The Christian Perspective on Cleanliness and Uncleanliness
The concept of cleanliness and what is considered unclean in Christian theology has been a subject of much discussion and interpretation over the centuries. This topic is particularly interesting when considering the teachings of Jesus and the subsequent actions of his apostles, particularly Peter, as recorded in the New Testament.
Is Jesus' Word on Cleanliness and Uncleanliness Direct?
There are some passages in the Bible, such as Acts 10:25-26, that might imply Jesus' words on cleanliness and uncleanliness. However, Jesus is not directly quoted as saying, Don’t call something unclean when I have called it clean. This phrase can be found in Acts 11:5-9 of the New American Standard Bible within the context of a vision Peter had.
According to this biblical account, the vision depicted non-unclean animals, and Jesus interpreted it as a sign to offer the message of Christianity to all people, not just Jewish believers. This vision is seen as a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity to Gentiles. The phrase, 'What God has cleansed no longer consider unholy,' suggests a different perspective on the concept of cleanliness and uncleanliness.
Gospel of Mark: A Deeper Insight
For a clearer understanding of Jesus' stance on cleanliness and uncleanliness, one can look at the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 7:17-19, Jesus directly addresses this topic, making it clear that what a person eats does not defile them, but rather what comes out of a person can be a source of defilement. Specifically, Jesus states:
17 After he had left the crowd and entered the house his disciples asked him about this parable. 18 Are you so dull? he asked. Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them 19 For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach and then out of the body. In saying this Jesus declared all foods clean.
This verse emphasizes that the labeling of foods as clean or unclean was a practice that should no longer be upheld as a reason for defilement. Jesus' statement in Mark is a powerful declaration against the legalistic interpretation of what is clean and unclean.
The Significance of Peter's Vision in Acts 10-15
The vision Peter had in Acts 10-11 is often seen as a turning point in the spread of Christianity. Following his encounter with Christ and the subsequent cleansing of animals to Peter, he encountered Cornelius, a Gentile, and interpreted the vision as a message to include Gentiles in the Christian community. This episode is recorded in Acts 15, where Peter testified about his experience and the baptism of Cornelius, thus supporting the idea that non-Jewish believers could be part of the Christian community without adhering to all the Jewish laws.
The embrace of Gentiles by the early Christian community was a controversial issue, and it was discussed at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). However, the vision and subsequent actions of Peter laid the groundwork for a more inclusive Christian doctrine, emphasizing that God's blessing and salvation are extended to all who call upon him.
Conclusion
The teachings of Jesus on cleanliness and uncleanliness, as recorded in the New Testament, are rich in meaning and context. While the specific phrase 'Don’t call something unclean when I have called it clean' isn’t directly attributed to Jesus, the broader themes of this concept can be found in the actions and visions recorded in the Bible. The message of Jesus and the apostles emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity and the value of all people in the eyes of God, regardless of their background or cultural traditions.