Reference: Clean and Unclean
American
Terms often used in the Bible in a ceremonial sense; assigned to certain animals, and to men in certain cases, by the law of Moses, Le 11-15; Nu 19; De 14. A distinction between clean and unclean animals existed before the deluge, Ge 7:2. The Mosaic law was not merely arbitrary, but grounded on reasons connected with animal sacrifices, with health, with the separation of the Jews from other nations, and their practice of moral purity, Le 11:43-45; 20:24-26; De 14:2-3,21. The ritual law was still observed in the time of Christ, but under the gospel is annulled, Ac 10:9-16.
Ceremonial uncleanness was contracted by the Jews in various ways, voluntarily and involuntarily. It was removed, usually at the evening of the same day, by bathing. In other cases a week, or even forty or fifty days, and some sacrificial offerings, were required.
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On the next day, while these men were on their way, just as they were nearing the town, Peter went up on the housetop about mid-day to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat; but while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance, read more. And saw that the heavens were open, and that something like a great sail was descending, let down by its four corners towards the earth. In it were all kinds of quadrupeds, reptiles, and birds. Then he was aware of a voice which said-- "Stand up, Peter, kill something, and eat." "No, Lord, I cannot," answered Peter, "for I have never eaten anything 'defiled' and 'unclean'." Again he was aware of a voice which said-- "What God has pronounced 'clean', do not regard as 'defiled'." This happened three times, and then suddenly it was all taken up into the heavens.
Hastings
CLEAN AND UNCLEAN
Introductory.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then Jesus called the people to him, and said: "Listen, and mark my words.
"Be careful not to say anything to any one; but go and show yourself to the Priest, and make the offerings for your cleansing directed by Moses, as evidence of your cure."
One day the Pharisees and some of the Teachers of the Law who had come from Jerusalem gathered round Jesus. They had noticed that some of his disciples ate their food with their hands 'defiled,' by which they meant unwashed. read more. (For the Pharisees, and indeed all strict Jews, will not eat without first scrupulously washing their hands, holding in this to the traditions of their ancestors. When they come from market, they will not eat without first sprinkling themselves; and there are many other customs which they have inherited and hold to, such as the ceremonial washing of cups, and jugs, and copper pans). So the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law asked Jesus this question--"How is it that your disciples do not follow the traditions of our ancestors, but eat their food with defiled hands?"
And also to offer the sacrifice enjoined in the Law of the Lord--'a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.'
The Pharisee noticed, to his astonishment, that Jesus omitted the ceremonial washing before breakfast.
"No, Lord, I cannot," answered Peter, "for I have never eaten anything 'defiled' and 'unclean'."
"No, Lord, I cannot," answered Peter, "for I have never eaten anything 'defiled' and 'unclean'."
That you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating the flesh of strangled animals, and from impurity. If you guard yourselves against such things, it will be well with you. Farewell.'
On this, Paul joined the men, and the next day shared their purification, and went into the Temple, and gave notice of the expiration of the period of purification when the usual offering should have been made on behalf of each of them.
Through my union with the Lord Jesus, I know and am persuaded that nothing is 'defiling in itself.' A thing is 'defiling' only to him who holds it to be so.
Do not undo God's work for the sake of what you eat. Though everything is 'clean,' yet, if a man eats so as to put a stumbling- block in the way of others, he does wrong.
Do not, then, allow any one to take you to task on questions of eating or drinking, or in the matter of annual or monthly or weekly festivals.
Since, with Christ, you became dead to the puerile teaching of this world, why do you submit, as though your life were still that of the world, To such ordinances as 'Do not handle, or taste, or touch'? read more. For all the things referred to in them cease to exist when used. You are following mere human directions and instructions.
Everything is pure to the pure-minded, but to those whose minds are polluted and who are unbelievers nothing is pure. Their minds and consciences are alike polluted.
Morish
See ANIMALS.