Subject: can I eat shellfish? |
Bible Note: Hey Doc, always a pleasure. Acts 15 mentions 4 things: 1) food sacrificed to idols; 2) blood; 3) strangled animals; 4) sexual immorality. 75 percent of these have to do with food. Yet most Christians do not follow the 75 percent (some don't follow the 25 percent unfortunately.) They say the Apostles put these in because of the idol worship practices of the day, so since that is no longer the case, we can ignore the 3 "laws" on food in Acts 15. Acts 15:21 "For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath." This passage follows the 4 laws. It is saying that here are 4 things you ought to do, and Moses is taught in every town and you know where and when, so go and learn and study…after all, this was the whole Bible at the time. And don’t forget, there were many many other laws that they could have added but were not such as stealing, murder, love your neighbor, take care of widows and orphans…but they are not in the list. Only 3 food laws, and 1 sex law. Obviously they were not giving a complete list. Now, we know that Paul was an amazing “good” Pharisee with an unbelievable grasp of the Scriptures of his day. He spends a great deal of effort in Galatians discussing many of these issues. Even Paul in Acts 21-23 goes to great length to prove that he still followed the Mosaic law and never told Jews in the Diaspora not to follow the Mosaic law. For many friends of mine, they are shocked to read this. I hope that helps. I could go on and on and on… but you may not want me to. ;-) MJH |