Early Christian Figures Recognized ‘The New Covenant’

The new covenant (Luke 22:20), which began shortly after Pentecost (Acts 2:1), is most likely why many early Christian figures abstained from consuming meat. None of the following information is meant to be authoritative or inspired, as it is not from the Bible (2 Tim 3:16–17; 2 Pet 1:19–21). However, these early documents lend support to the fact that a component of the new covenant (Luke 22:20) encourages abstinence from harming animals (specifically through diet).

The Twelve Apostles (Matt 10:2–4)

1. Peter (10:2) – The Clementine Homilies (12.6) and the Recognitions of Clement (7.6) both quote the apostle Peter, indicating that he refrained from meat consumption. The Clementine Homilies date to about AD 300–320, and the Recognitions of Clement date to roughly AD 320–380.

2. Matthew (10:3) – the early church father, Clement of Alexandria (AD 153–217), wrote in The Instructor (Book 2, Chapter 1) that the apostle Matthew abstained from meat-eating. The Instructor (Book 2) is dated to approximately AD 182–202.

3. Thomas (10:3) – The Acts of Thomas (Chapter 20) implied that the apostle Thomas refrained from consuming meat, further mentioning that he was righteous, compassionate, and kind. The Acts of Thomas is dated to around AD 200–225.

4. All Twelve Apostles (10:2–4): Eusebius (c. AD 260–339), a historian of Christianity, said in Demonstratio Evangelica (Proof of the Gospel) (Book 3, Chapter 5) that all of the apostles abstained from meat consumption. Demonstratio Evangelica (Proof of the Gospel) is dated to AD 312. 

Other Apostles

1. James - Eusebius (c. AD 260–339) quotes Hegesippus (c. AD 110–c. 180), an early Christian writer, stating in Church History (Book 2, Chapter 23) that James abstained from meat-eating since birth. James was known as one of the ‘pillars of the church’ (Gal 2:9), an apostle (though not one of the twelve), and the brother of Jesus (1:19). Eusebius claimed in Church History (Book 2, Chapter 1) that James was the first bishop of the Jerusalem church and he was called ‘James the Just’ because of his virtue. Church History is dated to approximately AD 300–340. 

Early Church Fathers

1. Saint Jerome (AD 347–419) was a priest and biblical commentator. He is documented to have abstained from meat eating. Fittingly, Saint Jerome implied in Against Jovinianus (Book 1, Chapter 18) that meat, like divorce, was permitted to be consumed only because of man’s hardness of heart (Matt 19:1–9). He references Numbers 11:4–34, associating the consumption of animal flesh with the ingestion of poison. Finally, he states that humans did not eat meat in Eden (Gen 1:29) and will not consume flesh on the New Earth either (Isa 11:6–9). He argues that since Jesus will make the New Earth like Eden (Rev 22:13), Christians should not eat meat here and now (further citing Rom 14:21).

2. Saint Basil the Great (AD 330–379) was a priest and bishop of Caesarea. He is documented to have abstained from consuming meat. Fittingly, Saint Basil the Great stated in Hexaemeron (Homily 7, Chapter 3) that creatures of the sea are wise and marvelous in how they function and that humanity can learn from the fish in their contentment. 

3. Saint John Chrysostom (c. AD 347–407) was a priest and Archbishop of Constantinople. He is documented to have abstained from meat consumption. Fittingly, Saint John Chrysostom implied in Homily 29 of Homilies on Romans that based on Proverbs 12:10, Christians should extend their gentleness to animals.

4. Saint Clement of Alexandria (c. AD 150–215) was a philosopher and writer. He is documented to have abstained from meat eating. Fittingly, Saint Clement of Alexandria in The Instructor (Book 2, Chapter 1) cited Romans 14:20–21 to encourage temperance of meat eating, as he implied that one’s soul is darkened by inhaling the smell of flesh.

5. Tertullian (c. AD 160–c. 220) was a theologian and writer. He is documented to have abstained from meat eating. Fittingly, in Apology (Chapter 9), Tertullian condemned gladiator show attendees who eat meat from stags and bears who are killed in the arena, calling them vile, savage, and lustful. He encouraged them to be like the Christians of that time, who were implied to abstain from meat consumption because of the Jerusalem Quadrilateral (Acts 15:20, 15:29, 21:25) and kosher (Lev 11:1–47; Deut 14:1–21) restrictions and consequently avoided being polluted.

6. Origen of Alexandria (AD 185–254) was a theologian and pagan philosophy critic. He is documented to have abstained from meat eating. Fittingly, in Contra Celsum (Book 8, Chapter 30), Origen implied that the Jerusalem Quadrilateral restrictions on meat (Acts 15:20, 15:29, 21:25; 1 Cor 10:19–21) were ordered because it helps Christians to avoid associating with demonic spirits, as the stench of blood is the food of demons.