Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Abstaining from meat refers to the practice of refraining from consuming animal flesh. This practice can be observed for various reasons, including religious, ethical, or health considerations. In the biblical context, abstaining from meat is often associated with dietary laws, religious observance, and personal convictions. Old Testament References: In the Old Testament, dietary laws were given to the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 provide detailed lists of animals that could and could not be consumed. These laws were part of the covenant between God and Israel, serving to set the Israelites apart from other nations. Daniel's Example: One notable example of abstaining from meat is found in the Book of Daniel. Daniel and his companions chose not to defile themselves with the royal food and wine, opting instead for vegetables and water. Daniel 1:8 states, "But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself." New Testament Teachings: In the New Testament, the issue of eating meat, particularly meat sacrificed to idols, became a point of contention in the early church. The Apostle Paul addressed this in his letters, emphasizing the importance of conscience and the impact of one's actions on others. In 1 Corinthians 8:13 , Paul writes, "Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall." Romans 14 and Christian Liberty: Romans 14 discusses the principle of Christian liberty and the importance of not passing judgment on others regarding dietary practices. Romans 14:2-3 states, "One person’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him." Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council: The early church faced the challenge of integrating Gentile believers, leading to the Jerusalem Council's decision in Acts 15. The council concluded that Gentile converts should abstain from certain practices, including consuming meat sacrificed to idols. Acts 15:29 instructs, "You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things." Personal Convictions and Community Considerations: The New Testament encourages believers to respect personal convictions and to act in love towards one another. In 1 Timothy 4:3-4 , Paul warns against those who "forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." Summary of Biblical Perspective: The Bible presents a nuanced view of abstaining from meat, balancing personal conviction with community sensitivity. While the Old Testament contains specific dietary laws for Israel, the New Testament emphasizes freedom in Christ and the importance of not causing others to stumble. Believers are encouraged to act according to their conscience and to prioritize love and unity within the body of Christ. Topical Bible Verses Colossians 2:16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Topicalbible.org Genesis 9:3 Acts 15:29 Romans 14:21 1 Timothy 4:3 Library Three Good Reasons for Abstaining from Certain Kinds of Food. The Pastoral Epistles. But Neither do the Jews Pride Themselves Upon Abstaining from ... Of the Apostle's Language Concerning Food. Whether Abstinence is a virtue? On the First and Second Commandments of the Church The Likeness of the Son to the Father Being Proved... We Shall Now Proceed to the Next Statement of Celsus... Whether Abstinence is a Special virtue? Of the Mortification of Sensual Love to Meats, &C. ... Resources What is the National Baptist Convention USA? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about fornication? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about oral sex? | GotQuestions.org Abstaining: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |