Bible Study Eye for an Eye

[stovebolts]

(Matt 5:38-42) You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have [your] cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

I'd like to study this a bit if we can and find the true intent behind these words. I welcome your comments.

1. You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'
This section derives from Exodus 21:22-25 and it's original intent was to keep judgment fair. In other words, one could not be punished beyond the offence. For example, one could not be given the death penalty for stealing a loaf of bread. Now, there is much commentary on how to live this commandment out and in the days of Jesus you had the school of Shemi and the school of Hillel and both of them had differences views on their interpretation for these passages.

But I tell you not to resist an evil person.
Here, Jesus is making a statment that we don't need to treat others who mistreat us the same as they treat us, which was not the intent of Exodus 21:22-25.

But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

This is where understanding culture comes in. In that time period, it was permissible to back hand your slave upon ones own discretion. Slapping your slave with an open hand was not permissible and not tolerated.

To turn the other cheek, was to force the owner to recognize you as a human being, and not merely a slave. Jesus is saying that we don't have to tolerate being oppressed, and even a slave (just like the law states) is to be treated like a hired hand. (Lev 25:39-40).

If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have [your] cloak also.

I don't know the OT passage, but I know that suing your brother was wrong under the OT law. Paul affirms this OT line of thinking in 1 Cor 6:6-8. So, if anyone does sue you with disregard for moral right, then give him your cloak too.

Exodus 22:26-27 If you at all take your neighbor's clothing as pledge, you shall deliver it unto him by the time the sun goes down: For that is his only covering, it is his clothing for his skin: in what shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he cries unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.

By giving your cloak, it will be a daily reminder to the person who sued you of the wrong he has done you, and by the law, it forces him to acknowledge you as a person in the realm of compassion.

And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two.

Again, culture helps us to understand this better. Under Roman siege, it was permissible for a Roman Soldier to force (compel) a person to carry their pack exactly one mile. So imagine your out in your field and a bunch of Roman soldiers come marching by and they grab you and force you to carry their pack for a mile, and under Roman law, this was legal? How would you feel? Probably not too good. But it was a reality of the times.

So, what happens if the soldier makes you carry the pack 2 miles? Under strict Roman law, that soldier was punished. So imagine for a moment how that soldier is going to react. Instead of how it began, "You, carry this pack!" all of a sudden he's back peddaling, "Drop the pack! Stop carrying it!" What's happening here? He is being forced to view you as a person, not an object.

All through the Bible we see this theme of the stronger oppressing the weaker, and it's not ok with God. As followers of Christ, it's our duty to not allow ourselves to be treated as objects of oppression, yet we are not called to strike back in violence. No, our tact is to think outside the box and figure out a way to show other people that we are not objects, but rather, we are living human beings.

 

[felix]

As followers of Christ, it's our duty to not allow ourselves to be treated as objects of oppression, yet we are not called to strike back in violence.

I am not sure of cultural stories but they are not Christ's teachings.

• (Matt 5:44) "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
• (Rom 12:20-21) Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

[Elijah674]

Do we not still need an accumulation of Bible verses (Isa. 28:9-10) to understand this? Matt. 4:4 + 2 Tim. 3:16

Surely David did not say OK to King Saul when he had the javelon tossed at him 3 times.. that God told me that I was to be the next king & you can't kill me!;)

And one often hears of Christ not offering a mumbling word at His trial & crucifixion?? If you read Matt. 23 in full, we see why. (and sure, there are other reasons) There was nothing more to be said though, huh?? The chapter of Matt. 23 said it all!

But surely we shound take every precaution to not be or take needless offence.

But that is the real problem, no one knows anothers required [heart] duties or why certain things are said or done! We all grow (mature) at different speeds.

--Elijah

 

[stovebolts]

I am not sure of cultural stories but they are not Christ's teachings.

• (Matt 5:44) "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
• (Rom 12:20-21) Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Hi Felix,

The culture was what it was. I'm sure you can check it out and the two verses affirm what Jesus was teaching.

