Remember to check “rev” codes at end of page so that you have the newest version.

    There was a time in the past when the people of Israel (the creator) knew what they were allowed to eat and what they were not allowed to eat.  These people called themselves Hebrew and Israel.  Then a time came when people saw a way to get around the Laws/rules for what to eat or not eat.  It is ironic and sad that Yahshua ministered and his apostles/disciples ministered, using the writings of what we call the Old Testament as their authority, yet today people try to ignore those writings.  Now ask yourself, if Yahshua and his apostles/disciples used the writings of Moses and the prophets as their authority, then should we also be using those writings?  Another question to ask is, if Yahshua and his apostles/disciples explain something they say, then should we accept it and honor it?

    Lastly, and the most difficult, if you learn something different than what you previously believed, will you adopt a new doctrine to match your new knowledge?  Or will you continue to practice and follow traditions of man?

    Most of the citations for what is clean and unclean is found in the following, Land animals in Leviticus 11:1-8 (en# 1.1), Aquatic life is discussed in Leviticus 11:9-12 (en# 1.2), unclean birds in Leviticus 11:13-19 (en# 1.3) and in Deuteronomy 14:11-18 (en# 2).

What are the elements for determining clean and unclean?

Those which part (divided or split, usually in 2 parts, parallel to each other - rather like "ll" - as if simply separated) the hoof AND is clovenfooted (divide or split and cleaved to to divergent angles - rather like "\/" - as if simply pulling apart when cut - cleaved) AND chew the cud (food brought into the mouth by an animal from its first stomach to be chewed again)

those which have fins AND scales

Those of every flying creeping thing that walks on all four AND which have legs above their feet.  Some examples are locust, bald locust, beetle, grasshopper.

Those which chew the cud OR that divide the hoof.  Some examples are

the camel, because he chews the cud, but NOT divide the hoof
the coney, (badger/rabbit) because he chews the cud, but NOT divide the hoof
the hare, because he chews the cud, but NOT divide the hoof
the swine, divides the hoof AND be clovenfooted, but NOT chew the cud

Those animals with a parted hoof but NOT a cloven foot and does NOT chew the cud.

Those which have NO fins AND NO scales

examples
Eagle, ossifrage, ospray, vulture, kite, raven, owl, night hawk, cuckow, hawk, little owl, cormorant, great owl, swan, pelican, gier eagle, stork, heron, lapwing, bat.
All fowls that creep, going upon all four

ALL OTHER (than mentioned above in verse 21-22) flying creeping things, which have four feet
Every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.

Those creeping things like weasel, mouse, tortoise, ferret, chameleon, lizard, snail, mole.
Those which travel upon the belly AND travel upon all four, OR whatsoever has the most feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth.

verses 24-28, 31-40 (you are unclean)

Evidently, if a person comes in contact with unclean, they are declared to be unclean till the beginning of the next day (evening, which is the beginning of a day).

verses 46-47 (Law)

This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:
To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.

For yet another study on these you can visit   http://www.studylight.org/com/bcc/view.cgi?book=le&chapter=011

    It seems clear that the matter of unclean foods is still in force.  Was the law regarding eating unclean things done away in a vision to Peter?  Whether or not this is true, Peter should be considered an authority on the matter.  With that in mind, we look to Acts 10 (en# 3.1).  Remember, whatever we want to make of the vision of Peter, we must defer to whatever Peter says about it.  Peter is the authority.

    First, consider the context and scenario surrounding Peter’s vision.  We know that Peter was on the roof and came down to eat   As Peter did this, he fell into a trance and had a vision (popularly used to support the claim that the unclean are now clean for eating).  In this vision Peter was 3 times told

“What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” (Acts 10:13-16)

    If Israel (the creator) declares something clean, Peter (or us) are not to maintain those things to be unclean.  Simple, right?  So how is it that we think that this vision means that certain foods were made clean?  Because the vision contained images of animals, some of which were the unclean.  This sounds easy, right?  Not quite!

    At the same moment that Peter was having the vision, a couple men representing Cornelius were coming seeking Peter.  Cornelius was a man from a nation other than Israel (Jerusalem), he was Italian.  There was a “Jewish” law (Talmud, as distinguished from Israel or Hebrew law) that decreed a “Jew” may not keep company with, or come unto, one of another nation (gentiles, including the "lost sheep of Israel").  This was not of the Law of Moses, but it was the oral law (later called the Talmud), the traditions of man, which was passing as “set in stone” Law.

