Bible Discoveries

Non-Retaliation

4 And He will judge between the nations, And will mediate for many peoples; And they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not lift up a sword against nation, And never again will they learn war. (Isaiah 2:4)

Beating swords into plowshares.

3 And He will judge between many peoples And render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift a sword against nation, And never again will they train for war. (Micah 4:3)

Not lifting up the sword.

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also. (Matthew 5:38-39)

Not retaliating against evil people.

This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus is teaching about the attitudes and behaviors expected of his followers. The phrase “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” refers to the Old Testament law known as lex talionis, which means the law of retaliation. This law was meant to limit retribution and ensure that the punishment was proportionate to the offense. However, Jesus introduces a new perspective that goes beyond this principle. By saying “do not resist an evil person” and instructing his followers to “turn the other cheek,” Jesus appears to advocate for a response to wrongdoing that avoids retaliation and seeks to overcome evil with good. This teaching emphasizes nonviolent resistance and the importance of love and forgiveness, even in the face of aggression or injustice. Therefore, in this context, Jesus is advocating for nonviolence and a pacifistic approach to dealing with personal offenses. He encourages his followers to respond to violence and injustice with actions that reflect mercy, patience, and a commitment to peace, rather than retaliation or revenge. (ChatGPT)

The law of retaliation. The Latin phrase Lex talionis refers to the legal principle of exact retaliation. It is a principle developed in early Mesopotamian law and is also present in the Bible as “an eye for an eye”. (Wikipedia)

“But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes. (Matthew 10:23)

Fleeing persecution.

Jesus tells them to flee, not to fight back.

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)

Not fighting back.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14-21)

Not seeking revenge.

  • Verse 14: blessing the persecutors
  • Verse 14: not cursing them
  • Verse 17: never repaying evil for evil
  • Verse 19: never taking one’s own revenge
  • Verse 19: leaving room for the wrath of God
  • Verse 20: feeding their enemy
  • Verse 20: giving a drink to their enemy

7 Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather suffer the wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? (1 Corinthians 6:7)

Being defrauded.

Why not rather suffer the wrong? Paul suggests that it would be better for believers to endure injustice rather than bring shame to the Christian community by engaging in public legal battles. This advice aligns with the teachings of Jesus about turning the other cheek and not seeking revenge. Paul is advocating for a higher standard of conduct, where believers prioritize the well-being and reputation of the community over their personal rights and grievances. (ChatGPT)

Why not rather be defrauded? Similarly, Paul argues that it is better to be defrauded than to pursue legal action against a fellow believer. The emphasis is on maintaining the integrity and witness of the Christian community. By choosing to suffer wrongs or be defrauded, believers demonstrate their commitment to peace, forgiveness, and the teachings of Jesus, showing that they value relationships and the community’s testimony above their own material or legal rights. (ChatGPT)

21 For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps, 22 He who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. (1 Peter 2:21-25)

Not threatening anyone.

9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)

Not returning evil for evil.

References

Leave a comment