Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which
comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.
All Commentaries on Matthew 15:11 Go To Matthew 15
Jerome
AD 420
The word here Common then in this sense is that which is free to the rest of mankind, and as though not in part of God, is therefore called unclean.
The thoughtful reader may here object and say, If that which entereth into the mouth defileth not a man, why do we not feed on meats offered to idols? Be it known then that meats and every creature of God is in itself clean; but the invocation of idols and daemons makes them unclean with those at least who with conscience of the idol eat that which is offered to idols; and their conscience being weak is polluted, as the Apostle says.
