GOD TOLD US NOT TO EAT - FOOD
Download GOD TOLD US NOT TO EAT - FOOD
Feb 2026
GOD TOLD US NOT TO EAT
Feb 2026
BLOOD
The early Church gave the following instructions to new Gentile believers. Three of them were related to eating:
“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well” (Acts 15:28–29).
In other words, it will not be well with you if you eat these things.
Why were these instructions given? Because these matters are not always easy to identify in the Law given to Moses. The average new convert may not have known these details, so they were clearly shared with them.
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Gen. 9:4); therefore, do not eat the life. Those who had received the Law of God would have understood what blood is—it is red and visible. If we squeeze meat with our fingers and they turn red, that is blood and it is not to be eaten.
Some of the related laws include:
- When an animal is killed, it must not be strangled or caused to die slowly (Acts 15:28–29). The blood is to be drained out properly. The death should be quick, such as by slitting the throat of the animal.
- When the animal is killed, the blood is to be poured out “as” water (Deut. 12:16; 15:23). This means no blood soup, blood marinade, blood sausage, etc.
- We are not to eat “any form of” blood (Lev. 7:26–27; 17:10, 13–14; Gen. 9:4), which would include consuming meat that still contains visible blood.
- Besides not eating blood with the meat, we are not to eat blood on anything, including dipping fruit, vegetables, or anything else in blood (Lev. 19:26; Ezek. 33:25).
Nowhere in Scripture does it say we may eat raw meat. However, there are references to boiling and roasting meat. For example, regarding the Israelites about to leave Egypt:
- “And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof” (Exo. 12:8–9).
- Another example involves Eli’s evil sons: “The priest's custom with the people was that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was seething (in the process of cooking), with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; and he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot. All that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself (notice the people were cooking the meat in different ways). So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. Also, before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came and said to the man that sacrificed, ‘Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden (boiled) flesh of thee, but raw’” (1 Sam. 2:12–15).
- Some may say, “What about Elijah? The ravens brought him meat” (1 Kings 17:6). The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and in the evening. Please note that it does not say Elijah ate it raw. If a friend brought me raw meat, the basic expectation would be that I would cook it, not eat it raw. If they believed I would eat it raw, then they would not truly know me—just as many claim to know God and call Him their friend, yet do not truly know Him.
Just a thought: perhaps God wants us to cook or roast meat so that it is easier to digest. Raw meat may appear “lifeless,” yet it can grow bacteria far more easily than properly cooked meat.
What about Sushi - Raw fish?
Rabbis believe it is acceptable under the Law because the blood mentioned in Scripture is specifically related to the blood of animals and birds: “Moreover, ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings” (Lev. 7:26).
Rashi - foremost Torah commentator - says on this verse:
- [And you shall not eat any blood...] whether from birds or from animals Excluded [from this prohibition is] the blood of fish and locusts - [Torath Kohanim 7:143]
- We see something interesting here. There are four types of Kosher creatures: Animals, Birds, Fish and Locusts. We can divide these into two categories: animals and birds, which are warm blooded creatures, and fish and locusts which are cold blooded creatures.Did John the Baptiser cook his locusts?
- Those that fall into the warm-blooded category, need to have both Shechitah - ritual slaughter, and draining of the Blood, as opposed to the cold-blooded group, which doesn't need either Shechitah, nor removal of blood. Though fish do not have to go through the extensive blood draining process that animals and fowl do, there is still a Rabbinic prohibition of drinking a cup of fish blood due to appearing as though drinking a forbidden type of blood.
My Answer:
- John the Baptist probably cooked his locusts; there is no indication that he did not or did. There is a distinction between animals, birds, fish, and insects (1 Cor. 15:39); therefore, they are not all the same, though the same principle applies to them all. God clearly says is Genesis that we are not to eat “flesh with the life, which is the blood” (Gen. 9:4). In the context, this includes fish (see verse 2). Therefore, I conclude that we are not to eat sushi, as it contains blood.In addition, the reason I believe us that God that harmful parasites can be present in meats and could severely harm people. Proper cooking to safe internal temperatures (around 75°C, depending on the type of meat) can effectively kill most parasites and their eggs.Temperature around 100C kills all parasites. Methods such as salting, lemon juice, smoking, or drying do not kill parasite eggs.
UNCLEAN ANIMALS
There are two chapters in Scripture that clearly identify unclean animals and forbid their consumption. God calls them an abomination to eat (Lev. 11; Deut. 14). Is there a stronger word than abomination?
God concludes the context by saying: “For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44).
The early Church would not have overlooked this but would have obeyed it (2 Tim. 3:16). Please note that neither Yeshua nor any of the disciples ate anything that God declared unclean or abominable. Yeshua did not make unclean food clean; rather, He made unclean people clean through His blood.
In the Millennium, when Christ reigns, what will God do to those who eat detestable or abominable things?
“For behold, the LORD will come with fire and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword the LORD will judge all flesh; and the slain of the LORD shall be many. ‘Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, to go to the gardens after an idol in the midst, eating swine's flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together,’ says the LORD” (Isa. 66:15–17).
“A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels” (Isa. 65:3–4).
Verses that seem to contradict or is it one’s understanding that is contradicted?
1. “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man” (Matt. 15:11). “In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:19). Error statement: Based on this passage, you can eat anything.
Response: First, let us deal with the false addition to Scripture: “In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:19). This sentence is not in the original text. It was added. If your translation includes this statement, you should discard it, because there are other additions that are not scriptural. Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Regarding Matt. 15:11, this passage is about how they ate, not what they ate. The Greek word translated “defiled” means unclean, dirty, or contaminated, referring to external contamination. In context, the issue was that the disciples did not wash their hands before eating, so the food they touched was considered unclean because it was contaminated.
For those who study words: this is a different Greek word from the word “unclean” used in Lev. 11 regarding forbidden foods (as seen in the Septuagint, G169). The word used in Leviticus refers to something unclean in nature, like refuse or garbage, unclean both inside and out.
Matt. 15 and Mark 7 have nothing to do with animals God declared unclean, such as pork or shellfish. If Yeshua had taught that these could be eaten, the Pharisees would have stoned Him immediately for violating the Law of God. The issue was handwashing. Unwashed hands contaminate food, and therefore the Pharisees claimed the disciples were defiling themselves. This handwashing requirement came from the Talmud, the oral law of the Pharisees, not from Scripture. That is what Yeshua rebuked.
Yeshua and the disciples ate what God defined as food, not what pagans defined as food, such as humans, pork, shellfish, poisonous frogs, snakes, and other unclean creatures. Many years later, Peter confirmed that he had never eaten anything unclean according to the Law of God (Lev. 11; Deut. 14). The disciples’ hands were unwashed and therefore considered contaminated, so the Pharisees accused them of defiling themselves. Yeshua turned their accusation back on them. He declared that they were defiled by what came out of their mouths, from evil thoughts and corrupt speech. They were defiled by what they were saying.
Yeshua later explained this clearly in Matt. 15:20: “…to eat with unwashed hands defileth not a man.” This proves His statement had nothing to do with eating foods God forbade and nothing to do with eating things sacrificed to idols.
Anyone who claims this passage permits eating anything creates direct contradictions in the New Testament. Yeshua rebuked church leaders in Revelation for allowing people to eat things sacrificed to idols (Rev. 2:14, 20). That is something that enters the mouth. During the millennial reign of Christ, the Lord declares in Isa. 66:17 that those who eat swine’s flesh, the abomination, and the mouse will be consumed together. That is something that enters the mouth. The early Church commanded believers to abstain from blood, from things strangled, and from things offered to idols (Acts 15:29), all of which enter the mouth, so that it may be well with them. If they do not abstain, it will not be well with them.
Consider this: if the Pharisees had believed Yeshua taught that people could eat pigs and other unclean animals, they would have stoned Him immediately. Yet this accusation was never brought against Him. The disputes were always about the traditions of men, such as how He kept the Sabbath or how they ate, not about eating animals forbidden by God.
This is no different from today. Many churches keep commandments of men, such as ritual handwashing or sanitizing, yet openly violate the commands of God by serving pork. Hypocrisy remains hypocrisy.
2. “Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean” (Acts 10:12–14). Error statement: Based on this passage, God is giving permission to eat unclean animals, insects, or birds.
Response: If that were true, then you would be claiming greater understanding than Peter, because Peter did not interpret it that way. Throughout Scripture, animals are often used symbolically in reference to people. When Pharaoh dreamed of thin cows eating fat cows (Gen. 41:4), no one thought literal cows were devouring each other. The vision given to Peter was no different.
Peter knew the Old Testament and understood the meaning. He knew the vision was not about eating unclean animals. It was about going to those considered unclean people, the Gentiles. Peter himself gave the interpretation: “God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean” (Acts 10:28). Later, he repeated the vision and its meaning to the early Church, and they accepted it (Acts 11:1–18).
This vision has nothing to do with permission to eat pork, poisonous creatures, or anything unclean. It has everything to do with the fact that “God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18). Anyone who adds another meaning beyond what Peter clearly stated is adding to the interpretation of God’s messenger.
Remember what happened to Ananias and Sapphira when they lied to Peter. They died. Peter said they had not lied to men but to God. How much worse is it to add an interpretation Peter never gave?
3. “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you” (Gen. 9:3). Error statement: This means you can eat anything that moves.
Answer: Can you eat humans? They move. If you say no, then you are already applying interpretation. Proper interpretation requires understanding what Noah would have understood. If I tell a friend he can eat anything in my house, I do not expect him to eat furniture or cleaning chemicals. An open statement is understood within relationship and context.
Noah already knew the difference between clean and unclean animals before the Law was written by Moses (Gen. 7:2, 8). God did not need to redefine it for him. Noah understood what was pure and what was contaminated. The word translated “unclean” carries the meaning of dirty or contaminated. God instructed Noah how many clean and unclean animals were to enter the ark. When God later said he could eat, which animals do you think Noah would have chosen?
4. “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving… For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Tim. 4:3–5). Error statement: If you abstain from meats, you are following the doctrine of demons.
Answer: The text says meats which God created to be received with thanksgiving. Which meats did God create for that purpose? Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 define them. To forbid what God declared clean, such as beef, is a doctrine of demons. But calling God’s dietary instructions demonic is itself a serious error.
“Every creature of God is good” does not mean every creature on earth is food. Poisonous snakes and toxic animals are creatures of God, but they are not food. The word for means because. Therefore, every creature God created for food is good and not to be refused. It is sanctified by the word of God, which defines clean and unclean, and by prayer.
5. “Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation” (Heb. 9:10). Error statement: The restrictions on food and drink have been abolished.
Answer: Hebrews 9 is speaking about Temple sacrifices and offerings. The context is gifts and sacrifices that could not perfect the conscience. It refers to meat and drink offerings connected to the sacrificial system, not to everyday dietary laws.
6. “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not… I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself… For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:3, 14, 17). Error statement: Do not judge anyone about food. If I do not consider it unclean, then it is not unclean.
Answer: Romans 14 begins with “Do not dispute over doubtful things.” The Torah is not doubtful. Doubtful matters include issues such as voluntary fasting days or uncertainty about whether market food had been offered to idols. These are the kinds of issues Romans 14 addresses.
It does not grant freedom to eat unclean animals, blood, or food knowingly sacrificed to idols, which are clearly addressed elsewhere in Scripture. Acts 15:29 commands abstaining from blood, things strangled, and things offered to idols. Revelation 2:14 rebukes those who eat things sacrificed to idols. Scripture does not contradict itself. Misinterpretation creates contradiction, not the text.
The Kingdom of God is not about physical food but about spiritual righteousness produced by the Holy Spirit. Yet Scripture still condemns those who pursue detestable things (Ezek. 11:9–21).
7. “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things written in the book of the law… Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ” (Gal. 3:11, 24). Error statement: We are not under the law, so we can eat whatever we want.
Answer: If that logic were true, then adultery and idolatry would also be permitted. Paul is speaking about justification, not about abolishing God’s commandments. He addresses the works of the law connected to Temple sacrifices and circumcision for justification. The sacrificial system functioned as a tutor pointing to Christ.
The law that defines sin remains. Sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). Christ paid the penalty for sin, but that does not redefine sin. If pork is eaten, it is sin. Justification comes through Christ, not through abstaining from pork. But repentance requires recognizing sin for what it is.
8. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances… Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday…” (Col. 2:14–17). Error statement: No one can judge what others eat or drink.
Answer: The context is forgiveness of sins and the removal of the record of debt. It concerns sacrificial ordinances tied to sin offerings. It does not abolish God’s dietary instructions. Hebrews 9 confirms the focus on Temple sacrifices, meat and drink offerings, and ceremonial ordinances imposed until reformation.
Paul did not contradict Acts 15:29 or the teachings of Christ.
9. “Touch not; taste not; handle not… after the commandments and doctrines of men” (Col. 2:18–22). Error statement: We are free from restrictions and can eat anything.
Answer: Paul explicitly says these are commandments and doctrines of men, not of God. God’s commandments regarding blood and idolatry remain binding (Acts 15:29). Paul is rejecting man-made ascetic rules, not the commandments of God.
10. “Into whatsoever city ye enter… eat such things as are set before you” (Luke 10:8). Error statement: Eat whatever is placed before you, including pork.
Answer: The disciples were Israelites who knew the Torah. They would not have eaten human flesh, poisonous creatures, or anything forbidden by God. The instruction assumed shared understanding of what is lawful food. Yeshua sent them to the lost sheep of Israel, not to pagan nations (Matt. 10:5–6). They knew what was clean and unclean.
Peter, years later, still declared he had never eaten anything unclean (Acts 10:14). That confirms the consistent practice.
11. Why were there herds of pigs in Israel (Mark 5:11) if pigs were forbidden?
Answer: Pigs consume refuse and were useful for waste disposal. In the first century, Israel was under Roman occupation, and Romans consumed pork. Jews raised pigs for Roman demand. Touching a pig was not sin. Eating its flesh was the abomination (Lev. 11).
12. Is eating unclean food qualifies as a sin against the body? As 1 Cor. 6:18: “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” Therefore it only includes fornication as a sin against the body, to the exclusion of all other sins
There are many sins that affect our body directly and not necessarily other people. Galatians 5:19-21; mentions few of them idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, wrath, coveting, drunkenness etc. Matthew 5:28 Yeshua speaks of lustful thoughts about another man’s wife, commits sin. Revelation 2 Yeshua mentions eating things sacrificed to idols. The list could continue. Therefore, for Scripture to remain in harmony, Paul in 1 Cor. 6:18 is speaking specifically about sin that goes into the body and impacts the spirit, namely fornication. The Greek word translated “against” in verse 18 is better translated “into,” therefore into his own body. There are sins that impact the spirit, sins that impact the soul, and sins that impact the body.
Coveting impacts the soul. Eating blood impacts the soul (demons have access through blood). Drunkenness impacts the soul. The soul is our decisions center and therefore these sins impact how we make decisions. Eating pork impacts the body. But why does fornication impact the spirit? Because the Lord created sexual union for a husband and wife to become one spiritually. Those who commit fornication unite themselves not only physically but spiritually, joining themselves to the other person harlot or demon or …. That is why verse 19 speaks about the body being the temple in which the Holy Spirit. Fornication uniquely violates that temple at a spiritual level.
CLEAN AND UNCLEAN FOOD LIST
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CLEAN ANIMALS |
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Chew the Cud and Part the Hoof |
Fish with Fins and Scales |
Minnow |
Birds With Clean Characteristics |
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Antelope |
Anchovy |
Mullet |
Chicken |
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Bison (buffalo) |
Bass |
Perch (or bream) |
Dove |
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Caribou |
Black pomfret (or monchong) |
Pike (or pickerel or jack) |
Duck |
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Cattle (beef, veal) |
Bluefish |
Pollack (or pollock or Boston bluefish) |
Goose |
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Deer (venison) |
Bluegill |
Rockfish |
Grouse |
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Elk |
Carp |
Salmon |
Guinea fowl |
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Gazelle |
Cod |
Sardine (or pilchard) |
Partridge |
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Giraffe |
Crappie |
Shad |
Peafowl |
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Goat |
Drum |
Silver hake (or whiting) |
Pheasant |
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Hart |
Smelt (or frost fish or ice fish) |
Pigeon |
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Ibex |
Grouper |
Snapper (or ebu, jobfish, lehi, onaga, opakapaka or uku) |
Prairie chicken |
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Moose |
Grunt |
Ptarmigan |
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Ox |
Haddock |
Steelhead |
Quail |
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Reindeer |
Hake |
Sucker |
Swan (TBD) |
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Sheep (lamb, mutton) |
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Teal |
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Hardhead |
Tarpon |
Turkey |
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Herring (or alewife) |
Trout (or weakfish) |
Insects |
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Kingfish |
Types of locusts that may include crickets and grasshoppers |
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Mackerel (or corbia) |
Turbot (except European turbot) |
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Mahimahi (or dorado, dolphinfish [not to be confused with the mammal dolphin]) |
Whitefish |
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UNCLEAN ANIMALS |
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Unclean Animals |
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Shellfish |
Gull |
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Swine |
Kangaroo |
Abalone |
Hawk |
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Boar |
Llama (alpaca, vicuña) |
Clam |
Heron |
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Peccary |
Mole |
Conch |
Kite |
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Pig (hog, bacon, ham, lard, pork, most sausage and pepperoni) |
Monkey |
Crab |
Lapwing |
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Canines |
Mouse |
Crayfish (crawfish, crawdad) |
Loon |
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Coyote |
Muskrat |
Lobster |
Magpie |
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Dog |
Opossum |
Mussel |
Osprey |
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Fox |
Porcupine |
Oyster |
Ostrich |
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Hyena |
Rabbit (hare) |
Scallop |
Owl |
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Jackal |
Raccoon |
Shrimp (prawn) |
Parrot |
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Wolf |
Rat |
Soft body |
Pelican |
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Felines |
Rhinoceros |
Cuttlefish |
Penguin |
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Cat |
Skunk |
Jellyfish |
Plover |
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Cheetah |
Slug |
Limpet |
Rail |
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Leopard |
Snail (escargot) |
Octopus |
Raven |
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Lion |
Squirrel |
Squid (calamari) |
Roadrunner |
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Panther |
Wallaby |
Sea mammals |
Sandpiper |
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Tiger |
Weasel |
Dolphin |
Seagull |
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Equines |
Wolverine |
Otter |
Stork |
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Donkey (ass) |
Worm |
Porpoise |
Swallow |
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Horse |
All insects except some in the locust |
Seal |
Swift |
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Mule |
family |
Walrus |
Vulture |
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Onager |
Without Fins and Scales |
Whale |
Water hen |
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Zebra (quagga) |
Fish |
Birds of Prey, Scavengers and Others |
Woodpecker |
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Other |
Bullhead |
Albatross |
Reptiles |
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Armadillo |
Catfish |
Bittern |
Alligator |
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Badger |
Eel Halibut |
Buzzard |
Caiman |
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Bat |
European Turbot Sunfish |
Condor |
Crocodile |
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Bear |
Marlin |
Coot |
Lizard |
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Beaver |
Paddlefish |
Cormorant |
Snake |
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Camel |
Shark |
Crane |
Turtle |
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Elephant |
Stickleback |
Crow |
Amphibians |
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Gorilla |
Squid |
Cuckoo |
Blindworm |
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Groundhog |
Sturgeon (includes most caviar) |
Eagle |
Frog |
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Hippopotamus |
Swordfish Sole Tuna (or ahi, aku, albacore, bonito or tombo) |
Grebe |
Salamander |
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Grosbeak |
Toad |
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Why is tuna unclean as it has microscopic scales?
Based on whose definition are these scales? If these were considered scales in a microscopic sense, then every living creature would qualify, including dolphins, sharks, and whales. The biblical definition of scales refers to something visible to the eye. The Israelites who received the command would have understood this clearly. It would have referred to something that could be physically removed by scraping with a knife.
As for Jewish authorities who say tuna is clean, they can be wrong. Being Jewish does not make someone infallible. Many reject central truths, including Yeshua as the Messiah. Therefore, their interpretation is not the final authority. The standard is the Word of God, not tradition.
FOOD OFFERED TO IDOLS
Is it true that only mature Christians can eat food sacrificed to idols, or are they deceived and actually sinning?
Food today that would be considered offered, dedicated, or sacrificed to devils or idols would include halal food and food associated with various pagan festivals such as Diwali, Halloween, Chinese New Year, and similar celebrations.
EARLY CHURCH (HOLY SPIRIT, APOSTLES, ELDERS, INCLUDING PAUL)
The early Church (the apostles and elders) provided a letter (Acts 15:23) to the Gentiles who call upon the name of the Lord. They sent the letter through four men, one of whom was Paul. The letter was to be read to new converts and did not require further explanation. Paul would not have contradicted what the elders of the early Church declared.
Acts 15:20 states that they were to abstain from pollutions of idols, from fornication, from things strangled, and from blood. Acts 15:29 repeats: “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.”
The Greek word for “meats offered to idols” is eidōlóthuton (G1494), meaning whatever is sacrificed or offered to an idol. The Greek word for “abstain” means to hold oneself back from, that is, not to partake. In this context, it specifically means eat things sacrificed unto idols is forbidden. It would not be well with them if they did so, as plainly stated in the letter.
Where did the early Church receive this instruction? From the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28). They also knew what God had already said in Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16). The Gentiles may have missed or ignored these commands in the reading of Moses, since they appear in only a few places, but they were not new teachings.
- Whether eating, touching, burning incense, or speaking a blessing over an idol, these acts are connected to things offered to idols. Isaiah 66:3 states, “…he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol.”
- Moab invited Israel to their festivals, which included sacrifices to their gods. Israel did not perform the sacrifices themselves, but they participated in the result: they ate and bowed down. Numbers 25:1–2 says, “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.”
- Any one of these actions is evil by itself. They do not need to be combined to be sinful. God is a jealous God. Exodus 34:14–16 says, “…and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice…”
JOHN
John confirms this to all believers in 1 John 5:21: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” This includes eating things offered to idols and everything associated with idols.
YESHUA (JESUS)
If someone is not convinced by the perspective of the early Church or by John, then consider Yeshua, our Lord and Saviour, who made this clear around 95 AD. There is no one more mature or knowledgeable than the leader of a church. Yeshua rebuked the leaders of two churches for specifically allowing others to eat things sacrificed to idols. He is doing the same today. It is clear.
Reader, understand this: if there is ever a perceived contradiction in your mind between Paul’s words and Yeshua’s words, always lean on what Yeshua said. That is the safest position. Paul did not die for you. Yeshua did. Yeshua is your Lord and Saviour, not Paul. If you had lived in the first century, you would not have eaten food offered to idols.
Yeshua said to the leader at Pergamos (Rev. 2:14): “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication…”
Yeshua said to the leader at Thyatira (Rev. 2:20): “Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”
PAUL
Did Paul contradict Yeshua’s words about not eating things sacrificed to idols, and the early Church’s command to abstain from things offered to idols? Or is it one’s understanding that is in contradiction?
If there were an actual contradiction, the verses already presented would be more than sufficient to settle the matter and to abstain from touching or eating things offered to idols. The decision-making hierarchy is clear: first Yeshua, then the early Church leaders, then Paul. We know Paul was not contradicting Yeshua or the early Church. Therefore, Paul’s teaching must be understood in light of Yeshua and the early Church.
Some background on Corinth: Paul had already delivered the letter from the early Church instructing believers to abstain from things offered to idols. In Corinth, many believers were concerned about whether the food they were eating had been sacrificed to idols. These were doubtful matters, similar to those addressed in Romans 14:1.
Some believers later discovered that the food had been offered to idols. Others found out while they were eating, and their conscience was troubled. They felt separated from God and did not know what to do. Paul addresses both groups: those who may have unknowingly eaten food sacrificed to idols and those who discovered afterward, or during the meal, that it had been offered to idols.
1 CORINTHIANS 8
1 Cor. 8:4–13 does not stand alone as if it were an independent law of God. It must be understood within the full counsel of God’s Word. This passage does not give license to eat human flesh or unclean foods such as pork, which is called an abomination (Deut. 14:3–8). The context Paul addresses concerns eating things offered to idols.
Commentary on: “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… 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.”
Paul is not contradicting what he later writes when he states that the Gentiles sacrifice to devils and that we cannot partake of the Lord’s table and the table of devils (1 Cor. 10:20–22). That is not “nothing.”
What, then, is nothing in the world? Paul is referring specifically to the idol itself as nothing. He is not saying that sacrifices, participation in festivals, or eating what is sacrificed are nothing. An idol has a mouth but does not speak; it has legs but does not walk. It is nothing in the world, as the Psalmist says (Ps. 135:15–17).