If somebody sues you, is it love to be passive and allow him to abuse you? How about if somebody degrades and bullies you, is it love to be passive and allow them to remain in their error? Is love for somebody else really allowing them to treat you as an object for their disposal as long as they stay within a politically correct boundry?

I think that Love is getting out of yourself, and getting away from our bent toward revenge that does something so powerful, that it changes the way others view the world around them.

In the three examples Christ gave, it does just that. It gets the abuser, selfish and oppressive person to look outside themselves and forces them to get a glimpse of your world. In other words, if your going to slap me, your not going to slap me as an inferior. No, your going to slap me as your equal. And if your going to be non reasonable and greedy and take what I have, I'll give you something that you have to give me back, just so you know what it's like to give, and every time you give it back, you're going to see the destruction you left. And if you want to oppress me and make me do things just because you can, then I'm going to remind you that I'm a person too, so be thankful for what I'm doing, but don't treat me like an object, because I'm not. I'm a human being, just like you.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. Why? Because God so love the world, that he gave... he gave his only begotton son. God wasn't passive. He didn't leave us in our depravity, he did something, he gave... and he suffered. Love, is bound in suffering.

Love is about giving, even at your own expense. Anyone can strike back, or anyone can be broken down to the point where they'll take the abuse of others, but it takes streangth to turn the the other cheek and say, "Go ahead, hit me again, but this time, hit me as an equal". Anyone can get sued, then turn around and sue back, or seek revenge another way, but it's hard to give more than what's already been stolen from you. And anyone can hate somebody for making them do something they don't want to do, but it's hard to give more, and do more than what is "required" of you. But according to Jesus, it's the only way that some will be brought around to repentance, becuse until they can see their error, they remain blinded by their error. Do you understand this? Jesus mission was to seek and save the lost, but it was through the ministry and message of repentance.

It's the narrow road, and few find it because they fail to do, or what they do is consumed with anger and revenge. Thus: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Evil is the absence of good, just like darkness is the absence of light. When on does nothing, or fails do do something, the void is called evil.

 

[theLords]

I agree with Jeff: As followers of Christ, it's our duty to not allow ourselves to be treated as objects of oppression, yet we are not called to strike back in violence.

This is a very Biblical statement, upheld by Christ.

John 18:22-23
And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

John 18:22-23 (NIV)
When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”

Take a look at this passage, Jesus didn't stand there and allow Himself to be abused, He stood up for Himself (Why do you strike me? What wrong have I done?). He never allowed Himself to be a doormat even on the way to His death. He endured the evil and abuse committed against Him; He didn't embrace it.

 

[felix]

I agree with Jeff: As followers of Christ, it's our duty to not allow ourselves to be treated as objects of oppression, yet we are not called to strike back in violence.

This is a very Biblical statement, upheld by Christ.

John 18:22-23
And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

John 18:22-23 (NIV)
When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?†he demanded. “If I said something wrong,†Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?â€

Take a look at this passage, Jesus didn't stand there and allow Himself to be abused, He stood up for Himself (Why do you strike me? What wrong have I done?). He never allowed Himself to be a doormat even on the way to His death. He endured the evil and abuse committed against Him; He didn't embrace it.

Thanks for the scripture reference.

I now agree that... "it's our duty to not allow ourselves to be treated as objects of oppression, yet we are not called to strike back in violence."

All I look for is Scripture as it is our final authority

 

[stovebolts]

Thanks for the scripture reference.

I now agree that... "it's our duty to not allow ourselves to be treated as objects of oppression, yet we are not called to strike back in violence."

All I look for is Scripture as it is our final authority

Hi Felix,

The thing about scripture, is that it has to be interpreted. And how we interpret scriptures will be the way we live them out. For me, you'll find that I almost always view scriptures with a historical view first as a means of interpretation. For me, I think it helps me to better understand how the first century followers of Christ would have taken the words of Jesus, and hopefully, that helps me to try and live out the scriptures in our world today.

