“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you besides that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema.” ~ St. Paul to the Galatians 1:8
It was through these words that St. Paul warned the Church to be on guard against error. As we know from the Bible and Church History, the Holy Apostles worked diligently to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to also defend the faith against those whom happened to teach erroneous doctrines. The spreading of error within the Church was so severe that even those within the Church – whom happened to be deceived by error – doubted St. Paul’s authentic apostleship. Hence, St. Paul’s opening words to the Galatians whom happened to have Judaizers invading the region:
“Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia …”
The Judaizers were causing many of the faithful to fall away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as they taught a different message contrary to that of Christ. St. Paul continues:
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.” ~ Galatians 1:6-7
So, who exactly were the Judaizers, and why was their doctrine deceptive and a distortion of the Gospel? Why did the apostles constantly warn the Church to be on guard against this error? Let us investigate the matter, that we may grow in the knowledge of Christ; “for ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ.” ~ St. Jerome
Who were the Judaizers?
The Judaizers were an early heretical movement within the Church which comprised of converts from Judaism. They taught that it was absolutely necessary to follow the mosaic law in order to be saved: “(They) regarded the OT Levitical laws as still binding on all Christians. They tried to enforce on the faithful such practices as circumcision and the distinction between clean and unclean meats“ (The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Page 912).
This heresy still exists amongst certain sects, namely; Seventh Day Adventists, “Messianic” Jews, and the like.
An example of this heresy in Scripture can be found in Acts 15:1-5: “And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them … some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
This heresy was also enforced on Gentile converts, which consequently hindered their relationship with Christ. This is why the Apostles settled the matter at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15), and only required that they abstain from foods sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality, from things strangled, and blood (verse 20).
This legalistic doctrine is very dangerous in many ways, as not only can it hinder another person from coming to Christ; but it can also distract oneself from truly knowing God and building a relationship with Him. For it is through legalism that one can commit spiritual suicide, as they can easily begin to depend on the law for their salvation rather than the very Grace of Christ, and by extension; cause one’s heart to be infected with the same spiritual pride of the Pharisee, as we see in Luke 18:9-14.
That being said, the Apostles of Jesus Christ taught the very doctrines which they were taught by the Incarnate Logos Himself, teaching no error or false doctrine. This same doctrine which they bore witness to was handed down to the church.
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us, that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”~ 1 John: 1-4
Being that heresy was so prevalent in the early church (which is still the case today), St. Paul warned the very elders of the Church to be on guard – as many false teachers even from within the church began to preach false doctrines to deceive the faithful.
“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.“ (Praxis, Acts 20:29 – Paul’s warning to the Elders of Ephesus).
In light of this, the Orthodox (right believing) elders of the Church whom the apostles appointed continued in the apostolic doctrines, which is why they were given authority to teach and govern since the apostles would eventually departure from this life.
“So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.“ ~ Acts 14:23
Some of these elders mentioned happened to also be the Early Church Fathers, whom were early Christian teachers that were either disciples of the apostles, witnesses to Jesus Christ Himself, or even students of other Church Fathers. In that respect, they handed down the Oral Traditions of the Church which St. Paul requested that we do.
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold to the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle.” ~ 2 Thess 2:15
Hence, because of the Orthodoxy of the Early Fathers; this is why the Church holds them in such high regard, and also the reason why I will be providing their quotes with historical context in regard to the Judaizing heresy. Though not everything the Church Fathers teach is infallible, or correct for that matter, these writings – being Orthodox in teaching – are taken seriously by the Orthodox Church.
The Apostolic Fathers on Judaizing:
Now that we have a better understand of why this the Judaizer’s doctrine is dangerous in nature, let us examine what the early father’s have to say about the doctrine.
Here’s what the Father’s teach on this subject:
St. Cyril of Jerusalem: Fall not away either into the sect of the Samaritans or into Judaism, for Jesus Christ has ransomed you. Stand aloof from all observance of Sabbaths and from calling indifferent meats common or unclean (Catechetical Lectures 4:37 [A.D. 350]).
Council of Laodicea: Christians should not Judaize and should not be idle on the Sabbath, but should work on that day; they should, however, particularly reverence the Lord’s Day and, if possible, not work on it, because they were Christians (canon 29 [A.D. 360]).
St. Ignatius of Antioch: Lay aside, therefore, the evil, the old, the sour leaven, and be ye changed into the new leaven, which is Jesus Christ. Be ye salted in Him, lest any one among you should be corrupted, since by your savour ye shall be convicted. It is absurd to profess Christ Jesus, and to Judaize. For Christianity did not embrace Judaism, but Judaism Christianity, that so every tongue which believeth might be gathered together to God … Lay aside, therefore, the evil, the old, the corrupt leaven, and be ye changed into the new leaven of grace. Abide in Christ, that the stranger may not have dominion over you. It is absurd to speak of Jesus Christ with the tongue, and to cherish in the mind a Judaism which has now come to an end. For where there is Christianity there cannot be Judaism.” (Chapter X.—Beware of Judaizing).
