p]

“…they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” [Romans 8:8;p]

“…we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.” [Romans 8:12;p]

“…if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” [Romans 8:13;p]

“…the law of righteousness.” [Romans 9:31;p]

“…Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” [Romans 12:9;p]

“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” [Romans 13:8]

“For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” [Romans 13:9]

“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law.” [Romans 13:10]

“…cast off the works of darkness…” [Romans 13:12;p]

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” [Romans 13:13]

“…make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].” [Romans 13:14;p]

How did Paul feel about the Ten Commandments, the Law, in other places?

“…Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise; ) [Ephesians 6:2]

“…the law [is] good, if a man use it lawfully …” [1 Timothy 1:8;p]

“For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.”[Galatians 2:18]

Paul, in many of his Epistles [not even counting the Gospels, or the Epistles of others] lists and exemplifies the very Ten Commandments as relevant for the Christian, who are the ones which love GOD and man:

The TEN COMMANDMENTS… just in Paul's use…

[01.] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) [1 Corinthians 8:5]

But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him. [1 Corinthians 8:6]

[02.] But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood. [Acts 15:20]

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. [Acts 17:29]

Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. [1 Corinthians 10:7]

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. [1 Corinthians 10:14]

Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. [1 Corinthians 12:2]

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [2 Corinthians 6:16]

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; [1 Thessalonians 1:9]

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, [Galatians 5:20]

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. [Galatians 5:21]

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [Ephesians 5:5]

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: [Colossians 3:5]

[03.] For th
e name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. [Romans 2:24]

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. [Colossians 3:8]

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. [Ephesians 5:4]

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed. [1 Timothy 6:1]

[04.] And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou [art] God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: [Acts 4:24]

But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. [Acts 13:14]

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, [Ye] men [and] brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. [Acts 13:15]

Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with [his] hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. [Acts 13:16]

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath [the Gentiles asked to hear the message on Sabbath, the 7th day, for more than Jews kept the Holy Day of the LORD]. [Acts 13:42]

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city [“Jews and Gentiles”] together to hear the word of God. [Acts 13:44]

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: [Acts 14:15]

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day [for there were many Strangers seeking God and kept Sabbath, but were not yet circumcised to become a full Jew, see Cornelius, etc, see Isaiah 56:6]. [Acts 15:21]

And on the sabbath we [We, being Paul and Luke [a converted gentile physician/historian]] went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made [Prayer being made on the Holy Sabbath out in nature]; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted [thither]. [Acts 16:13]

And Paul, as his manner was [just as Jesus, for his whole life, 33 ½ years], went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, [compare Luke 4:16] [Acts 17:2]

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. [Paul kept Sabbath every week for 1 ½ years [78 est. Sabbaths], see Acts 18:11 in a house connected to the Synagogue, the next best thing after removing himself from the Synagogue, see Acts 18:7, see also John 16:2, but they continued to keep the 7th Day Sabbath of the 4th Commandment in homes, out in nature, etc.] [Acts 18:4]

For he spake in a certain place of the seventh [day] on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. [Hebrews 4:4]

And in this [place] again, If they shall enter into my rest. [Hebrews 4:5]

Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: [Hebrews 4:6]

Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. [Hebrews 4:7]

For if Jesus [Joshua] had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. [Hebrews 4:8]

There remaineth [Apoleipo, (passive voice) to be left behind for others, remain unchanged, be reserved, in this case NOT meaning “abandoned”] therefore [ie, because of the already given argument and example of the wilderness in Hebrews 3-4, in that they (Israel; the first generation people) entered not into the promised land because of unbelief and through unbelief failed to keep the commandments of God] a rest [Sabbatismos, literally keeping Sabbath] to the people of God [ie. Christians, Spiritual Israel are to keep the 7th Day Sabbath, for as we enter into the rest given by Christ Jesus, we are then able to cease from our sins and works to obtain salvation, abide in Him, and we trust/rest in Him and obey Him when He asks us, “if ye love me keep my commandments” as is found in Exodus 20:6 and John 14:15]. [Hebrews 4:9]

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. [Hebrews 4:10]

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. [Hebrews 4:11]

[05.] Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. [Ephesians 6:1]

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise; ) [Ephesians 6:2]

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. [Ephesians 6:3]

Children, obey [your] parent
s in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. [Colossians 3:20]

[06.] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [Romans 1:29]

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. [Romans 1:32]

For this, … Thou shalt not kill, … and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” [Romans 13:9;p]

[07.] For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery…and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” [Romans 13:9;p]

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. [Colossians 3:18]

Husbands, love [your] wives, and be not bitter against them. [Colossians 3:19]

[08.] “…a man should not steal, dost thou steal?” [Romans 2:21;p]

“For this, … Thou shalt not steal,…and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” [Romans 13:9;p]

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. [Ephesians 4:28]

[09.] “…Thou shalt not bear false witness…and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” [Romans 13:9;p]

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; [Colossians 3:9]

[10.] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [Romans 1:29]

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. [Romans 1:32]

What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. [Romans 7:7]

“For this, … Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” [Romans 13:9;p]

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; [Ephesians 5:3]

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: [Colossians 3:5]

“[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness…” [Hebrews 13:5;p]

We clearly see that, rather than dealing with the tearing down of the Ten Commandments [and any therein], or any of the Health and Dietary Laws, we are instead dealing with Christians [who are followers of God in His Commandments and ways] that are “weak in the faith”, who are to be “receive[d]” but not to “doubtful disputations” [Romans 14:1].

Paul follows the same thoughts in Romans 15, by saying that those who are “…strong…” [even as Paul is, “we”], should “…bear the infirmities of the weak…” [Romans 15:1]:

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. [Romans 15:1]

Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification. [Romans 15:2]

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. [Romans 15:3]

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. [Romans 15:4]

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: [Romans 15:5]

That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [Romans 15:6]

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. [Romans 15:7]

The 4th Commandment [The Holy, Blessed and Sanctified 7th Day Sabbath of the LORD thy God; Exodus 20:8-11] and the Health Laws of Clean and Unclean, and that between Holy and Unholy were never ever “…doubtful…” [see: Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy; Leviticus and Isaiah 66:17, etc], nor matters to have “…disputations…” over of whether they should be kept. Paul clearly stated as such, by saying/writing that he, “…had not known sin, but by the Law…” [Romans 7:7;p], even directly citing the 10th Commandment so as there would be no confusion as to which Law he referred to, “…the Law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” [Romans 7:7;p, 13:9; citing Exodus 20:17], for as clearly as John the 'beloved' Apostle said, “…for sin is the transgression of the Law.” [1 John 3:4], and Paul moreso says that, “…the wages for sin [are] death…” [Romans 6:23] and “…whatsoever [is] not of
Faith is sin.” [Romans 14:23].

Paul, also several times [even in the Book of Romans, just prior to the Romans 14 passages], cited the entirety of the 2nd Table of the Ten Commandments, and parts thereof elsewhere in other Epistles, “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” [Romans 13:9].

Paul also sums up the whole of the Ten Commandments together elsewhere by saying, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” [Galatians 5:14], and each time, this is said in his Epistles, it is a brief summation of the Ten Commandments and also a direct quotation from not only Jesus Christ Himself, “And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” [Matthew 22:39] and “And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” [Mark 12:31] and “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” [Luke 10:27], but also from the very Old Testament book of Leviticus: “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” [Leviticus 19:17] and “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.” [Leviticus 19:18].

[As a sidenote: James, whom many wrongly pit against Paul and Justification by Faith, even says the same, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:” [James 2:8]

Paul deals with “faithless works”, while James deals with “work-less faith”, two sides of the same problem.]

The very context of those quotations are in the consideration of the very Ten Commandments themselves, dealing with “sin”and “love” [John 14:15; Exodus 20:6]:

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. [Leviticus 19:17]

[Context] Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD. [Leviticus 19:18]

And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. [Mark 12:31] Notice, it does not say no other commandments than these, but rather none “greater” than these…

[Context] And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment. [Mark 12:30]

[Taken from] And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. [Deuteronomy 6:5]

[Context] The Ten Commandments given again in Deuteronomy 5[see also Deuteronomy 6:1-2, etc].

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: [Deuteronomy 6:6]

So we see that the “…weak in faith…” were to be “…receive[d]…” [Romans 14:1; 15:1-7] and helped and edified in Christian brotherly love, “…for GOD hath received him…” [Romans 14:3] and they “…shall be holden up: for GOD is able to make him stand…” [Romans 14:4] by faith. Many Gentiles were coming to believe by faith and were coming into the “…one fold…” [John 10:16] and “…one Body…” [Romans 12:4,5; 1 Corinthians 6:16, 10:17, 12:12-14,18,19,20,25; Ephesians 2:16, 4:4; Colossians 3:15] and “…Bride…” [John 3:29; “chaste virgin” [2 Corinthians 11:2]] of Christ Jesus, as it is written, “…the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants … taketh hold of my covenant.” [Isaiah 56:6] and as says Paul of them, “…how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;” [1 Thessalonians 1:9] and witnessed amidst the Jerusalem Council, how these “…Gentiles are turned to God:” [Acts 15:19], for they in times past “…knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods” [Galatians 4:8], “…that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God…” [1 Corinthians 10:20] and “…being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;” [Romans 11:17], for “…after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” [1 Corinthians 1:21].

For as Paul says, the Gentiles of Faith [even as the Jews of Faith], receiving the free gift of salvation in Christ Jesus by Grace through Faith, were not looking to escape the Commandments of God, nor earn their salvation in keeping them, but were seeking to obey Him in them by Love and Faith as the fruit produced of the saving relationship, being the work and salvation of Christ Jesus in them, they abiding in the pure vine:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel: Romans 9:6

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. Romans 9:7

That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9:8

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: Romans 9:27

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Romans 9:31

Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; Romans 9:32 [but if they had sought it by Faith…]

And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Romans 11:17

Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Romans 11:18

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Romans 11:22

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:5

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Romans 12:9

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. Romans 15:9

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. Romans 15:10

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. Romans 15:11

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:16

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Romans 15:18

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:18

For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. Romans 16:19

However, matters began to arise amidst the 'Jewish' and 'Gentile' Christians over certain issues which required immediate attention and direction lest division between them be complete and never to be halted.

In Romans 14:2-7 we see that the “doubtful disputations” [Romans 14:1] were occurring over these “weak in faith” [Romans 14:1] who were being “despis[ed]” [Romans 14:3], while they likewise in return condemned and/or “judge[d]” [Romans 14:3] those not doing as they in the matters at
hand, concerning certain food and days of which “men esteeme[d]”.

For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. [Romans 14:2]

Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. [Romans 14:3]

Now, lest we abuse and “wrest” these scriptures in forcing them to justify non-sanctified practices [according to God], we must begin to study as to what

[Anonymous]

the particulars were that were being addressed in these “doubtful disputations” [Romans 14:1].

We should first consider that Paul more than likely wrote the Letter to the Romans while at Corinth with the brethren and church there, for he “…departed for to go into Macedonia…” [Acts 20:1], and so “…he came into Greece…” [Acts 20:2], and “…abode three months…” [Acts 20:3]; and also noted in the end of the Letter to the Romans, he commends unto them “…Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea…” [Romans 16:1] [Cenchrea, a city close to Corinth], and also mentions “Gaius mine host, and of the whole church…” [Romans 16:23] who had been baptized of Paul as mentioned in his Letter to the Corinthians, “…I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius” [1 Corinthians 1:14] and also then finally mentions “…Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you…” [Romans 16:23], who, himself, “…abode at Corinth…” [2 Timothy 4:20], or if not directly within Corinth, then very near the area and shortly within the same time, since in those letters, he also deals with some of the very same issues [1 Corinthians 8 and 1 Corinthians 10] as coming to the fore in Romans 14.

[As a sidenote, other scholars also suggest this notion, that the Letter to the Romans was written from Corinth, etc.

To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. [[[Written to the Romans from Corinthus, [and sent] by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.]]] Romans 16:27 [Bracketed witnessed of the Stephens 1550 Textus Receptus, addition by the editors as a notation]

monw sofw qew dia ihsou cristou w h doxa eiV touV aiwnaV amhn [pros rwmaious egrafh apo korinqou dia foibhs ths diakonou ths en kegcreais ekklhsias] – http://www.greeknewtestament.com/B45C016.htm#V27

“The letter was most probably written while Paul was in Corinth, and probably while he was staying in the house of Gaius and transcribed by Tertius his amanuensis.[5] There are a number of reasons Corinth is most plausible. Paul was about to travel to Jerusalem on writing the letter, which matches Acts [Acts 20:3] where it is reported that Paul stayed for three months in Greece. This probably implies Corinth as it was the location of Paul’s greatest missionary success in Greece.[6] Additionally Phoebe was a deacon of the church in Cenchreae, a port to the east of Corinth, and would have been able to convey the letter to Rome after passing through Corinth and taking a ship from Corinth’s west port.[6] Erastus, mentioned in Romans 16:23, also lived in Corinth being the city's commissioner for public works and city treasurer at various times, again indicating that the letter was written in Corinth.[7]” – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_the_Romans

“…During his stay in Corinth, Paul is believed to have written his Letter to the church in Rome. According to this Letter, either on his way from Macedonia or during his three months stay in Greece …” – http://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CN092MAPS1.htm]

We find in those Corinthian Letters, some of the very same mentions and uses of words, and uses them in context of conscience of idols:

“As concerning therefore the eating of those things…” [1 Corinthians 8:4;p]

“…some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat… and their conscience being weak is defiled.” [1 Corinthians 8:7;p]

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. [1 Corinthians 8:9]

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. [1 Corinthians 8:12]

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. [1 Corinthians 8:13]

“…are not they which eat … partakers of the altar…” [1 Corinthians 10:18;p]

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth]. [1 Corinthians 10:24]

Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another [man's] conscience? [1 Corinthians 10:29]

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. [1 Corinthians 10:31]

Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved. [1 Corinthians 10:33]

And as may be seen, the matter is not over Abominable/Unclean animals being 'sanctified' or 'eaten' amongst 'Jew' or 'Gentile' Christian [for God had already made clear and known His rules in them;[Leviticus 7:26, 17:12-14, 19:26; Deuteronomy 1
2:16,23, 15:23], etc., and this is also clearly known in Acts 10 and 11 by Peter and in the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15that these rules were not overthrown, but stood and confirmed], but rather over the eating of the “clean”animals that had been first sacrificed unto idols, and 'blessed' by pagan deities, and then sold in the markets/“shambles”.  As later made known in the Council of Acts 15 it was surely clarified to the 'Gentile' Christians to avoid all idolatry, the “pollutions of idols” [Acts 15:20], even “abstain from meats offered to idols” [Acts 15:29], “keep themselves from [things] offered to idols” [Acts 21:25], and even those things not killed properly, “strangled” [Acts 15:20,29, 21:25] and that which contained “blood” [Acts 15:20,29, 21:25] still, and in so doing, “from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well” [Acts 15:29]. Paul knew well that these things were being divisive in the Churches, and so he wrote to them concerning it.

