Clicky

What Does the Bible Say About Eating Pork in the New Testament? – Viral Believer
Skip to content

What Does the Bible Say About Eating Pork in the New Testament?

Introduction

Eating pork has been a topic of debate among Christians for centuries. This debate has its roots in the Old Testament, where eating pork was strictly prohibited for the Israelites. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to live by the teachings of the New Testament.

In this blog post, we will explore what the New Testament has to say about eating pork and how it applies to our lives as Christians today.

The dietary laws laid out in the Old Testament were given to the Israelites to set them apart as a chosen people, sanctified for God’s purpose.

Some of these laws might seem arbitrary or outdated to modern believers. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand the context and intent behind these laws in order to grasp their significance in the New Testament.

As we delve into the New Testament, we will examine how Jesus and the apostles approached the subject of eating pork. By doing so, we hope to gain a better understanding of the role of the dietary laws in our walk with Christ and how they fit into our Christian faith today.

pork in the new testament

The Teaching of Jesus on Clean and Unclean Foods

One of the most famous passages in the New Testament that addresses the topic of clean and unclean foods is found in Mark 7:18-19 (NKJV). In this passage, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees’ accusation that his disciples were eating with unwashed hands, which they believed would defile the food they were eating.

“So He said to them, ‘Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?'”

Through this teaching, Jesus emphasizes that what comes out of a person’s heart is more important than what they consume. He is redirecting the focus from external rituals to the internal condition of a person’s heart.

However, it is important to note that Jesus did not explicitly mention pork or any other specific type of food in this teaching.

Peter’s Vision and the Inclusion of Gentiles

In Acts 10:9-16 (NKJV), the apostle Peter has a vision that significantly contributes to our understanding of the dietary laws in the New Testament. In this vision, Peter sees a large sheet descending from heaven, containing various kinds of animals, including those considered unclean by the Old Testament laws.

“And a voice came to him, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, ‘Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.’ And a voice spoke to him again the second time, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.”

This vision was not only about food but also had a profound implication for the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian church. By declaring that all animals were now clean, God was effectively breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, and inviting all people to become part of His Kingdom.

This is further confirmed when Peter meets Cornelius, a Gentile, later in Acts 10, and realizes that God’s salvation is for everyone, regardless of their cultural or religious background.

Paul’s Teachings on Food and Christian Liberty

The apostle Paul also addresses the topic of eating certain foods, including meat that might have been sacrificed to idols, in his letters to the Corinthians and Romans. In 1 Corinthians 10:25-27 (NKJV), Paul writes:

“Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; for ‘the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.’ If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake.”

Paul argues that Christians have liberty when it comes to food, as long as it does not cause others to stumble in their faith. In Romans 14:14 (NKJV), he further emphasizes this point:

“I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.”

These teachings suggest that while there is no explicit prohibition against eating pork in the New Testament, Christians should be considerate of the beliefs and sensitivities of others, especially if it could lead to a weaker believer stumbling in their faith.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the New Testament does not specifically address the consumption of pork. However, Jesus, Peter, and Paul all emphasize that the focus of our faith should be on the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God and others, rather than strict adherence to dietary laws.

Through Peter’s vision, God demonstrates that He has removed the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, making all people eligible for salvation and inclusion in His Kingdom.

While the apostle Paul teaches that Christians have liberty when it comes to food, he also highlights the importance of being considerate of the beliefs and sensitivities of others in the faith community.

In practice, this means that while eating pork may be permissible for some, it may not be appropriate for others, particularly if it could cause a fellow believer to stumble in their faith.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not to eat pork as a follower of Christ should be guided by an understanding of the New Testament’s teachings on the matter, as well as consideration for the impact our choices may have on others.

As believers, our focus should remain on cultivating a heart that seeks to honor God and love our neighbors, rather than fixating on the specifics of dietary restrictions. As Paul writes in Romans 14:17 (NKJV), “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.