2004-02-21T23:08:00.000-08:00

The Structure

Jesus’ pithy saying, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” is not found in other canonical Gospel. It could possibly belong to a hypothetical ‘M’ source peculiar to Matthew . Each of the first two warning clauses has a parallel clause on its consequences in chiastic (a b b a) pattern. For example, the swine is depicted as trampling underfoot the pearls, which turned out to be non-edible, whilst the wild dogs bite and tear at the foolhardy donor.

The Context

It seems possible that the logion may fit the preceding context in showing the futility of correcting (7:1-5) people who refuse teaching even when properly ‘judged .’ Another suggestion is that Jesus’ saying is a transition between the futility of correcting those who will not listen (7:1-5) and the need to discerningly offer wisdom to those who will (7:7-11) . But Carson suggests that the converse reason that the saying actually cautions the readers against a neglect of proper discernment, resulting from a misunderstanding of the preceding context . After weighing these suggestions, I’m more inclined to view the logion as another saying of Jesus, without any special dependence on the preceding teachings against a judgmental attitude and the succeeding ones on prayer . It is most likely a proverb that Jesus could use for a wide range of applications, not unlike, “Do not give to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.” (Proverbs 23:9) The explanatory background material may well have not been recorded for us.

The Content

Since the verse seems detached from the context, various interpretations have been suggested. The key textual issues here revolve around the intended reference for the beasts and the pearl/holy thing. Some suggest that “what is sacred” refers to food from the temple sacrifice . The Didache 9:5 said, “Let none eat or drink of your Eucharist except those who have been baptized in the name of the Lord. It was concerning this that the Lord said, ‘Do not give dogs what is holy’.” In effect, the early manual of Syrian Christianity applies anachronistically the first clause to the prohibition of non-baptized persons (i.e. the dogs) from participating in the Eucharist (i.e. holy things). However, it stretches the imagination to suppose why the unbelievers would turn against Christians for partaking in the Eucharist. It is also not apparent why the dogs would reject the temple food, used as corresponding to the bread and wine. What then is represented by the ‘holy thing’ or ‘the pearl’? A reference to the Gospel of the Kingdom is most likely based on the parable found in Matthew 13:45-46 where it is likened to a “pearl of great price” . Its sacred nature demands reverence and obedience.

As the term “dogs” could be used for Gentiles (Matthew 15:26), it seems possible that the saying prohibits preaching the gospel to them (Matthew 10:5, 15:24) . Again, this option is problematic in view of direct imperatives to Jesus’ disciples in the same Gospel to reach out to all people groups. (Matthew 28:19) It is also unclear why exclusively Gentile hearers would react violently to the Gospel when fiercest opposition to Jesus’ ministry came from the Jewish leaders. It seems best that scoffers, regardless of ethnic background, are in view here .
To Jewish sensibilities, both pariah dogs and pigs are unclean animals, with repulsive behavior and disgusting diet. Therefore, the Bible has used the two together metaphorically elsewhere in Isaiah 66:3 and 2 Pet 2:22. Dogs may also refer to wicked oppressors (Proverbs 26:11, Psalm 22:16, 20) while swine is proverbially described as lacking appreciation of value . (Proverbs 11:22) Indeed, there are people who do not treasure what the Gospel has to offer them. As Hagner rightly commented, “The issue here thus focuses on the lack of receptivity rather than on any intrinsic unworthiness of any individuals or group .”

The Conclusion

It seems clear that Jesus’ saying warns us against sharing treasures of great worth or participation in sacred privileges with those who scorn them willfully . He gave this instruction when His disciples were sent out to preach:

“And when ye come into a house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” (Matthew 10:13-14, Authorized Version)

Jesus Himself exemplified this principle when He refused to answer Herod Antipas’ “many questions” (Luke 23:9). The early Christians also practiced their Master’s percept later in Acts 13:44-51, 18:5-6 and Titus 3:10 -11. In his book “Purpose Driven Church”, Rick Warren noted in similar vein that it is simply poor stewardship to spend time and energy to cajole those who show no interest in spiritual things to come back into the fold when there is a multitude who has not heard of the gospel for the first time.

However, we should not be quick to judge individuals as hardened or hopeless cases who would never accept the gospel message. We are indeed forbidden from coercing it upon those who show disinterest or hostility towards it . Contrary to some hyper-Calvinists’ penchant for preaching the gospel only to suspected elects, John Calvin himself wisely advised in his commentary on the same passage, “As the ministers of the Gospel… cannot distinguish between the children of God and swine, it is their duty to present the doctrine of salvation indiscriminately to all.”

Apologetics Training Syllabus for ALPHA Course

Setting: The small group could consist of 12 or less participants. The objective is to equip young apologists in secondary schools with some practical principles in handling hostile opposition during ALPHA group discussions. This is a follow-up on the previous chapter’s emphasis on not treating every sincere question with empathy and respect. Open-ended questions would facilitate further group discussion and creatively suggest action plans.

a) Sowing Indiscriminately:
What’s the first thought that cross your mind when someone asks you a tough question about the Christian faith?
• “Ouch! He’s just interested to be a troublemaker, ruining my ALPHA group”
• “Why does he have to ask such intellectual problems? Can’t you take it by faith?”

The ambassador for Christ must not be quick to judge seekers or skeptics as insincere or showing hardened contempt. It could well be that they take the faith seriously that they ask. We simply cannot tell who will accept or reject the gospel message.

b) Casting Pearls to Swine:

A young man, obviously antagonistic towards Christian faith, once complained that his mother kept shoving the Bible into his throat. Obviously, the saintly mother had genuine concern for her son’s salvation. But is it possible that wearisome nagging and consistent dinner-table lectures actually drive him even further away from the faith?

How would you approach this situation, if you were the concerned mother? Would you keep up the pressure and preach him to submission? What could you do differently if you meet someone like that in ALPHA? In Matthew 7:6, we are called to exercise sound discernment and not throw away sacred truths recklessly to those who show hardened contempt towards it. We can, however, continue to show genuine Christ-like concern, care and understanding to them as persons made in God’s image.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Imagine this scenario. You found out that a loud, antagonistic guest is in your group when you started to introduce the claims of Christ. It’s too late. You have just fed the dogs and they are turning against you with a vengeance.
• How could you handle the situation?
• What could you say to diffuse the tension?

Above all, as an ambassador of Christ, show courage and compassion under fire. If you can’t answer the objections, probe with questions to understand his views better. Then you can come prepared the next week. You may also try to deflect his objections and invite different response, “That’s an interesting comment. What do the others think?” If the situation does not improve, you may need to have a one-to-one talk with the guest about the need to “agree to disagree agreeably.”

Casting Pearls to Swines