So, then clearly in Romans 14:1-2, the “all things” that some “believeth” that he may “eat”, as written by Paul, is inherently and automatically limited within the context itself.

Additionally, the “another” who would only “eateth herbs” are not “weak in the faith”based upon that they only “eateth herbs”, but the “weak[ness]” rather, is being based upon the conscientious reasoning [“esteemeth” [Romans 14:5,14], “regardeth” [Romans 14:6], “offence” [Romans 14:20], “condemneth” [Romans 14:22], “doubteth” [Romans 14:23]] being used to substantiate that practice.

For it is obvious to anyone that to have Paul saying that anyone who “eateth herbs” only by default [such as a vegan would] is “weak in the faith”automatically/inherently would be a great disservice to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and something he, himself, would never preach. It would also contradict the very next verses, and would also be foolish and very dangerous to have Paul saying that anyone may “eat all things” without any sort of limitation upon those words, for it would be counter to what Paul says throughout his Epistles and throughout the whole of the Word of God itself:

Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. [Romans 14:3]

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. [Romans 14:4]

So, there is obviously a limitation inherent in the “all things” [Romans 14:1] specified by Paul, lest we make the text declare that anyone may eat/drink even the most disgusting, abominable, unclean, poisonous and deadliest of things and presume upon the grace and mercy of God to spare us from our blatant, boldfaced and presumptuous iniquity. The problem then comes from when each individual person reading the text, coming with preconceived suppositions and without a deep consideration of the whole Bible, the Book of Romans itself, or Paul's other Epistles and the immediate contexts therein, lays upon that text and the “all things”their own 'sanctifying' standards as to what Paul is including/excluding in it, knowing full well in their own hearts, that they also do not think it means “all things” without exception either. The Bible is very clear about those who do such things, even in the very context of the Second Advent, “They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.” [Isaiah 66:17]

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [Romans 14:5]

He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. [Romans 14:6]

Notice that Paul says, “…he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth GOD thanks.” [Romans 14:6] Are we now to literally understand Paul as saying that such a person never eats and gives God thanks? That person would soon perish/die from starvation!

Notice that Paul says, “…he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it].” [Romans 14:6]. Are we now to literally understand Paul as saying that such a person is to never regard this “day” [to which he refers] to the Lord? There are some who read this passage that way, but what misuse, for what is the contextual reference to? Is it to what God said is a Commandment, called, “My Holy Day” [Isaiah 58:13;p], and from “…my Commandments … and my Laws…” [Genesis 26:5; Exodus 16:8;p, also Jeremiah 31:31-33; Hebrews 8:8-10, 10:16; etc.] and “…mine assemblies … my sabbaths” [Ezekiel 44:24;p], and therefore reference to what “…GOD…commandeth…” [Acts 17:30;p], or does it rather point to what “…man esteemeth…”?

It is to what “…man esteemeth…”[Romans 14:5;p].

The Holy, Blessed and and Sanctified 7th Day Sabbath is always the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, and is unchangeable, unalterable in its relationship to mankind, for whom it was “…made…” [Mark 2:27;p]. We are always to, in living or dying, do all as “…unto the Lord…” [Romans 14:8;p] and always “…proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” [Ephesians 5:10;p], and said of the believing Gentiles, “…among the Gentiles are turned to God;” [Acts 15:19;p], “…that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” [Acts 11:23;p], “…how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” [1 Thessalonians 1:9;p].

What “…man esteemeth…” [Romans 14:5;p] in this thing, that Paul is referring to, is then a personal preferential choice allowed within the relationship to Christ Jesus in those times to either “regrardeth” or “regardeth not”a “day” “to the Lord”. What is this “one day” then?, for some would continue to implicate the 7th Day of the 4th Commandment, which is “the Sabbath of the Lord thy God” [Exodus 20:10;p], but we should know that this cannot be, knowing full well what Paul and the Word of God says elsewhere, and even the very clear actions of both Jew and Gentile, and Paul, etc. throughout the whole Book of Acts [Acts 4:24, 13:14-16,27,42-44, 14:15, 15:21, 16:13, 17:2, 18:4].

We shall also notice therein something very specific concerning those of the Gentiles who were believing and coming into the Faith, they came to acknowledge their Creator, He also being their Redeemer, Re-Creator, “For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:11], “Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein [is]: which keepeth truth for ever:” [Psalms 146:6] as foretold, “Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;” [Isaiah 56:6]:

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou [art] God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: [Acts 4:24]

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. [Acts 13:44]

And there they preached the gospel. [Acts 14:7]

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: [Acts 14:15]

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. [Acts 14:16]

Let us look closer still at Romans 14:6:

[Romans 14:6a] He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord;

[Romans 14:6b] …and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it].

[Romans 14:6c] …He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks;

[Romans 14:6d] …and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

We notice that “eat[ing]” and “day”are directly linked together.

In this text, we see that the problem that was being carried on between what should be loving Christian “brother” [Romans 14:10,13,15,21] was deeper than either the food “eat[en]”/“eat[en] not” or even the day “regard[ed]”/“regard[ed] not” [Romans 14:6], for it concerned a mutual wrongful, incorrect and unjustified condemnation or “judg[ment] [of] another man's servant” [Romans 14:4], they also being “Christ” [Romans 7-12,15], of the other in matters of that which “man esteemeth” [Romans 14:5;p].

“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” [Romans 14:5;p] are very important words to consider, especially in the light of what “man esteemeth” [Romans 14:5;p], for this was not about any contention of what God had already deemed as His Law and Commandment, being permanent, lawful and so – never to change in His Word [such as the Ten Commandments, and Health/Dietary Laws], for this was
about matters of “conscience” [1 Corinthians 8 and 10] in that which was allowable [not that which was forbidden] but perhaps not immediately “expedient” and/or “edifying” [1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23] presently. Paul speaks elsewhere of “[their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another” [Romans 2:15].

Christian “charity” [1 Corinthians 13] was not being fully realized, so Paul reminded, contended and pleaded with them by saying, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” [Romans 14:17] and also for them to “…follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” [Romans 14:19].

Due to the very nature of the subjects being discussed together, it concerned matters of “clean” meats/flesh/foods [that which had been allowed by God in His Word to be eaten] that were sold at market/“shambles” [1 Corinthians 10:25;p], which possibly had come from idolatrous sellers, “…for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.” [1 Corinthians 8:7], and others who having “not in [them] that knowledge” [1 Corinthians 8:7] that “…an idol [is] nothing in the world…” [1 Corinthians 8:4] and so being designated “weak in the faith” [Romans 14:1] chose to “eateth herbs” [Romans 14:1] only for that reason, and were condemning those who did so eat, while those who ate despised those as “weak”who did not.

… [“meat” KJV Romans 14:15], including “flesh” [Romans 14:21], “drink” [Romans 14:17], including “wine” [pure juice of the grape, this study we looked at already, separately, for some were still under vows] [Romans 14:21] and “day” [Romans 14:5-6] …

And they lay [themselves] down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned [in] the house of their god. Amos 2:8

Fermented alcoholic and intoxicating “wine” was always associated with wickedness, transgression and lawlessness:

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20

Woe unto [them that are] mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Isaiah 5:22

Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Isaiah 5:23

Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, [so] their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 5:24

…

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence. [Romans 14:20]

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned: [1 Timothy 1:15]

Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. [Titus 1:15]

Another matter that seemed to be prevalent was also over the specific days of fasting and/or feasting, the “one day” directly associated with “meat [food] and drink” [Romans 14:17], “eat[ing] and drink[ing]” [Luke 5:33], etc.