Not every new believer has this knowledge. What knowledge? The knowledge that God created all things and that an idol has no real power. Therefore, when someone eats with full awareness that it was offered to an idol, and their conscience is bound to that idol, their conscience is weak and they are defiled.
A strong conscience knows that God is above all, yet still would not eat something known to be sacrificed to idols because they fear God (1 Cor. 10:21–22). If someone unknowingly ate and later discovered that it had been sacrificed to idols, they would stop. They would not condemn themselves for what they did unknowingly, for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer (1 Tim. 4:5).
Commentary on: “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man 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; and through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?”
If someone mature in the faith knows that God created all things and that an idol is nothing, yet lies down in an idol’s temple, he may lead a weaker brother astray. The Greek word translated “sit at meat” can mean to recline or lie down, as in Acts 28:8. It does not require that he was actively eating food sacrificed to idols. He could have brought his own food. The issue is appearance and influence. The weaker brother may not understand and may be emboldened to eat things offered to idols.
It is similar to a pastor coming out of a brothel. Even if his intent were different, a weaker believer could be misled and fall.
If Paul were teaching that eating things offered to idols makes no difference, he would be contradicting the early Church (Acts 15:29), which he personally delivered to Corinth. The letter says that if they abstain, they will do well, implying it will not be well if they do not.
It would also contradict Yeshua, who rebuked the leaders of two churches for allowing people to eat things offered to idols (Rev. 2:14, 20). Jezebel, who taught this, was cast into a sickbed by Yeshua (Rev. 2:22).
Paul gives two clear reasons. First, a weak conscience may be led into sin. We must not cause others to stumble. He is not promoting eating things offered to idols.
Second, believers must understand that these sacrifices are sacrifices to devils. When someone knowingly partakes, they are fellowshipping with devils and provoking the Lord (1 Cor. 10:20–22).
1 CORINTHIANS 10
1 Cor. 10:20–22 states:
“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. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?”
Paul clearly affirms that what the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils and not to God. A believer must not consciously eat things sacrificed to devils. “Ye cannot…” (1 Cor. 10:21–22) is absolute.
So what happens if someone unknowingly eats something offered to idols, or finds out partway through the meal? Should they condemn themselves?
1 Cor. 10:25–31 says: “Whatsoever is sold in the shambles (meat market), that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. 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. But 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… Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other… Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Notice this is not describing a believer who is consciously eating things sacrificed to idols. It refers to someone who discovers during the meal, or afterward, that the food had been sacrificed. The Corinthians already knew the instruction of the early Church: do not eat things offered to idols. That was not under debate.
The question was: what should they do if they unknowingly ate, or found out after they had begun eating?
Paul’s instruction is clear. If they are told it was offered to idols, they must stop eating it. They are not to continue, nor affirm that it is acceptable. They stop for the sake of the one who informed them and for the sake of conscience, so that no one is defiled.
They are not to condemn themselves for what they did unknowingly. Paul was setting their hearts at ease.
Some felt convicted and defiled. The mature believer understands that food created by God and defined as clean in Scripture, such as beef in Deut. 14, is sanctified by the word of God and prayer (1 Tim. 4:3–5). The issue is not the substance itself, but participation in idolatry.
Another question arises: does this mean a mature believer could secretly eat things offered to idols when no one is present? Paul never says this. There is no passage where Paul permits believers to consciously eat things offered to idols. He explicitly says the opposite: “I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils” (1 Cor. 10:20–22; see also Acts 21:25).
If someone knowingly eats what is sacrificed to idols, that is sin and requires repentance. If they discover afterward or were unaware, they are not to let their hearts be condemned. They are to walk in obedience going forward. Yeshua’s words are clear: do not eat things offered to idols (Rev. 2:14, 20). The early Church was equally clear: abstain from things offered to idols (Acts 15:29). Paul does not contradict them.
PAUL’S FINAL MESSAGES
2 Cor. 6:14–18 states: “…what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
Paul is quoting from various Old Testament passages, including Isaiah 52:11. The instruction is clear: come out, be separate, and touch not the unclean thing. 1 Thess. 5:22 says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” This includes eating food sacrificed to idols or participating in food associated with their festivals.
Toward the end of his ministry, Paul reaffirmed the message given by the early Church leaders to new Gentile converts: “Keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication” (Acts 21:25).
