Good Friday is the day Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and while the Bible doesn’t specifically mention the term “Good Friday,” it narrates the events leading to Jesus’ death. This solemn day is a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s immense love for humanity. Let’s explore the biblical significance of Good Friday and what it means for believers.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Age Gaps
What Does The Bible Say About Eating Pork
Leviticus 11:7-8
“And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.”
This verse from Leviticus is a part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites by God. It states that consuming pork is considered unclean and thus forbidden. The reason behind this prohibition is not explicitly stated, but it was a way for God to distinguish His chosen people from other nations. In the context of the Old Testament, adhering to these dietary laws was a sign of obedience and purity.
Isaiah 65:4
“Who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret places; who eat swine’s flesh, with broth of abominable things in their vessels.”
In this verse, Isaiah describes a rebellious and sinful people who indulge in forbidden foods, including swine’s flesh or pork. The imagery of sitting in tombs and spending the night in secret places represents their unholy and defiled actions. The mention of eating pork in this context further emphasizes the idea that partaking in unclean food is a symbol of spiritual corruption and disobedience.
Acts 10:13-15
“And there came a voice to him: ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, ‘Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.’ And the voice spoke to him again the second time, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’
During a vision, the apostle Peter was instructed by God to eat animals that were considered unclean in the Mosaic Law, including pork. At first, Peter hesitated due to his lifelong observance of the dietary restrictions. However, through this vision, God revealed that all foods were now made clean through Christ’s sacrifice and it was no longer necessary to observe the dietary laws of the Old Covenant. This event marked a significant shift in the understanding of dietary practices for believers in Christ.
Romans 14:14
“I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.”
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, addresses the issue of food and personal convictions. He acknowledges that, in Christ, nothing is inherently unclean. However, he also recognizes that some believers may still possess personal convictions regarding certain foods, including pork. Therefore, Paul encourages mutual respect and consideration among believers, emphasizing the importance of not causing others to stumble in their faith by disregarding their personal convictions.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
In this passage, Paul reassures Timothy that all things created by God are intrinsically good and should not be rejected. This includes food items such as pork. Paul emphasizes that when food is received with a heart of thanksgiving and consecrated through prayer, it becomes acceptable and sanctified. This verse highlights the importance of recognizing God’s authority over all creation and approaching food with a grateful and prayerful attitude.
Matthew 15:11
“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”
This statement by Jesus challenges the traditional emphasis on external rituals and dietary restrictions. Jesus teaches that true defilement comes from harmful words and actions that originate from within a person’s heart. Jesus’ teachings shift the focus from external observances, such as dietary restrictions, to the internal condition of one’s heart. While this verse does not directly address the consumption of pork, it implies that food itself is not a source of defilement or sin.
Mark 7:19
“Since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus, he declared all foods clean.)”
Here, Mark adds a parenthetical commentary to Jesus’ teachings regarding food. He clarifies that Jesus was declaring all foods clean, thus abolishing the dietary restrictions found in the Old Testament Law. This declaration signifies a significant shift in understanding and practice, as followers of Jesus are no longer bound by the dietary regulations of the Mosaic Law.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.”
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the significance of our bodies as vessels of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to honor and respect our bodies, recognizing that they belong to God, who has redeemed us through the sacrifice of Christ. While the verse does not directly address the consumption of pork, it highlights the importance of treating our bodies as holy and making choices that align with God’s purposes, considering the impact of our dietary decisions on our overall well-being.
1 Corinthians 8:8
“Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.”
Paul addresses the issue of food sacrificed to idols in this verse, which can be connected to the topic of dietary restrictions. He asserts that food does not define our standing or approval with God. Eating or abstaining from certain foods, including pork, does not make us more righteous or less righteous in God’s eyes. The verse highlights the significance of our relationship with God and our faith in Christ, rather than external practices or dietary restrictions.
Colossians 2:16-17
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
Paul advises the Colossian believers not to allow others to judge them based on their dietary choices or observance of certain festivals or rituals. He explains that these external practices were a foreshadowing of Christ and the fulfillment He brought. As followers of Christ, our focus should be on Him, rather than being overly concerned with adherence to specific dietary regulations or other external religious practices.
1 Timothy 4:3-5
“They forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
Paul warns Timothy of false teachings that promote restrictions on marriage and certain foods. He highlights that these teachings directly contradict the truth of God’s creation. Paul reiterates that all foods created by God are good and should be received with gratitude and prayer. This passage emphasizes the need to discern and reject legalistic teachings that impose unnecessary dietary restrictions, as they are contrary to God’s design and purpose.