Jesus Christ and the disciples themselves were constantly harassed about these things, especially upon the matter of fasting/feasting, not only from the Pharisaical Jews, but even from the Disciples of John:

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? [Matthew 9:14]

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? [Mark 2:18]

The Pharisaical Jews also came to Jesus [Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34] and the disciples over the matter:

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise [the disciples] of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? [Luke 5:33]

The Pharisaical Jews even had specific and certain days picked out as required for fasting, declaring them better days to do so than others:

“I fast twice in the week …” [Luke 18:12;p]

Even among the “devout” [Acts 10:2] Gentiles, there was fasting:

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, [Acts 10:4]

It should then be obvious that these “days” that “man esteemeth” are the personally chosen days for fasting and/or rejoicing “to the Lord”. Some were trying to compel all to be exactly alike in their manner of so doing those things, some fasted and rejoiced, others feasted and rejoiced, but each of them sought to impel the other to follow in like manner. Others were eating things that were known to have been first sacrificed unto idols in their feasting and rejoicing, knowing that an Idol was nothing, and some would not do any such thing, thinking it was sin and defilement. Both sides of the divisions were wrong in their condemnation of the other. Even those who knew better, were still not acting rightly toward those who were “weak in the faith”.

Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. [1 Corinthians 8:7]

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. [1 Corinthians 8:8]

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. [1 Corinthians 8:9]

For in Romans 14:7, Paul makes it clear that we are to live unto Christ Jesus [who Created and Redeemed us, purchased us by His own blood] and that no man is an island unto himself, and that our choices affect not only ourselves, but also all of those around us:

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. [Romans 14:7]

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. [Romans 14:8]

In Romans 14:10, we also see that dealing with incorrect judging and judgment of/by other Christians, over such personal matters of “fasting”, “vows”, “feasting/mourning” [“days” associated with “eating” or not “eating”] practices and also the matter of what to do with that which had been, or possibly was at one point in close connection with or associated with an idol [which is nothing, but some have not the knowledge, and all things edify not]:

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. [Romans 14:10]

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. [Romans 14:12]

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body,according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. [2 Corinthians 5:10]

Therefore, the matter was Christian “charity” [love] [1 Corinthians 13] not being expressed as it ought:

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way. [Romans 14:13],

… ie. don't do anything that would cause your brother to sin!

So we see that there is a correct and incorrect judgment:

Speak not evilone of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. [James 4:11]

Scripture and Christ Jesus Himself, said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” [John 7:24]

Paul, himself, said, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” [1 Corinthians 6:2]

“Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” [1 Corinthians 6:3]

“If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.” [1 Corinthians 6:4]

“I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be ableto judge between his brethren?” [1 Corinthians 6:5]

“I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.” [1 Corinthians 10:15]

“Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.” [1 Corinthians 14:29]

…etc.,

So, what then shall we make of the following?:

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean [common] of itself: but to him thatesteemeth any thing to be unclean [common], to him it is unclean [common]. –Romans 14:14KJV

The Greek word for “unclean” [Romans 14:14 (3 times)] is “koinon”and means “common”, being associated as such through contact with that which is unclean [akathartos].

[“koinos” “κοινός” is not the same as “akathartos” “ἀκάθαρτος”, as may be witnessed in several passages; “common [koinos] or unclean [akathartos]” Acts 10:14,28, 11:8, “…common or unclean…”, that which was normally “clean” of its own self, according to the Pharisaical mindset, when surrounded by “Unclean” [akathartos], as in the sheet let down in the vision of Peter, became “Common” [koinos] by association. We see that Paul, in Romans 14, is using this term [koinos] in comparison to food associated with idols/idolatry before being sold.]

Strong's Concordance: “koinos” “κοινός” “1) common; 2) common i.e. ordinary, belonging to generality; a) by the Jews, unhallowed, profane, Levitically [by association] ceremonially unclean”

oida kai pepeismai en kuriw ihsou oti ouden koinon di eautou ei mh tw logizomenw ti koinon einai ekeinw koinon – Romans 14:14 Transliterated Greek

οιδα και πεπεισμαι εν κυριω ιησου οτι ουδεν κοινον δι εαυτου ει μη τω λογιζομενω τι κοινον ειναι εκεινω κοινον – Romans 14:14 Greek

The word “akathartos” is never used.

However, Paul says, even with that knowledge that an “Idol is nothing”, Christian “Charity” takes the “conscience” of another first into consideration before one's own, even with those of the Nazarite [which had now become Christians] vow still upon them, or other vows:

But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. [Romans 14:15]

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence. [Romans 14:20]

[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] wherebythy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. [Romans 14:21]

Therefore, “Let not then your good be evil spoken of:” [Romans 14:16]

For instance, I could order 'take-out' [food, in my case vegan] from a restaurant that may have nothing but pagan gods and images and things of that nature in the actual place, and the people themselves may be pagan false god worshippers, but the food I order [in my case vegan] from there is just food. However, to someone who is weak in the faith may not see it that way, and may be violating their conscience if they ate of it if I offered it to them, or if I simply ate it in front of them on purpose knowing what they thought about it, they knowing where it came from, but they not knowing that the food [that which is allowed and sanctified of God in His Word] is just food and that idols are nothing. I could
be in danger of causing that brother/sister to stumble and become weaker, or worse. It could even be worse, if someone saw me go to such a place and dine in. I could also be in danger myself, numbing my own conscience. It is better to “avoid all appearance of evil”. These kinds of things, among others, are being discussed in Romans 14.

For even with that knowledge, that an “idol is nothing”, “…the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”[Romans 14:17]

And we should “…in these things serveth Christ…”, for then we are, “…acceptable to God, and approved of men.” [Romans 14:18], for we are not looking to cast off obedience to Christ Jesus in the Ten Commandments, which are His [John 14:15; Exodus 20:6, etc.], but rather to more fully obey Him in His Commandments, and to Love Him with all our heart, and our neighbour even as ourself.

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. [Romans 14:19]

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. [Psalms 119:165]

The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.[Malachi 2:6]

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: [Isaiah 48:18]

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:[Proverbs 3:1]

Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding. [Proverbs 3:13]

Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths [are] peace. [Proverbs 3:17]

But when alone, and not in danger of violating the conscience of a weak brother/sister, in concerning those things mentioned of that which is allowed within the Commandments of GOD, and even concerning foods associated with idols, etc, “Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.” [Romans 14:22], but even as a reminder to oneself, “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.” [Romans 14:23].

And therefore, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” [Romans 15:1]

Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification. [Romans 15:2]

“For even Christ pleased not himself …” [Romans 15:3;p]

…how then can Romans 14 ever again be used as the common 'catch-all' and 'go-to' excuse?, since it it entirety foundaed in doing the will of God in true love, loving God supremely and esteeming our neighbour above ourself, even placing their conscience in the greatest concern, obviously as in the Lord?

Brethren, look at the example of Christ Jesus Himself…

[Stu]

Are you getting any sleep?

Stuart

[Wakeup]

WE ARE NOT BABES HERE ON HEAVEN NET; SO WHY ALL THAT MILK.?