    With Peter full well knowing, and following, this and now having the vision, of which he was a little confused, he went with the 2 men to visit Cornelius.  When Peter and Cornelius met, they were surrounded by many of the local people.  Peter, now understanding the vision, started the visit by saying

“Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.  Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?” (Acts 10:13-16)

    All within a matter of a few days, Peter well knowing of the written Law (from Moses) and the oral law (from the Sanhedrin) was confronted with Israel (the creator) telling him that if Israel (the creator) declares something clean that Peter shall not treat it as unclean. Then Peter meets with a man who prior to that day would have been viewed by Peter as unclean.  Now Peter understands the vision and explains it to the Italian man, Cornelius (Acts 10:28-29) (en# 3.2).

    There is no other explanation offered by Peter for understanding the vision and its meaning.

    Therefore, if Peter knows what the vision means and if he is our authority on the vision, then the things declared by Israel (the creator) to be unclean are still unclean, because they were not the topic of the meaning of the vision.  The vision only was for correction of, and to, Tulmid (Jewish) law.

    Peter argues that he has never eaten anything unclean (verse 14) not even to this day—10 years after the death of Yahshua. Surely if the laws of clean and unclean foods had been abolished at the Savior’s death, one of the greatest apostles of the New Testament would have been aware of it immediately after Yahshua’s death. After all, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, which taught the apostles all things (John 14:26) (en# 4).

    Do you yet know what Peter saw?  Ask youself what is the mascot of the uSA and of Russia and of England and of Italy and many other nations.  What he saw was the mascots of nations of people.  The Pharisees and Sadducees had established rules (traditions of man) that made it illegal for a “Jew” to associate with people of other nations (Gentiles, non Jewish, "lost sheep of Israel"), they were  declared unclean.  Israel (the creator) came to Peter and said ‘Peter, I did not make these things unclean.  If I made these things clean, then you (man) should not make them unclean.’  Now, is not that simple?

    Contrary to many modern doctrines (churchcrafts), none of the written Law was abolished or done away.  When Yahshua or his apostles/disciples made comments that sounded like abolishing a law, it was the oral law, the traditions of man, not the written Law (which we call the Old Testament).  So Peter was told that the tradition of the Jews (not Israel) to avoid people of other nations was not a Law of Israel (the creator), that Israel (the creator) never declared other men to be unclean.  Therefore, if Israel (the creator) did not declare them unclean, man shall not make them so.  This is the point of the vision to Peter.  It was not Israel (the creator) who made the non “Jew” unclean (it was the traditions of man, the oral law, the Tulmid), therefore, neither shall Peter (or us).

    If the reason for certain things being called unclean as food is because they are not good for us, and if we have not changed (and we have not changed) then would it stand to reason that they are still not good for us?

    Paul explained a practical matter, which certainly would have irked the Pharisees (1 Corinthians 10:27-33) (en# 5).  If you are visiting with a non-believer and are to share a meal with them, then you are to keep peace and eat without asking questions.

    This matter of not asking questions is intended to instruct you not to cause a conflict.  Surely, you can talk with your host, but do not try imposing your faith or religious understanding upon them.  This does not preclude you from discussing religion, but rather be gracious with the offering and eat it – this time.

    If eating the specified items prohibited, then why should we be allowed to eat in the instance of visiting?  One explanation might be that these items will cause illness.  Admittedly, most people who eat these things have not soon died, during the desert.  But consider the possibility that a regular diet of these things might shorten your life or cause late life illnesses (illnesses which today are associated with old people) or long term diseases.

    Then there is the argument that these things will not defile you.  The basis for these claims are found around Mark 7:18 (en# 6.1) and Matthew 15:11 (en# 9).  Many people use these verse sets to support eating the unclean things.  It is not difficult to see how this is interpreted based upon a surface reading.  The seemingly apparent reason is that what you put in your body cannot defile it.  That is the wording of the verse in Mark 7:18 and Matthew 15:11, but if that is a true message, then what about certain acids?  What about arsenic?  What of general and exotic poisons?  So there surely must be an error in using Mark 7:18 and Matthew 15:11 to justify eating unclean things.

    A key here is to understand “defile”, as counterdistinguished from "unclean" or "bad for you".  While you surely could ingest something that would kill you, it would not necessarily DEFILE you.  In this sense defile means corrupt, especially of the spirit, the soul, as counterdistinguished from the body.  Notice what verse Mark 7:18 says - “whatsoever thing from without enters into the man, it cannot defile him” and Matthew 15:11 says - "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man".  Mark 7:20 then says "That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man", while Matthew 15:11 contines by saying "that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man".   The defiling evidently comes from within, not from without (ingesting through the mouth, eyes, ears or other means).  The "coming from within" would be your thoughts and deeds, but certainly not what you eat, see, hear or otherwise take into your body.