St. Augustine of Hippo:
Background: Saint Augustine continuously fought against this doctrine which was adopted by a sect known as the Manichæans. This sect, founded by the self professed prophet Mani, was both pagan and Gnostic in nature. The Manichaeans adopted doctrines from many different religions – including Judaism and Christianity. Ironically, the faction was also very anti-Christian. This is because the Manichaeans believed in salvation through knowledge, and claimed to have the answers to all things – where as Christianity allows for many of its teachings to remain a mystery. This was looked upon as foolish to Mani and his cult. (Some practices which this cult adopted from Christianity was the idea of having a type of 10 commandments, Eucharist, and baptism).
One teaching of many which caused friction between the Orthodox Christians and the Manichaeans is Mani’s teaching that certain foods were unclean. Mani taught that eating animal food was wrong since certain animals, such as swine, are wicked and defiled by nature. He also taught that eating animals would bring forth demons and darkness within humans. Being that they were Gnostic, it’s not a surprise since they viewed created matter to be inherently evil. Strikingly, they viewed that the only foods which are pure to eat are vegetables.
St. Augustine believed this doctrine to be at odds with the teachings of the Apostles. This is because nothing which God created is evil by nature (except the demons who, while originally good and holy, fallen into wickedness).
He wrote: “You, again, consider a morsel of meat unclean; whereas the apostle says that all things are clean,but that it is evil to him that eats with offense. And no doubt you are defiled by such food, simply because you think it unclean. For the apostle says, “I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing common of itself: but to him that esteems anything common, to him it is common.” And every one can see that by common he means unclean and defiled.” ( Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manichaeans, Chapter 14).
He continues:
“I do not suppose that you will find any proof from your bodily senses that flesh is unclean, and defiles the souls of those who eat it, because fruits, when plucked and shaken about in various ways, become flesh …” (Chapter 16 – Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manichæans).
In this same chapter, the Saint gives hints that he himself enjoyed meats which were once considered unclean in the Mosaic Law: “A young pig roasted is bright in color, and agreeable in smell, and pleasant in taste”.
Evidently, this well credited saint and theologian, which the Orthodox Church reverences with high regard being that he is a doctor of the church, objected to the idea of unclean meats.
Other quotes by St. Augustine:
• At that time many people who were strong in their faith and who knew the Lord’s teaching, that it is what comes out of the mouth which defiles a man, not what goes into it, were eating whatever they liked with a clear conscience.” (Commentary on Romans 14:1-2).
• The church of God, established in the midst of much chaff and much cockle, tolerates many things, yet it does not approve or accept in silence or practice those things that are contrary to faith and good living. Therefore, what you wrote of certain brothers refraining from meat because they believe it to be unclean is very clearly against faith and sound doctrine. (Commentary on 1 Tim 4:3).
St. Basil the Great: “A priest or a bishop should not consider any food defiling; nothing defiled a person except separation from God.” (Monastery of the Syrians, St. Basil the Great; His Life, Asceticism, and Church Canons (Arabic) (St. Mary’s Monastery (Deir al-Sourian, 2003) Section 3, Point 52).
Our father St. John Chrysostom also objected to the idea of there being unclean meats in the New Covenant. In fact, he has written an entire homily on this subject, going as far as to call it unsound doctrine.
He spoke of this during his homily on Titus 1:12-14:
“This then is soundness, to introduce nothing spurious, nor foreign. But if they who are scrupulous about meats are not sound, but are sick and weak; for, “Them that are weak,” he says, “receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations” (Rom xiv. 1.); what can be said of those who observe the same fasts, (with the Jews,) who keep the sabbaths, who frequent the places that are consecrated by them? … For this is not being sound. For if thou believest the Faith, why dost thou add other things, as if the faith were not sufficient to justify? Why dost thou enslave thyself by subjection to the Law? Hast thou no confidence in what thou believest? This is a mark of an unsound and unbelieving mind. For one who is faithful does not doubt, but such an one evidently doubts.”
He comments on Titus 1:15, which says “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.”
He says:
“Thou seest that this is said to a particular purpose.“But unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure.” Things then are not clean or unclean from their own nature, but from the disposition of him who partakes of them. But even their mind and conscience is defiled.”
Here, St. John Chrysostom is saying that nothing by nature is impure, which was a teaching of the heretic Marcion whom he was addressing in this letter. Take note that just like the false prophet Mani, he was also a Gnostic that taught heretical things about God (such as also declaring that He had limited knowledge), and by extension; teaching that created matter and certain foods were unclean and evil.