[Anonymous]

1 CORINTHIANS, the Letter of Paul to correct the many wrong's…

1 Corinthians:

Paul, beginning in 1 Corinthians 1 addresses the whole church in “Corinth” and “beseech[es]” them to be in harmony and unity in Christ Jesus, knowing that the church there had not been in such charitable [loving, agape] Christian unity as he had left them, but rather were now found in disarray, and seen among them were “division“ [1 Corinthians 1:2, 3:3, 11:18], “contentions” [1 Corinthians 1:11], “strife” [1 Corinthians 3:3] and even “heresies” [1 Corinthians 11:19]:

Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother, [1 Corinthians 1:1]

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: [1 Corinthians 1:2]

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. [1 Corinthians 1:10]

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. [1 Corinthians 1:11]

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? [1 Corinthians 3:3]

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. [1 Corinthians 11:18]

Paul continues the Epistle [letter], reminding them of whom they are saved by [not by any Apostle, etc, but by Jesus Christ, “Therefore let no man glory in men….” [1 Corinthians 3:21;p]], and whom they serve [again, Jesus Christ, “And ye are Christ's; and Christ [is] God's.” [1 Corinthians 3:23]], where their “gifts” come from [Christ Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, “…every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.” [1 Corinthians 7:7;p] see also James 1:17], what their uses were for [selflessness and not selfishness, “Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” [1 Corinthians 12:1] and through [1 Corinthians 14:40]], and for whom they testify of [Jesus Christ] in the world.

Through their divisions, strifes, etc, they were bearing to the world a “false witness”[ Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20] of that salvation of Jesus Christ, and thus “taking [His name] in vain” [Exodus 20:7], and also of that love bestowed [1 John 3:1], of the renewing of the mind/heart [unto God and man] [Romans 12:2], and of those “gifts” given unto them by Him who first loved them, etc. They were not in harmony but discord [Proverbs 6:19], and thus were not glorifying God, but satan, “For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” [1 Corinthians 14:33]

Paul desired to speak to them “spiritual” [1 Corinthians 3:1] things but could not, seeing how they were yet “carnal” [1 Corinthians 3:1] and so thus Paul reminds them that they do not belong unto themselves, but are not only Created by God, but are Redeemed [thus twice owned, twice indebted], bought and paid for again by God, by the very Blood of Jesus Christ as he had stated elsewhere [“Ye are bought with a price …” [1 Corinthians 7:23;p]; see also Acts 20:28]. Paul reminds them to take care, be righteous “stewards” and not be deceived, but to remain steadfast and faithful, and be faithful ministers of Christ [who being God] in all things, even the smallest details [even in eating and drinking, stewardship, etc], not neglecting the greater [mercy, forbearance, longsuffering, forgiveness, faith, hope, love], both towards finite fellow man and infinite holy God:

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? [1 Corinthians 3:16]

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are. [1 Corinthians 3:17]

“Let no man deceive himself. …” [1 Corinthians 3:18;p]

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. [1 Corinthians 4:1]

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. [1 Corinthians 4:2]

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. [1 Corinthians 10:31]

However, before Paul addresses the more minor, but no less serious, issues in the matter of eating and drinking, Paul had heard that it was found within that church and “…reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife” [1 Corinthians 5:1] and Paul clearly shows that they were so “puffed up” in their own conceits and dereliction of love and duty that they were not even mourning over this blatant and ope
n sin among them and so he says, “And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” [1 Corinthians 5:2] and already judged the matter from where he was [“For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, [concerning] him that hath so done this deed,” [1 Corinthians 5:3]], not even being physically present, that the one who was so debased in sin should be dealt with [“…deliver such an one unto Satan…” [1 Corinthans 5:5;p], “…Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump…” [1 Corinthians 5:7;p], “…not to company with fornicators…” [1 Corinthians 5:9;p] and now moreso, “…not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” [1 Corinthians 5:11;p] and so, “…Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” [1 Corinthians 5:13;p]], as they ought to have done, but were instead caught up in “glorying” in themselves of which Paul declares, “Your glorying [is] not good. …” [1 Corinthians 5:6;p].

Paul, being then absent from them physically, already giving his judgment of matters, moves then into the poor judgment being manifested among them, even asking, “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?” [1 Corinthians 6:1] and sets before them the high standards which should be practiced now, even for that time yet to come:

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? [1 Corinthians 6:2]

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? [1 Corinthians 6:3]

For they were wronging each other the more by, “…brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers…” [1 Corinthians 6:6;p], and so Paul tells them, “…there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather [suffer yourselves to] be defrauded?” [1 Corinthians 6:7;p], “…ye do wrong, and defraud, and that [your] brethren.” [1 Corinthians 6:8;p]

Paul draws the line in the sand for them as exceedingly bright as the noon day sun when it shines in its full strength, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived…” [1 Corinthians 6:9;p], for the word “unrighteous”[“All unrighteousness is sin…” [1 John 5:17;p]] that he uses is the same found in Acts 24:15; 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 2:9, as being “unjust”, referencing the sinner [transgressor of God's law; 1 John 3:4], they for which Christ Jesus died: “…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust…” [1 Peter 3:18;p], “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men …” [Romans 1:18;p] because the “…wages of sin [is] death…” [Romans 6:23;p].

Paul spends some time listing some of the various lives that the people had once partaken in while being outside of Christ Jesus, being “… fornicators, … idolaters, … adulterers, … effeminate, … abusers of themselves with mankind, … thieves, … covetous, … drunkards, … revilers, … extortioners…” [1 Corinthians 6:9-10;p] and thus again, Paul stresses to these, that those who continue to do such things, even if they call themselves Christian, shall not “…inherit the kingdom of God …” [1 Corinthians 6:10;p].

The Everlasting Gospel is not a license to continue living in sin and transgression to the expressed will of God and His Laws, especially the Ten Commandments, which were given in Majesty and Power by the very voice of God from Heaven, and so therefore “…the salvation which is in Christ Jesus …” [2 Timothy 2:10;p] is not an excuse, nor to be used as such, nor reason to continue, to “…tempt Christ…” [1 Corinthians 10:9;p] or “…provoke the Lord to jealousy…” [1 Corinthians 10:22;p], lest we too be “…destroyed…” [1 Corinthians 10:9,10;p], for as Paul says elsewhere, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” [Romans 3:31], “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” [Romans 6:1], “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” [Romans 6:2], “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” [Romans 6:15].

Paul reminds them of these things because that even “…such were some of you …” [1 Corinthians 6:11;p].

“…when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods …” [Galatians 4:8;p]“Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” [Ephesians 2:3] “For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:” [Colossians 3:6]“Let no man deceive you with vain wor
ds: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” [Ephesians 5:6]

And Paul reminds them elsewhere, “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;” [1 Thessalonians 4:4], for whether called in outward and physical “circumcision” [as a Jew], or in outward and physical “uncircumcision” [as a Gentile], one cannot continue to transgress against God and His Law, whether in fornication, murder, idolatry, dishonouring the body, etc. Rather, let there be in the heart, the inward “circumcision” in Christ Jesus, “…but a new creature.” [Galatians 6:15;p], renewed in the love and faith of Christ Jesus [“…but faith which worketh by love.” [Galatians 5:6;p]], “…yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.” [2 Corinthians 4:16;p] and so, “…be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” [Ephesians 4:23;p] and again reflect the image of God, “…have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” [Colossians 3:10;p] and be brought into harmony with His revealed Will and Commandments, “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.” [1 Corinthians 7:19], “…this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification…” [1 Thessalonians 4:3;p], “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” [1 Thessalonians 4:7].

And since it is so, they by the grace of God as Paul reminds them, that they are to be the out-called [of the world] ones, “the ἐκκλησία [ekklēsia]”, which is “the Church”, “…ye are washed … ye are sanctified … ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” [1 Corinthians 6:11;p].

Then comes the saying, “All things are lawful unto me …”[ 1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23;p “panta moi exestin …”], but here Paul says in direct response, “…but all things are not expedient … but I will not be brought under the power of any.” [1 Corinthians 6:12;p], of which Paul even repeats further in saying, “…but all things are not expedient … but all things edify not.” [1 Corinthians 10:23;p].

