³ They forbid people to marry^(A) and order them to abstain from certain foods,^(B) which God created^(C) to be received with thanksgiving^(D) by those who believe and who know the truth.

⁴ Marriage should be honored by all,^(A) and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.^(B)

⁴ For everything God created is good,^(A) and nothing is to be rejected^(B) if it is received with thanksgiving,

⁶ Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God;^(A) and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

³ Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you.^(A) Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.^(B)

Freedom From Human Rules

¹⁶ Therefore do not let anyone judge you^(A) by what you eat or drink,^(B) or with regard to a religious festival,^(C) a New Moon celebration^(D) or a Sabbath day.^(E)

³⁰ If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?^(A)

³¹ So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.^(B)

⁸ But food does not bring us near to God;^(A) we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

²⁸ But if you do marry, you have not sinned;^(A) and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.

⁹ Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.^(A) It is good for our hearts to be strengthened^(B) by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods,^(C) which is of no benefit to those who do so.^(D)