Clean and unclean animals in the new testament

In the New Testament, the concept of clean and unclean animals is not as prominent as it is in the Old Testament. However, there are a few instances where the distinction between clean and unclean animals is mentioned. Here are some examples:

1. Acts 10:1-16 - In this passage, Peter has a vision in which God shows him a sheet filled with all sorts of animals, including "four-footed creatures of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air." God tells Peter to "kill and eat" the animals, but Peter is hesitant because he considers them unclean. However, God tells him that God has made these animals clean, and that Peter should not call anything impure that God has made clean.
2. Mark 7:1-23 - In this passage, Jesus is criticized by the Pharisees and scribes for eating with unwashed hands. Jesus responds by pointing out that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but rather what comes out of their heart. He also notes that the Pharisees are more concerned with external purity, such as washing their hands and feet, but neglect the internal purity of their hearts.
3. 1 Timothy 4:1-5 - In this passage, Paul warns against false teachings that prohibit marriage and the consumption of certain foods, including "clean" and "unclean" animals. He notes that God created all food to be received with thanksgiving, and that nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

In general, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of internal purity and the forgiveness of sins, rather than external purity and the distinction between clean and unclean animals. While the concept of clean and unclean animals is not entirely absent from the New Testament, it is not as central to the message of salvation as it is in the Old Testament.

It's worth noting that the distinction between clean and unclean animals was not abolished in the New Testament, but rather, it was reinterpreted in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the distinction between clean and unclean animals was a way of separating the Israelites from the surrounding nations and of emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness. In the New Testament, the distinction between clean and unclean animals is seen as a shadow of the true and ultimate purity that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.