So, whether the saying is originally from Paul, from the Corinthians or even others is not overly important in and of itself, but rather that which is considered is that which is allowed to Paul in Christ Jesus who “…being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ …” [1 Corinthians 9:21;p], and thus also even to the Corinthians, was saying that it is not always prudent and/or expedient at all times to do those things allowed, or allow them to be utilized at any and all times, and may indeed be harmful in certain instances instead of “edify[ing]” [1 Corinthians 10:23;p], and could be used of satan to be the cause of enslavement, whereas Paul said that, “…but I will not be brought under the power of any.” [1 Corinthians 6:12;p].

For instance, in the beginning of 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, the Corinthians had the right to trial and fair judgment [even as Paul had the right to do] between issues that arose between peoples, but the manner of which it was being carried out, was doing more harm to all involved [“defraud[ing]” their own brethren; 1 Corinthians 6:8] and even making themselves a spectacle to the “unjust” [1 Corinthians 6:1] and “unbelievers” [1 Corinthians 6:6], while supposing to be Christians [loving of God and neighbour], they were in fact casting shame [“I speak to your shame. …” [1 Corinthians 6:5;p]] upon the name [of Christ] taken.

Paul then utilizes another statement [again, the origin of which not being of major importance, whether of Paul, the Corinthians or others] in his correction of the Corinthians behavior and attitude toward, not only, of their individual selves, but also to one another in the whole Church community and even that attitude/behaviour towards those outside of that Christian community for whom they are to be working in Christ, “Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats:…” [1 Corinthians 6:13;p], in that [“meats”KJV] food [βρῶμα; brōma; meaning: “that which is eaten, food” [Strong's Concordance]], that which is made for sustaining the human body is outside of the human body, and is made to be eaten and therefore taken into the body, sustaining it, and so therefore the stomach made for the digestion of food for nourishment, and Paul draws his readers/hearers to this statement [of whomever it be of], as he is about to make a direct connection to the business of “fornication” among them, that it is never for the body, is never in sustaining and the building of it, but instead for tearing down and destruction of it.

Paul thus continues, “…but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body [is] not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.” [1 Corinthians 6:13;p], for as it was said before, “…fornicators…” “… shall not inherit the kingdom of God…” [1 Corinthians 6:9;p; Galatians 5:21;p], so while the stomach may be for food, and food for it, it is never the case that the body is being for “fornication”, nor “fornication” being for the body, since the body is Christ's [“…he is the head of the body, the church…” [Colossians 1:18;p]], and “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make [them] the members of an harlot? God forbid.” [1 Corinthians 6:15], “What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.” [1 Corinthians 6;16], “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” [1 Corinthians 6:19], which being supposed to be “…dead to sin …” [Romans 6:2;p], for they were to “…reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin…” [Romans 6:11;p] as they are “…espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.” [2 Corinthians 11:2], “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” [1 Corinthians 6:17] therefore, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” [1 Corinthians 6:18].

Therefore Paul reminds them of the great sacrificial and incalculable price of love of which they were redeemed, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” [1 Corinthians 6:20].

Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 addresses the issues of fornication a bit further by speaking of the proper things in marriage and virginity [throughout], of the calling to Christ Jesus in marriage or out of it, in slavery or in freedom, in circumcision or uncircumcision and in that whatever position they were called in Christ Jesus, serve and obey Christ Jesus in His Commandments [Exodus 20:6, John 14:15]:

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. [1 Corinthians 7:18]

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. [1 Corinthians 7:19]

…the “but” signifies that which is in contrast, ie., that this is 'everything', rather than the “nothing”..

And so Paul moves into the subject of eating which was also affecting the whole of the Corinthian Church. Now this eating that is next addressed by Paul is very specific in its scope, “…as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” [1 Corinthians 8:1;p]

Those in the Corinthian Church were being inconsiderate or even judgmental/condemnatory of fellow believer's consciences concerning foods/meats which they would eat of, which had first been offered unto idols before being sold in the marketplaces. Some knew [even as Paul], that “…an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.”[ 1 Corinthians 8:4;p and see also 1 Corinthians 10:19], and so no immediate transgression would come of eating any such food [having to be already sanctified, that is set aside by God in His Word for such, “For it is sanctified by the word of God …” [1 Timothy 4:5;p]] that was so bought from the local marketplaces [“shambles” [1 Corinthians 10:25]] that had been thus offered.

However, that knowledge is not always expedient when it comes to others, who may not know such things about the foods first sacrificed unto idols and then sold at market, “Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.” [1 Corinthians 8:7]. Paul says to take care, “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” [1 Corinthians 8:2], “But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” [1 Corinthians 8:3], for “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: …” [Romans 13:10;p] even in that thing which is normally allowed under the general circumstances, “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” [1 Corinthians 8:9].

Paul lays out the groundwork in giving the facts about such foods [in relation to idols] sold, “As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.” [1 Corinthians 8:4], “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)” [1 Corinthians 8:5], “But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.” [1 Corinthians 8:6], but shows that even in that knowledge, “…meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.” [1 Corinthians 8:8].

Paul vigorously warns against sinning “…against the brethren…” [1 Corinthians 8:12;p] by such “…knowledge…”, though the “…knowledge…” being correct theologically, even as he shows, but is not in their instance, harmonious, expedient or edifying all, for he shows how some, “…see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;” [1 Corinthians 8:10], “And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom
Christ died?” [1 Corinthians 8:11] and is there to “…sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.” [1 Corinthians 8:12].

Paul's conclusion therefore then is, even in knowing, that “…if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” [1 Corinthians 8:13;p]. Paul, being “strong” in the faith [Romans 15:1], would himself eat only “herbs” [Romans 14:2], that is “eat no flesh” [1 Corinthians 8:13], if knowing that what he ate of flesh [being first Clean, Lawful, Sanctified and in Christ Jesus] was somehow a stumbling block to others in their relationship to Christ Jesus and salvation, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” [Romans 14:7], so that “…the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth…” [2 Thessalonians 1:3;p], “Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” [1 Corinthians 13:4].

The food he is speaking about in eating is not the Unclean [of Genesis, Leviticus and Deuteronomy, etc.] [and never mentions the word “akathartos” [Unclean] or “bdelygma” [Abomination] in relation to food, though the word “akathartos” is used one time in reference to certain children; 1 Corinthians 7:14], but that which was Clean [of Genesis, Leviticus and Deuteronomy, etc.] yet sacrificed unto idols and purchased at market. What is called of God an “Abomination” and “Unclean” in His Word is never reversed, nor abrogated, never sanctified for eating/consumption and never to be used of sacrifice in worship to Him. Paul does not here negate the whole argument that was previously set forth about the body being the Temple of the Living God and that we are to take care of it, and be faithful stewards thereof, as such.

Paul being an Apostle himself [1 Corinthians 9:1, etc.], would never contradict the scriptures, nor his own ministry [Paul stating that the believing Gentiles were to be grafted into the root and stock; Romans 11], he, himself, also being subject to the previous prophets [“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” [1 Corinthians 14:32]], which hath already said through Moses and Isaiah, even concerning those to be “destroyed” in final execution of Judgment:

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing. [Deuteronomy 14:3]

They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. [Isaiah 66:17]

What then of 1 Corinthians 9:4?:

Have we not power to eat and to drink? [1 Corinthians 9:4]

This is to say, have we [Paul, preachers, etc] not the right to eat and drink of the Gospel ministry, to live of it, to be provided for in it by those whom it is preached to? For the Tithes and offerings system is still very much alive in the New Testament [OT – “…tithe…holy unto thee LORD.” [Leviticus 27:30;p]; also “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse …” [Malachi 3:10;p] looking forward; “…not to leave the other undone…” [Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42]; “…not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” [Acts 6:2;p]; “…but there he [receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth…” [Hebrews 7:8;p], etc.], for Paul continues by giving Old Testament examples and even citing “…it is written in the law of Moses…” [1 Corinthians 9:9;p]!:

So he says, “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?” [1 Corinthians 9:7],

“Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?” [1 Corinthians 9:8],

“For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?” [1 Corinthians 9:9],

“Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.” [1 Corinthians 9:10],

“If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” [1 Corinthians 9:11],

“If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.” [1 Corinthians 9:12],

“Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?” [1 Corinthians 9:13],

“Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” [1 Corinthians 9:14].