Mark 2:16-17
“And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’
In this account, Jesus is seen dining with tax collectors and sinners, which was scandalous to the religious leaders of that time who considered themselves righteous. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about His purpose as a Savior. He affirms that He came for those who recognize their sinfulness, not for the self-righteous. This passage indirectly alludes to the fact that Jesus’ mission transcends the external judgments placed upon different types of food and highlights the importance of reaching out to those in need of salvation.
1 Corinthians 10:23
“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up.”
Paul addresses the concept of lawful things and their usefulness and edification. Although God, through Jesus’ sacrifice, has made all things lawful for believers, it is essential to consider the impact of our choices. This principle can be applied to food, including pork, as believers evaluate whether consuming certain foods is beneficial or detrimental to their well-being and the growth of their faith. This verse emphasizes the need for wise and discerning choices rather than legalistic adherence to dietary regulations.
Hebrews 13:9
“Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.”
Here, the author of Hebrews encourages believers to avoid being influenced by false teachings that promote unnecessary dietary regulations or restrictions. The focus should instead be on staying rooted in the grace of God and allowing our hearts to be strengthened by His goodness. The passage implies that certain food restrictions or teachings related to food do not bring about spiritual growth or benefit those who adhere to them.
Romans 14:2-3
“One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.”
Paul addresses the issue of differing opinions regarding dietary choices among believers. He emphasizes the importance of accepting and respecting the convictions of others, recognizing that personal preferences in food do not determine one’s standing with God. Believers should avoid looking down on or judging others based on their dietary preferences, realizing that all are welcomed by God, regardless of their respective choices.
Mark 16:15
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’
In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs his disciples, and by extension, all believers, to share the Gospel with all of creation. The emphasis here is on spreading the message of salvation and the good news of Christ’s redemption, rather than focusing on dietary restrictions. This verse reminds us of our primary mission as Christians, which is to share the message of salvation with the world and lead others to a relationship with Christ.
Matthew 10:15
“Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.”
In Jesus’ instructions to the disciples as He sends them out, He warns of the consequences that will come upon those who reject the message of the Gospel. The focus here is on spiritual implications and the impending judgment, rather than on specific dietary regulations. This verse serves as a reminder of the urgency and importance of sharing the Gospel, especially considering the eternal impact it holds for individuals rather than being fixated on dietary restrictions.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Paul encourages the Corinthians to live their lives in a manner that brings glory to God in all aspects, including their dietary choices. The focus is on honoring God through our actions and decisions, realizing that even mundane activities like eating and drinking can be done with a heart aligned to God’s purposes. This verse emphasizes the overall posture of a believer’s life, which should be characterized by seeking to honor and glorify God rather than being solely preoccupied by adhering to specific dietary restrictions.
1 Corinthians 10:25
“Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.”
Paul advises the Corinthians not to overly concern themselves with the origins of the meat they purchase. He encourages them to freely eat what is available in the marketplace, without raising unnecessary questions or doubts regarding its source or potential adherence to dietary regulations. This verse signifies that, for believers, there is no need to be excessively bound by external regulations concerning food, including the consumption of pork.
Galatians 2:11-12
“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.”
In this account, Paul addresses Peter’s behavior in Antioch, where he initially ate with Gentile believers but withdrew when influential Jews arrived. Peter’s actions demonstrated fear and a lack of consistency in his conduct. This passage indirectly speaks to the issue of dietary restrictions, highlighting the importance of not allowing external pressures or legalistic expectations to influence our choices and actions, including those related to food.
Genesis 9:3
“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.”
God, after the flood, permits Noah and his descendants to consume all living creatures as food. This overarching permission marks a significant departure from the previous dietary restrictions mentioned in the Mosaic Law. While specific dietary regulations later came into effect for the Israelites, this verse highlights that initially, God granted humanity the freedom to partake in the consumption of all creatures, including pork.
1 Samuel 14:32-34
“The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. Then they told Saul, ‘Behold, the people are sinning against the Lord by eating with the blood.’ And he said, ‘You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here.’ And Saul said, ‘Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.'” So, every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there.”
In this narrative, the people of Israel, in their hunger and excitement, consumed meat without properly draining the blood, thereby sinning against God. Upon realizing this, Saul promptly rectified the situation by instructing the people to sacrifice and consume the animals while ensuring the blood was drained in accordance with God’s commands. Although not specific to pork, this passage conveys the importance of obeying God’s instructions regarding the consumption of meat and avoiding actions that would transgress His commands.