Misconceptions about Matt 5:39

Submitted by Steve Cooper (United States), Jul 5, 2006 at 13:48

Many people mistakenly believe Jesus taught pacifism because of Matt 5:39. It's imperative we understand He was talking about responding to an insult, NOT a deadly force situation. Read Luke 22:36. One of His final commandments was for His believers to arm themselves. And, no, He did NOT later tell Peter to get rid of the sword. He told him to put it away which is the same as saying, 'Keep it, but don't use it now.'

A Christian is NOT violating Jesus' command by defending himself or another innocent against harm.

The church is guilty of allowing this nonsense to persist. Just another example of the world softening the Word and the church going along with it. Preachers today are just as guilty as the Pharisees of yesterday of heaping burdens on their followers God never intended.

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