But Paul, though his right, claimed not the right everywhere he went, so as not to offend any, “But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.” [1 Corinthians 9:15],
“…[Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.” [1 Corinthians 9:18].

So, he preached the Gospel to all, “…though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more…” [1 Corinthians 9:19;p] and in certain cases restricted himself even from those things which he was entitled to in that ministry, and from those things which he was free to do in Christ Jesus, but perhaps were not immediately expedient for/to those whom he ministered, [“…being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ…” [1 Corinthians 9:21;p]], therefore not abandoning the Commandments of God, or right principle, but rather instead serving all, being, “…last of all, and servant of all …” [Mark 9:35;p; 10:34;p], and so it was not about what he could do in that specific freedom [from the traditions and saying of men] and knowledge, but rather it was what he disallowed of himself, in the love of Christ and the love of those for whom Christ also died, to save as many others, “…I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.” [1 Corinthians 9:22;p] and subjected himself in his freedoms and 'rights' in Christian “charity” in certain instances, “…unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law…” [1 Corinthians 9:20], “To them that are without law, as without law … that I might gain them that are without law.” [1 Corinthians 9:21;p], and if his food [ie. 'that which is eaten'] “…make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” [1 Corinthians 8:13], “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.” [1 Corinthians 9:22], “Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.” [1 Corinthians 10:33], therefore the counsel comes, “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:” [1 Corinthians 10:32], “And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].” [1 Corinthians 9:23].

However, though in certain instances, Paul would “…become as weak…” giving up his own 'rights', Paul would not ever compromise one iota of the Truth of the Everlasting Gospel in so doing with others, especially with those who were merely seeking to make of no effect that Gospel, “…that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:” [Galatians 2:4;p], “To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” [Galatians 2:5].

Paul was continually upholding the Commandments of God in the highest sense to others, in Christian “charity”, and even of himself, he continually sought to “… keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” [1 Corinthians 9:27;p] and therefore the transgression, being sin, of any of The Ten Commandments, or even of the Health and Dietary Laws [which were given to bring peace from disease, for Jesus hath come with healing, “…that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.” [John 10:10;p]] were the furthest thing from his mind in preaching of the Everlasting Gospel, for even as Paul's friend Luke, “…the beloved physician…” [Colossians 4:14;p], who traveled many times with Paul, had recorded of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save [them].” [Luke 9:56].

For as they of old, the “…church in the wilderness…” [Acts 7:38;p], were baptized in type, “…all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea…” [1 Corinthians 10:1;p], “And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;” [1 Corinthians 10:2] for “…the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” [Exodus 20:2;p] and so they were given God's Laws to obey, both spiritual and healthful, etc., and they followed and partook of Christ Jesus, “And did all eat the same spiritual meat;” [1 Corinthians 10:3], “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” [1 Corinthians 10:4] as they were being led into the Promised land, so likewise it is in Paul's and our day. However, “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.” [1 Corinthians 10:5] and why?, for their sins and transgression of His Laws were continual, “…with whom was he grieved forty years…” [Hebrews 3:17;p], even as it is said in the Psalms, “Forty years long was I grieved with [this] generation, and said, It [is] a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known m
y ways:” [Psalms 95:10]. For even before they wandered so long, God asks, “How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?” [Exodus 16:28;p] and in the wilderness, “the sabbath day” [Numbers 15:32;p] of the 4th Commandment was expressly mentioned as being transgressed. The penalty for transgressing was death [Numbers 15:35], even as the “wages for sin [is] death” [Romans 6:23;p].

Of them of old [that “church in the wilderness”], it is said, “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” [1 Corinthians 10:6], as it is written they “…lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.” [Psalms 106:14], “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” [Psalms 106:15] and said, “…the mixt multitude that [was] among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?” [Numbers 11:4;p], “…Who shall give us flesh to eat? for [it was] well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.” [Numbers 11:18;p] and so God was displeased and said to them, “[But] even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which [is] among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?” [Numbers 11:20]. The LORD has something better planned for them, yet they received what they desired, “And while the flesh [was] yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.” [Numbers 11:33] and therefore, “And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.” [Numbers 11:34].

And so Paul lists several more of the key moments of old, for ensamples and admonitions for the Corinthians and also for us, “…upon whom the ends of the world are come.” [1 Corinthians 10:11;p]:

Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. [1 Corinthians 10:7] and as it is so said, “They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.” [Psalms 106:19], “Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.” [Psalms 106:20], “And he said, [It is] not the voice of [them that] shout for mastery, neither [is it] the voice of [them that] cry for being overcome: [but] the noise of [them that] sing do I hear.” [Exodus 32:18], “And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.” [Exodus 32:19], “And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt [it] in the fire, and ground [it] to powder, and strawed [it] upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink [of it].” [Exodus 32:20]

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. [1 Corinthians 10:8] and as it is so said, “They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.” [Psalms 106:28], “Thus they provoked [him] to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.” [Psalms 106:29], “Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and [so] the plague was stayed.” [Psalms 106:30], “And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.” [Psalms 106:31], “And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.” [Numbers 25:3], “Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.” [Deuteronomy 4:3], “I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: [but] they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto [that] shame; and [their] abominations were according as they loved.” [Hosea 9:10]

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. [1 Corinthians 10:9] and as it is so said, “Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].” [Psalms 106:23], “And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.” [Numbers 21:6], “Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.” [Numbers 21:7]

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. [1 Corinthians 10:10] and as it is so said, “But murmured in their tents, [and] hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.” [Psalms 106:25], “Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:” [Psalms 106:26], “Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,” [Numbers 14:29], “And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.” [Deuteronomy 1:27].
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. [1 Corinthians 10:11]

And thus the warning is given to all, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” [1 Corinthians 10:12]

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. [1 Corinthians 10:13]

And so Paul makes it plain to avoid anything dealing with idolatry [just as earlier with “Flee fornication…” [1 Corinthians 6:18;p]], as he says, “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” [1 Corinthians 10:14], and so we should not even be associated with it, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” [1 Thessalonians 5:22], which would include anything resembling “fornication” and/or “idolatry”, for these sins affect more than the body, of which each is to be kept in holiness, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” [Romans 6:2], “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:” [Colossians 2:11], “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” [1 Peter 1:13], “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:” [1 Peter 1:14], “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;” [1 Peter 1:15], “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” [1 Peter 1:16], “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thessalonians 5:23], “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” [Hebrews 10:22], “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” [3 John 1:2], “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:” [Proverbs 3:1], “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” [Proverbs 3:2], “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:” [Proverbs 3:3], “So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” [Proverbs 3:4], “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” [Proverbs 3:5], “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” [Proverbs 3:6], “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” [Proverbs 3:7], “It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” [Proverbs 3:8]

Therefore, in obeying God in His Commandments is wisdom and judgment, “I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.” [1 Corinthians 10:15] bringing “long life” and “peace”, “health to thy navel” and “marrow to thy bones”.

