Advocates Health and Temperance Education

The apostles and prophets were earnest, consistent advocates of the principles that govern the health of body and mind.AGP 304.2

Moses gave to Israel detailed instruction regarding temperance, sanitation, diet, cleanliness, quarantine for infectious diseases, and other factors that affect the health.AGP 304.3

Christ Jesus in His perfect ministry for mankind, sought to restore physical health as well as new spiritual life:AGP 304.4

“Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Matthew 4:23.

The same twofold ministry is set forth in His instruction to His disciples before sending them out to evangelize the people:AGP 304.5

“As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers.” Matthew 10:7, 8.

The New Testament writers place a strong emphasis upon the place of temperance and physical self-control in the attainment of a Christian life. Paul reasoned with the people regarding theAGP 304.6

importance of temperate living. (See Acts 24:25.) He declared that “every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” 1 Corinthians 9:25. Of his own battle for personal righteousness, he said: “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.” Verse 27. Peter admonishes believers to add virtue to faith, knowledge to virtue, and temperance to knowledge. 2 Peter 1:5, 6.AGP 305.1