Question by Ellet Joseph Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 19, 1882

Question.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

WHAT did the Saviour mean by not casting pearls before swine? Do his words place any restriction upon missionary work? M. E. A.

The entire passage to which reference is made reads thus: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” This cannot be understood as limiting missionary work, because, (1) Such a construction is forbidden by other texts. The gospel commission is: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” See also Titus 2:11; 1 Tim. 2:4; John 1:9, etc.; and (2) a careful consideration of the text shows the individuals represented as dogs and swine have heard the truth, and willfully turned from it. The swine is the embodiment of filth, and “dog” is used in the Bible as a term of the deepest reproach. It is used to represent, (1) false teachers, Isa. 56:11; (2) persecutors, Ps. 22:16; (3) the devil, Ps. 22:20. Paul says they are to be shunned, Phil. 3:2, and our Saviour says that their lot will finally be without the holy city, in the lake of fire, Rev. 22:15. None will be outside the city but the incorrigibly wicked.

In general, then, a dog represents one who knows the truth to some extent, or who may possibly have accepted it, but who rejects it with scoffing, returns to his evil ways, and rails at those who by precept or example condemn him. This view is sustained by Prov. 26:11, and 2 Peter 2:22. God does not try to force men to be saved against their will. Labor with such individuals is not missionary work, but controversy; and the truth can only be injured by such controversy.

Dr. Clarke comments on this passage as follows:—

“As a general meaning of this passage, we may just say: The sacrament of the Lord’s supper, and other holy ordinances which are only instituted for the genuine followers of Christ, are not to be dispensed to those who are continually returning like the snarling, ill-natured dog to their easily predominant sins of rash judgment, barking at and tearing the characters of others by evil speaking, back-biting, and slander,; nor to him, who, like the swine, is frequently returning to wallow in the mud of sensual gratifications and impurities.”

E. J. W.