Paul continues further, even the example of the communion of the believers in Christ Jesus, who is the head, and the fellowship in that body, who being Israel after the Spirit, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” [1 Corinthians 10:16], “For we [being] many are one bread, [and] one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” [1 Corinthians 10:17] and compares it to “Israel after the flesh” in their common gatherings, “Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?” [1 Corinthians 10:18] and then to Idolaters in theirs, “What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?” [1 Corinthians 10:19], “But I [say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.” [1 Corinthians 10:20].

Though the Idol is nothing, it is witnessed that each 'communion' of believers [of Christians, of Jews, of Idolaters] are partakers of the altar they worship at, and the Christian believer [circumcised or uncircumcised, Jew or Gentile], should have no part with such idolatry, leaven, sin and wickedness, for the Christian is to be “…a new lump, as ye are unleavened…” [1 Corinthians 5:7;p], and not be “…the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.” [1 Corinthians 5:8;p], even as the bread of the Passover and Lord's Supper, symbolic of Christ Jesus, was to be “unleavened” and likewise the “…cup of blessing…” [1 Corinthians 10:16;p], unleavened/unfermented “wine”, being the pure juice of the grape, of that “…fruit of the vine…” [Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18], the symbol of the pure blood, life and doctrine of Christ Jesus.

Paul says, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of

[Anonymous]

the table of devils.” [1 Corinthians 10:21], and so it is made clear that those who are in Christ Jesus will not be joined to any but He, and His table is pure, “…the pure table before the LORD.”[Leviticus 24:6;p], “…the pure table…” [2 Chronicles 13:11;p], and in the cup, purity, being, “…the cup of salvation…” [Psalms 116:13;p]. The subject of “wine”, both of the pure juice of the grape and of the intoxicating alcohol in the scriptures, we have already been looking at.

The idolaters and apostates, however, ate the “unclean” and “…eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse…” [Isaiah 66:17;p] and drank “…broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels.” [Isaiah 65:4;p], drinking alcoholic, fermented and intoxicating “…wine…” and “…strong drink…”, being the worshippers “…of Belial…” [1 Samuel 1:15-16;p], “They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.” [Daniel 5:4] and “…sacrifice[d] to devils…” [1 Corinthians 10:20;p].

And so though Paul knows that the idol is nothing [“For the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.” [1 Corinthians 10:26, 28;p]], he asks about presumption in that knowledge, “Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” [1 Corinthians 10:22], and reveals that even in that knowledge, there is a presumption to be guarded against, for it can lead to destruction, not only of self, but also of others, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”, especially to those that are weak in the faith, whose conscience is affected by the eating of things that had been first sacrificed to idols. We, who are “strong” in the faith, are instead, to seek the weak in the faiths welfare, above seeking only our own, “Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth].” [1 Corinthians 10:24], “Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other …” [1 Corinthians 10:29;p].

Paul gives some good counsel concerning the issue of foods that were allowed to be eaten and yet were linked to idols and then sold, by saying, “Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, [that] eat, asking no question for conscience sake:” [1 Corinthians 10:25] and “If any of them that believe not bid you [to a feast], and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.” [1 Corinthians 10:27]. In other words, 'don't ask whether it was first sacrificed to an idol and your conscience will not have to worry or be violated so easily' and so do not go purposefully seeking to make more trouble for yourself in an area where you cannot control certain things, however if it is made plainly known, “…if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake…” [1 Corinthians 10:28;p], it is better to “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” [1 Thessalonians 5:22] than to stumble yourself, or cause another to do so.

So Paul asks the questions, “…for why is my liberty judged of another [man's] conscience?” [1 Corinthians 10:29;p],

“For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?” [1 Corinthians 10:30].

His answer is, because we are the Lord's, twice over, even as they, and we should do all to the Glory of His Name, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31], therefore, in all things, “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:” [1 Corinthians 10:32] and “Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.” [1 Corinthians 10:33].

No one can continually and knowingly violate the Health Laws and Ten Commandments of God, and give Glory to God [“…glorify God in your body…” [1 Corinthians 6:20;p], “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16], “…Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” [Revelation 14:7;p]], for rather in transgression and disobedience we glorify satan, the father of lies and of the “…children of disobedience…” [Ephesians 2:2, 5:6; Colossians 6:3;p], and “…the lusts of your father ye will do.” [John 8:44;p].

For continuing in 1 Corinthians 11, see the post “Nov. 05 2012,08:36” in https://heavennet.net/cgi-bin….7;st=10

For 1 Corinthians 12-14, and the matter of the gifts and tongues, etc, that will be a subject yet to come in another thread.

For the remainder, in which is 1 Corinthians 15 and the manner of the resurrection and of the state of the dead, that is also for another subject and thread.

For 1 Corinthians 16, and the subject of the gatherings, that too shall be made manifest in a future thread.

[Admin]

This has been moved here in the Believers section.
It was in the Skeptics section which is for Skeptics and Believers who want to minister to Skeptics.

[Anonymous]

Now, for a brief interlude in Video and Printed, demonstrating the Science and perfect Scriptural veractiy of the Health Message Of Jesus, as it is even found in Revelation 14:6-12, “…and give glory to him…”, and “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31]

Amazing Health: Life At Its Best [Amazing Discoveries Seminar Presentation; Professor [also Pastor] Walter J. Veith]:

Life At Its Best 1 [Life At Its Best]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGR0bnxKCW4

Life At Its Best 2 [Your Health, Your Choice]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca3h7RUDKCk

Life At Its Best 3 [Sitting On A Time Bomb]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK55vhMQkbU

Life At Its Best 4 [Udderly Amazing]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9XuYRoqo1A

Life At Its Best 5 [Health And Happiness]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvuc4k7pxBg

Here We Stand – Miraculous Medicine [Prophecy Seminar; Pastor Doug Batchelor]:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elvNR8idyT0

Book: Ministry Of Healing [Ellen G. White]:
http://www.connectingwithjesus.org/media/MH.pdf

Weimar Health Institue TV [Health, Healing, Prophecy, Education & More, dealing with all manner of Diseases, Maladies, Physical, Mental, Spiritual and other material, Cooking, Exercise, Cleanliness, etc]:
http://www.weimartv.com/live/home.html

For More Wonderful, Healthy, And Life Saving Materials:
Pearl Trees Of Life – Health, Healing & More

[Anonymous]

Now, for a brief interlude in Video and Printed, demonstrating the Science and perfect Scriptural veractiy of the Health Message Of Jesus, as it is even found in Revelation 14:6-12, “…and give glory to him…”, and “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31]

Amazing Health: Life At Its Best [Amazing Discoveries Seminar Presentation; Professor [also Pastor] Walter J. Veith]:

Life At Its Best 1 [Life At Its Best]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGR0bnxKCW4

Life At Its Best 2 [Your Health, Your Choice]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca3h7RUDKCk

Life At Its Best 3 [Sitting On A Time Bomb]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK55vhMQkbU

Life At Its Best 4 [Udderly Amazing]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9XuYRoqo1A

Life At Its Best 5 [Health And Happiness]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvuc4k7pxBg

Here We Stand – Miraculous Medicine [Prophecy Seminar; Pastor Doug Batchelor]:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elvNR8idyT0

Book: Ministry Of Healing [Ellen G. White]:
http://www.connectingwithjesus.org/media/MH.pdf

Weimar Health Institue TV [Health, Healing, Prophecy, Education & More, dealing with all manner of Diseases, Maladies, Physical, Mental, Spiritual and other material, Cooking, Exercise, Cleanliness, etc]:
http://www.weimartv.com/live/home.html

For More Wonderful, Healthy, And Life Saving Materials:
Pearl Trees Of Life – Health, Healing & More

Re-Do.

[Author]

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