Hence, St. John Chrysostom continues with these words:
The swine therefore is clean. Why then was it forbidden as unclean? It was not unclean by nature; for, “all things are pure.” Nothing is more unclean than a fish, inasmuch as it even feeds upon human flesh. But it was permitted and considered clean. Nothing is more unclean than a bird, for it eats worms; or than a stag, which is said to have its name from eating serpents. Yet all these were eaten. Why then was the swine forbidden, and many other things? Not because they were unclean, but to check excessive luxury. For tell me, if we enquire nicely into these things, what is more unclean than wine; or than water, with which they mostly purified themselves? They touched not the dead, and yet they were cleansed by the dead, for the victim was dead, and with that they were cleansed. This therefore was a doctrine for children. In the composition of wine, does not dung form a part? For as the vine draws moisture from the earth, so does it from the dung that is thrown upon it. In short, if we wish to be very nice, everything is unclean, otherwise if we please not to be nice, nothing is unclean. Yet all things are pure. God made nothing unclean, for nothing is unclean, except sin only.
Another quote from St. John Chrysostom:
Ignorance is bliss. The food is not unclean in itself; only human intentions might make it unclean. Those who do not know what those intentions are can therefore eat it with a good conscience. (Commentary on 1 Cor 10:25).
When writing to the heretic Jovinian, St. Jerome said the following:
“What is the use of swine if we may not eat their flesh? … But who does not know that no universal law of nature regulates the food of all nations, and that each eats those things of which it has abundance? For instance, the Arabians and Saracens, and all the wild tribes of the desert live on camel’s milk and flesh: for the camel, to suit the climate and barren soil of those regions, is easily bred and reared. They think it wicked to eat the flesh of swine. Why? Because pigs which fatten on acorns, chestnuts, roots of ferns, and barley, are seldom or never found among them: and if they were found, they would not afford the nourishment of which we spoke just now. The exact opposite is the case with the northern peoples. If you were to force them to eat the flesh of asses and camels, they would think it the same as though they were compelled to devour a wolf or a crow … suppose all nations alike ate flesh, and let that be everywhere lawful which the place produces. How does it concern us whose conversation is in heaven? So then when you ask me why the pig was created, I immediately reply, as if two boys were disputing, by asking you why were vipers and scorpions? You must not judge that anything from the hand of God is superfluous, because there are many beasts and birds which your palate rejects. But this may perhaps look more like contentiousness and pugnacity than truth. Let me tell you therefore that pigs and wild-boars, and stags, and the rest of living creatures were created, that soldiers, athletes, sailors, rhetoricians, miners, and other slaves of hard toil, who need physical strength, might have food: and also those who carry arms and provisions, who wear themselves out with the work of hand or foot, who ply the oar, who need good lungs to shout and speak, who level mountains and sleep out rain or fair.” ( St. Jerome: The Principal Works of St. Jerome – Christian Classics Ethereal Library).
Even our beloved father St. Basil, whom we have an anaphora named after had words to say on this subject.
St. Basil: It has seemed to me ridiculous that any one should make a vow to abstain from swine’s flesh. Be so good as to teach men to abstain from foolish vows and promises. Represent the use to be quite indifferent. No creature of God, received with thanksgiving, is to be rejected. The vow is ridiculous; the abstinence unnecessary. (XXVIII – Letter CXCIX. – Canonica Secundab- To Amphilochius, concerning the Canons).
While not an Early Church Father, the emperor of Ethiopia, Gelawdewos, accepted the view of the Apostolic Patristic doctrine:
However, the circumcision that is with us is like the country traditional custom of scoring the face in Ethiopia and Nubia and like the piercing of ears in India. Thus we do not do this in keeping with the Judaistic law but due to human custom. As to eating pork it is not eaten here. However, we do not refrain from eating it in keeping with the Judaistic law. We do not abhor those who eat it and we do not force the one who does not eat it to eat. As our father St Paul wrote to the Romans 14:3-17 the man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him
The Fetha Negest is also in agreement with the previous statements, as it regularly cites the writings of the Church Father’s mentioned above. Even though it is not infallibly binding due to it containing errors (Such as Universal Jurisdiction of the Roman Pope, which is possibly a forgery) it is still helpful in many ways.
Referencing the above Fathers, it says:
Whosoever avoids marriage, eating meat, or drinking wine because he considers them as impure and illicit things, or whosoever considers himself better than others for this reason,* shall be deposed. (Chapter XIII).
And:
“If among the Christian people some are found to behave as Jews, let them be driven away from the face of Christ.”
From the Fetha Negest commentary by Dr. William A. Hanna:
“Another group became obsolete because (new) knowledge made it not needed anymore like the laws against eating pork because the purpose of it was to keep the Israelites away from the gentiles who kept swine, so that they do not pick their religions (idol worship)and bad habits. So, when the faith was opened to all nations, except for those few who refused the will of god and rejected the faith, there was no need to separate one nation from another and the reason for the foreboding and forbidding were no longer valid. (Chapter 46 Concerning What Should be Mentioned In This Book From Old and New Other than What Is Already Stated Miscellaneous Topics).
Glory to God forever, amen.
Faith Unto Ages 