Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, bread was a staple food and held significant cultural and religious importance. However, the consumption of bread offered by idolaters or associated with idolatrous practices was a matter of concern for the Israelites and early Christians. This entry explores the biblical perspective on bread by idolaters, drawing from various scriptural references.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of idolatry and the associated practices that the Israelites were to avoid. In
Exodus 34:15, the Israelites are warned, "Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, lest they prostitute themselves with their gods and sacrifice to them. Then they will invite you, and you will eat their sacrifices." This verse highlights the danger of participating in meals that involve offerings to foreign gods, which could lead to spiritual compromise.
The book of Daniel provides a narrative example of this concern. Daniel and his companions, taken into Babylonian captivity, resolved not to defile themselves with the royal food and wine, which likely included items offered to idols (
Daniel 1:8). Their decision reflects a commitment to maintaining purity and faithfulness to God, even in a foreign land.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the issue of food offered to idols becomes a significant topic, especially in the context of the early church's interaction with Gentile converts. The Apostle Paul addresses this issue in
1 Corinthians 8 and 10. In
1 Corinthians 8:4, Paul acknowledges, "We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one." However, he also advises caution, recognizing that not all believers possess this knowledge and that eating such food could become a stumbling block to others.
Paul further elaborates in
1 Corinthians 10:20-21, stating, "No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons." Here, Paul emphasizes the spiritual implications of participating in meals associated with idolatry, urging believers to remain distinct and devoted to the Lord.
Cultural and Spiritual ImplicationsThe consumption of bread by idolaters was not merely a dietary concern but a matter of spiritual allegiance and identity. For the Israelites, it was a call to remain separate from the surrounding nations and their religious practices. For early Christians, it was a challenge to navigate their newfound freedom in Christ while being sensitive to the consciences of fellow believers and maintaining a clear witness to the world.
The biblical teaching on this topic underscores the importance of discernment and the need to prioritize one's relationship with God above cultural or social pressures. It serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the dangers of syncretism, where the worship of the one true God could be compromised by the influence of idolatrous practices.
Nave's Topical Index
Jeremiah 7:18The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.
Nave's Topical IndexJeremiah 44:19
And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings to her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings to her, without our men?
Nave's Topical Index
Library
That God Does not Easily PardonIdolaters.
... 4. That God does not easily pardonidolaters.... an offence, I will stretch forth mine
hand upon it, and will crush the support of thebread thereof; and I will...
Stiff-NeckedIdolaters and Pliable Christians
... They broke their teeth on 'that which is notbread,' and filled their mouths... Think,
then, of the rebuke which the obstinate adherence ofidolaters to their...
The Rock of Ages
... which we bless, is the communion of the blood of Christ; thebread which we... If you
lust after evil things, as those old Jews did; if you areidolaters, as they...
On the Sacrifice of the Mass
... A. Thebread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ at... animals, or
other things of that kind as gods are called pagans,idolaters, or heathens....
Whether the Seven Petitions of the Lord's Prayer are Fittingly...
... 130, 11), since the Eucharist is the chief sacrament, andbread is the chief food...
according to 1:Cor.6:9,10, "Neither fornicators, noridolaters, etc., shall...
Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which...
... unbecoming that the use of honey, and of leaven which makesbread savory, should...
Becauseidolaters offered all other animals to their gods, or made use of them...
Meditations Before Dinner and Supper.
... God gave his Father such great thanks for a dinner of barley-bread and broiled... To
conclude, if paganidolaters at their feasts were accustomed to praise their...
1 and 2 Thessalonians
... that the majority of the Christians had {127} been Gentileidolaters, though there
were... poverty, and these Epistles show that they had to work for theirbread....
Of Prayer
... Those who do not invoke God under urgent necessity are no better thanidolaters....
Declares the exceeding kindness of God, and our distrust. What meant bybread....
Easter Sunday
... We are admonished to partake of the true unleavenedbread, that life and conduct...
6, 9-10): "Be not deceived; neither fornicators, noridolaters, nor adulterers...
Resources
What is the meaning of “Cast your bread upon the waters” in Ecclesiastes 11:1? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of unleavened bread? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to pray for our daily bread? | GotQuestions.orgBread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