    The Pharisees (preachers & ruling class) challenged Yahshua.  Yahshua’s and his disciples had been eating grain in the field on Sabbath, and many things which the Pharisees (preachers & ruling class) had determined to be unlawful.  The eating of grain on Sabbath was considered by them to be “harvesting”.  Then one day, Yahshua and his disciples did not wash their hands prior to eating.  It is possible they did some kind of cleaning, but the law keepers of the day, the Pharisees (judges/legislators/cops), had a religion of rules and traditions that a certain ritual (more than just soap & water)) must be observed (followed) to make oneself truly clean otherwise, they would defile the body.  Remember, this was a rule/law of the Pharisees and not a law of or Israel (the creator).

    Yahshua began his response and explanation by asking the law keepers of the day, the Pharisees (judges/legislators/cops), why their religious traditions violated the law [law of Israel (the creator)].  How is that for a slap in the face?

    Yahshua then gave an example of how their religious traditions/laws worked against the commandments of Israel (the creator).  Yahshua reminds them of the commandment to honor father and mother (5th commandment).  Then Yahshua explains about a religious tradition/law the Pharisees had, and so trained the people to follow, in that a person should give monies to the temple (church) – a gift, which of course was the Pharisees (preachers) and this practice should be of more importance than using the monies on your parents.  In fact, it was taught that you should give your monies to the temple (church), then expect the temple people (church) to take care of your parents for you.  This had the horrible effect of freeing you (a family member) from attending parents in their most dire times of need.  In other words, give your money to the temple/government/church and let them do your job, instead of you choosing the best way to spend your money on your parents.  This made the children irresponsible.  Yahshua declared that making this religious tradition/law superior made Israel's (the creator) law null and void.  Hence, honoring father and mother was superior to gifting to the temple (church).  Naturally, this is most applicable if you are not wealthy or well-to-do, but if you are wealthy or well-to-do, then do both gifting the temple and honor father and mother.

    Mark 7:11 uses the word Corban to describe the gift and Corban is of Hebrew and Aramaic origin respectively AV - treasury, 1) a gift offered (or to be offered) to God  2) the sacred treasury.

    Because the Pharisees (preachers) professed to be doing Israel's (the creator) work and yet falsely teaching, Yahshua called them “hypocrites”.

    Yahshua then condemned them declaring that they approach him with their mouths (what they say) and seem to honor him with their lips (more of what they say), yet their heart (their soul) is far from him.  Essentially, Yahshua said the Pharisees and their followers were good at giving him lip service, but were not at all close to him.  Yahshua really clarifies the matter when he says their worship of him is vain because they teach doctrines of man rather than the law of Israel (the creator).

    This offended the Pharisees because it went against their religious law/tradition.  Yahshua said that those who teach falsely [contrary to Israel (the creator)] would be removed.

    Peter asked Yahshua to explain and with a little disgust, Yahshua wondered that they still did not understand. So he further explained the handwashing matter in that what you put in your mouth, like dirt or food, which passes through the body, cannot defile you.  Since it was the religious tradition/law of man (Pharasees) that said that not washing your hands in a certain ritualistic way would defile you, Yahshua had to explain what would defile you.  Yahshua explained that what spoiled your character was what you said and did.  A little dirt or food would not spoil your character.

    Ingesting some dirt from unwashed hands or consuming the unclean may harm the body, but will not defile (corrupt) a man in the spirit or soul. But evil thoughts will defile because they come from your heart, verses Mark 7:19-20 and Matthew 15:17-19.  This is the teaching of Yahshua.  Nowhere in Mark 7 or Matthew 15 do we find Israel's (the creator) clean food Laws mentioned.  We simply see the same message Yahshua taught during his ministry here on earth.  Pay heed to thought and deed.

    Fortunately and finally, Yahshua explains that eating with UNWASHED hands does not defile you.  The issue here is not what you may eat, but rather what DEFILES you.  Many try to make this to be a matter of what being allowed to eat anything.  But, Yahshua was in debate about what defiles you.  In verse 20 he clarifies this food controversy by saying unwashed hands do not defile you, but what you say and do CAN defile you.

The dirt on your hands not the food or declared unclean things is the issue.

    We all know the story.  Israel (the creator) told Noah to collect all the animals by 2, 1 male and 1 female, and put them on the Ark.  Right?  Wrong.  If you read Genesis 7:2-3 (en# 7) you will clearly see that Noah was told to collect by SEVENS the pairs of clean animals (this seems to be 14 of each) and only by 2 of each pair of the unclean (this seems to be 2 of each).  In both instances Noah is told to make the collection by male and his females.  This raises the interesting question for the clean animals whether there was more males or females.  But, all your life your churchcraft has taught you that Noah collected the animals by two.  What does this say about your churchcraft?

