Definition and Context:
The term "abstained" refers to the act of voluntarily refraining from certain activities, substances, or practices. In the biblical context, abstention often relates to practices that are considered unclean, sinful, or inappropriate for believers. It can also refer to fasting or refraining from food and drink for spiritual purposes.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, abstention is often associated with dietary laws and vows. For example, the Nazirite vow required individuals to abstain from wine, strong drink, and anything made from grapes (Numbers 6:3). Abstention from certain foods is also seen in the dietary laws given to the Israelites, where they were commanded to avoid unclean animals (Leviticus 11).

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, abstention takes on a broader spiritual significance. Believers are encouraged to abstain from sinful desires and practices. In Acts 15:20, the Jerusalem Council advises Gentile believers to "abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood." This directive was part of the guidelines given to Gentile converts to help them live in harmony with Jewish believers.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of abstention in his letters. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 , Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." Here, abstention is linked to personal holiness and self-control.

Fasting and Spiritual Discipline:
Abstention is closely related to the practice of fasting, which is a voluntary refraining from food and sometimes drink for a period of time to focus on prayer and spiritual growth. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2), setting an example for His followers. In Matthew 6:16-18 , Jesus instructs His disciples on the proper attitude and approach to fasting, emphasizing sincerity and humility.

Moral and Ethical Abstention:
The New Testament also encourages believers to abstain from behaviors that are contrary to Christian ethics. In 1 Peter 2:11 , Peter urges, "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." This exhortation highlights the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for believers to live in a way that honors God.

Cultural and Social Considerations:
Abstention can also be seen in the context of cultural and social practices. In Romans 14:21 , Paul advises, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble." Here, abstention is a matter of love and consideration for others, particularly in matters of conscience and community harmony.

Conclusion:
The concept of abstention in the Bible encompasses a range of practices and principles, from dietary restrictions and vows to moral and ethical living. It is a discipline that reflects a commitment to holiness, self-control, and love for others, rooted in a desire to honor God in all aspects of life.(imp. & p. p.) of Abstain.

Whether it is Credible that the Men of the Primitive Age Abstained ...
... Chapter 15."Whether It is Credible that the Men of the Primitive Age Abstained from
Sexual Intercourse Until that Date at Which It is Recorded that They ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 15 whether it is credible.htm

Faustus Repels the Insinuation that the Prophecy of Paul with ...
... For we are told that they abstained not only from what the law forbade, but even
from what it allowed; [1018] and you are wont to praise them, and count them ...
/.../faustus repels the insinuation that.htm

Epistle xxvii. To the Clergy and People of Jadera .
... it, have been deprived of communion by the Apostolic See, but that others, with
wholesome discretion, have under the Lord's protection abstained; and as much ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxvii to the clergy.htm

The Second Passage. Who May be Said to Abstain from Every Evil ...
... and godly, abstaining from every evil thing.'" [1488] I am surprised that he has
brought forward this passage, which says that Job "abstained from every evil ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter xii 29 the second passage.htm

The Heresy of Tatian.
... 16. [1325] Iren??us, Adv. H??r. I. 28. 1. [1326] 'Enkrateis, a word meaning "temperate"
or "continent." These Encratites were heretics who abstained from flesh ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxix the heresy of tatian.htm

Relation of the Pharisees to the Sadducees and Essenes, and to the ...
... four thousand; and as they lived apart from the rest, neither mingling in their
society nor in their worship, and"as a general rule"abstained from marriage ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 15 relation of the.htm

Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests.
... They abstained from wine even in the Lord's Supper; they abstained from the flesh
of all animals, in which they surpassed the Dominican brethren who live upon ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 28 article xxiii xi .htm

How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ...
... head." So he showed him the piece of his garment, and thereby made him agree to
what he said to be true; and added, "I, for certain, have abstained from taking ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how david when.htm

Liturgical Use.
... Doubtless it was not in ecclesiastical use; but the reason why the Christian Church
abstained from availing herself of it for choral purposes is not evident ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/liturgical use.htm

Rom. xiv. 1, 2
... Then that they might not be observed if they kept from swine's flesh only, they
abstained in consequence from all flesh, and ate herbs only, that what they ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxv rom xiv 1.htm

Abstained (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Abstain. Multi-Version Concordance
Abstained (2 Occurrences). Exodus 31:17 It is a sign ...
/a/abstained.htm - 7k

Abstain (13 Occurrences)

/a/abstain.htm - 10k

Dainty (7 Occurrences)
... By their associations and their softening effects they are to be abstained from
or indulged in moderately as "deceitful food" by those who would live the ...
/d/dainty.htm - 10k

Dainties (14 Occurrences)
... By their associations and their softening effects they are to be abstained from
or indulged in moderately as "deceitful food" by those who would live the ...
/d/dainties.htm - 12k

Meats (9 Occurrences)
... By their associations and their softening effects they are to be abstained from
or indulged in moderately as "deceitful food" by those who would live the ...
/m/meats.htm - 11k

Abstaineth (2 Occurrences)

/a/abstaineth.htm - 7k

Fasting (34 Occurrences)
... In 1 Samuel 31:13 allusion is made to a seven days' fast, while Daniel abstained
from "pleasant bread," flesh, wine and anointing for three weeks (Daniel 10:3 ...
/f/fasting.htm - 23k

Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)
... So also the Rechabites abstained from wine (Jeremiah 35:6, 8, 14) and social
conveniences, because they regarded the nomadic life as more conducive to Yahweh ...
/d/drunkenness.htm - 24k

Exaltation (9 Occurrences)
... He possessed during His life on earth the Divine attributes of omnipresence,
omnipotence and omniscience, but He voluntarily abstained from their exercise. ...
/e/exaltation.htm - 27k

Fast (157 Occurrences)
... In 1 Samuel 31:13 allusion is made to a seven days' fast, while Daniel abstained
from "pleasant bread," flesh, wine and anointing for three weeks (Daniel 10:3 ...
/f/fast.htm - 49k

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