The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1301-A, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 3."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1976. All Rights Reserved.

Question

What does Matthew 7:6 mean by not offering "that which is holy" to the dogs?

Answer

Look at Matthew 7:6: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast your pearls before swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and lacerate you.” Our Lord, in giving instructions to his disciples—really, the Sermon on the Mount had them in mind much of the time—warned them about a certain thing, and that was giving good things to evil men. What does it mean by "that which is holy"? Because whatever it means, it’s synonymous with pearls.

Pearls, in the Greek, is “margarites,” from which you get “Margaret” and “Rita.” It’s a precious thing. That which is holy is something specially set apart to God. What he’s saying is this: do not continually offer holy things to people who devour them, reject them, and turn them back to you lacerated and torn apart. You know what I believe he’s saying? I believe he’s saying that you only need to present the gospel to a certain point and when then people become abusive and blasphemous, it’s time to cease at that point, at least, the offering. There is a limit.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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