For it is sanctified,.... Or set apart for use, and may be lawfully used at all times:by the word of God; which declares that there is nothing in itself common, or unclean, or unfit for use, and that nothing that goes into a man defiles him; so that by virtue of this word of God, every creature may be made use of, that is fit for food: or else this designs the word of God, which gives a blessing to what is eaten; for it is not by bread or meat only, but through the word of God commanding a blessing on what is eaten, that man lives, Mt 4:4 and therefore this blessing upon our food should be asked for: wherefore it follows,and prayer; this being used before eating for a blessing on the food, and after it, in a way of thanksgiving for it, sanctifies every creature of God, or gives men a free use of any, or all of them.
So the Israelites, when they had eaten, and were full, were to bless the Lord, De 8:10. And thus our Lord Jesus Christ, at meals, used to take the food, and bless it or ask a blessing on it, Mt 14:19.
And so did the Essenes among the Jews , and the Christians in Tertullian's time; and the practice is highly necessary and commendable, nor ought it to be disused. Porphyr. de Abstinentia, l. 4. sect.
12. Apolog. c.