    Many pagans of today’s churchcraft will use Colossians 2:16 (en# 8) to justify being told that they should not be eating unclean things.  But there is perspective to be considered here.  Perspective is needed for most every argument in interpreting Scripture.  You need to view context and intent.  That being said, Paul was talking with the people of Colosse.  The Colossians, like the other churches of the time, were Law abiding people who were questioning what the Law was on various topics.  All the churches had been caught in the traditions of man (the teachings of the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin, and the oral law) and in the light of the Messiah they all sought the meanings.  They were questioning what they had believed all their lives.  So, in this instance, Paul told them, the believers, not to be concerned by what non-believers might say about them for keeping the Law.  Put another way; ‘Do not let outsiders judge you in these things’.

There are some people who try to use 1 Timothy 4:3-4 (en# 10) to say that Paul was telling Timothy that if you pray over the flesh on your plate and give thanks for it, that somehow the flesh becomes clean and acceptable by Israel (the creator).

A look at verse 2, we see Paul telling how the unbelievers will place conditions upon those who believe.  Paul mentions that one of those conditions will be regarding meat (food).  This meat (food) is that "which God created to be received" and by "those who believe and know the truth".  So, whatever the meat is, it was something Israel (the creator) intended his people to eat.  Therefore, Paul is not talking about those things which Israel (the creator) did not intend his people to eat.  The food rule is meant for none other than his people Israel, who believe and know the truth about the unclean (and other things).

Verse 5 further supports this when Paul tells Timothy that these meats were "santified".  Many people do not know the meaning of the word santify, but is simply means to set apart.  Therefore, Israel (the creator) set apart some meats for eating and some not for eating.  Whe Israel (the people) eat the meat He santified they show express their thanks.

    You can find other verses and try making them show differently than explained here, but the simple matter is all Scripture must be in concert with itself.  If you find what appears to be a conflict between verses or teachings, then your understanding of at least one of them must be in error.

    Parting the hoof is to divide or split it, usually in 2 parts, parallel to each other - rather like "ll" - as if simply separated.
Clovenfooted is to divide or split it AND cleave it to divergent angles - rather like "\/" - as if simply pulling apart when cut - cleaved) Chewing the cud is the process of casting up and re-chewing of food. These are the criteria that qualify animals that can be used for food. Leviticus 11 lists several animals that do not fit these qualifications. These animals include the camel, rabbit (coney), and swine (pig). The swine (Hebrew - Chazir) is one of the most gluttonous animals on the earth and is a natural garbage disposal.

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Leviticus 11:1  And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,
 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.
 3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.
 4 Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
 5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
 6 And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
 7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
 8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
 9  These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.
 10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:
 11 They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.
 12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.
 13 And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
 14 And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;
 15 Every raven after his kind;
 16 And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
 17 And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,
 18 And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle,
 19 And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
 20  All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.
 21 Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;
 22 Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.
 23 But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.
 24 And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.
 25 And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.
 26 The carcases of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean.
 27 And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even.
 28 And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you.
 29 These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,
 30 And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole.
 31 These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.
 32 And upon whatsoever any of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed.
 33 And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it.
 34 Of all meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean.
 35 And every thing whereupon any part of their carcase falleth shall be unclean; whether it be oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down: for they are unclean, and shall be unclean unto you.
 36 Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean.
 37 And if any part of their carcase fall upon any sowing seed which is to be sown, it shall be clean.
 38 But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcase fall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you.
 39 And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.
 40 And he that eateth of the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.
 41 And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.
 42 Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination.
 43  Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.
 44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
 45 For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
 46 This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:
 47 To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.

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Deuteronomy 14:1  Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.
 2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
 3 Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.
 4 These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,
 5 The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.
 6 And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat.
 7 Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you.
 8 And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.
 9 These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:
 10 And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you.
 11 Of all clean birds ye shall eat.
 12 But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
 13 And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,
 14 And every raven after his kind,
 15 And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
 16 The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,
 17 And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant,
 18 And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
 19 And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten.
 20 But of all clean fowls ye may eat.
 21 Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
 22  Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
 23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
 24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
 25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
 26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,
 27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
 28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:
 29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

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Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
 7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
 23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

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John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
 25  These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
 28  Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

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1Corinthians 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
 26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
 27 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.
 28 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: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

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Mark 7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from
Jerusalem.
 2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
 3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
 4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
 5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
 6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
 10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
 11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
 12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
 14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
 15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
 16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
 17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
 18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
 19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
 20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
24  And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.

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Genesis 7:1  And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
 2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.
 3 Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.
 4 For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.
 5  And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.

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Colossians 2:13  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
 16  Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

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 Matthew 15:1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
 10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
 11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
 12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
 13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
 15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
 16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
 17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
 21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

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1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
 10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we
trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
 11 These things command and teach.
 

Tribble
May 2002
revised: December 2003
revised January 2004 (for new website)
revised October 2005

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