Kosher Relevance

[Stephen Silver]

I'm wondering if we perhaps may expound on the comparison between now and then: What variables pressed Paul (along with the 12) to emphasize what he did? specifically the variation between now and then with respect to the existence of what is deemed 'Christendom.' We can draw many similitudes between now and then [namely between secularism and heathenism]; but perhaps it is also needful to take some more time to address the aforementioned.
A peculiarity I'm sure can be learned from this endeavor is that the modern reader must hold back any eisegetical judgment of kashruth when reading about Paul's advise on vegetarianism and sacrifices to idols. As we understand more deeply the ancient culture and its variations from nowadays, we may also be more confident in what will be clearly shown as the proper intents of the letters of Paul.
Even so... I am baffled to an extent when Paul writes "all food is clean," and the like. Would you read Romans 14:20 according to vegetarian context or apply it also to kashruth?

Thanks for your words Stephen.

Shlama Kulkhon:
How shall we understand Genesis 9:2-4. At this time the whole world was Gentile, there was neither Jew nor Gentile. Abraham became the first physical Jew. Having said this Noah understood the difference between clean and unclean. In the beginning there were many more unkosher animals than kosher, according to Noah's personal revelation from Elohim and the divisions between clean and unclean written much later in Leviticus chapter 11.
These restrictions in kashrut were for circumcised Jews only, not Gentiles. Yet throughout the Torah is the command not to eat/consume blood. This among four restrictions were given in Acts 15 for the purpose of joined fellowship of Jews and Gentiles in fellowiship around the table and nothing more. Thus the reminder of Paul,

"the kingdom of heaven is neither meat nor drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit".

It was the Holy Spirit which was present at Cornelius' conversion (Acts 10) as well as in the Jerusalem Counsel (Acts 15). It was the Holy Spirit that sanctioned the decision to put only four restraints upon Gentiles as written in Acts 15:20, 29. I hope this will stimulate some more comments and throw revelatory light on the matter for all of us.

Shlama,
Stephen