Christianity is not passive in the sense that it's only an ideology. No, scriptures have to be lived out if we are true followers of Christ and honestly, some of the stuff even Jesus said is hard to understand. Why do you think there are so many denominations?

Anyway, I enjoy conversing with you, and I see your desire for God in your life.

Your Brother,
Jeff

 

[stovebolts]

humble soul
I hope this helps answer how we should address bullies.. It’s a little something I put together almost 10 years ago.

 

[humble soul]

All through the Bible we see this theme of the stronger oppressing the weaker, and it's not ok with God. As followers of Christ, it's our duty to not allow ourselves to be treated as objects of oppression, yet we are not called to strike back in violence. No, our tact is to think outside the box and figure out a way to show other people that we are not objects, but rather, we are living human beings.

If you don't mind me mentioning Gandhi....he seems to have grasped this concept very well. And of course Martin Luther King.
Think like like a lawyer maybe?

 

[stovebolts]

If you don't mind me mentioning Gandhi....he seems to have grasped this concept very well. And of course Martin Luther King.
Think like like a lawyer maybe?

I suppose it depends on the lawyer lol!
I think the point Jesus is making is this. There will always be those who try and oppress and bully us. It’s the world we live in. So,how do we respond because as Christians (followers of Christ), we are called to action. We are not passive, nor are we aggressors. So what is Jesus teaching us?
Jesus is teaching us that we are not victims and he is also teaching us that we are responsible for acting in a Godly way. But it’s deeper than that. It’s about being flexible enough to use any situation where we are being pushed around to open the heart of another so that they will regain that portion of humanity within themselves that’s been calloused. You see, we don’t seek vengeance on those who have done us wrong. Instead, we act in a way that will prick their heart in hope that it will lead them toward repentance. And repentance isn’t just a church buzzword. It’s about changing the hearts of those around us that live in bondage to the sin in their life that is a cultural norm because once a heart is changed, their behavior changes too.

 

[humble soul]

It’s about being flexible enough to use any situation where we are being pushed around to open the heart of another so that they will regain that portion of humanity within themselves that’s been calloused.

I feel privileged to read posts like this. Thanks

 

[humble soul]

It’s about changing the hearts of those around us that live in bondage to the sin in their life that is a cultural norm because once a heart is changed, their behavior changes too.

Tessa said it once here a few weeks ago. "Planting a seed". We might not see changes straight away but they will come eventually.
I appreciate you spending the time to give me good answers Stove.

 

[stovebolts]

I feel privileged to read posts like this. Thanks

And it’s something I enjoy writing about. However,....
first hand experience, it’s very hard at times to live out because it’s in our nature to justify our own bad behavior when somebody does us wrong.
Example, if somebody slaps me, my instinct is to body slam them back. You get the point. So I think this is where our faith really comes in. Do we have enough faith (Not fear ) in Jesus that we can be obedient to his teachings and his examples? Do we actually trust (have faith) that his teachings and examples are the best course of action in our lives? You see, our faith, or lack of faith is on display by the things we do. Put another way, our heart for our Lord is on display through every word and action we take.
Dear Lord, I believe. Please, help my unbelief.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

I am not sure of cultural stories but they are not Christ's teachings.

• (Matt 5:44) "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
• (Rom 12:20-21) Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I use to think of war and these verses created a problem for me.
Until one day I found I had a neighbor that hated me because I was asking him to repay a debt.
This made him very angry.
But I forgave this and for the next 1 1/2 years that I lived next to him.
I continually did good to him.
And I felt the better for doing it.

 

[jasonc]

note that i disagree,but I know others and myself were called to protect .I am helping a man who isn't all there and is possibly a murderer.pastor hasn't verified but never will or will allow any member to be near this man by themselves .

saving the lost doesn't negate common sense of protection .two days ago in,the same day a fire was with in a block of me and a shooting . cops got that suspect and the fire was an accident

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

note that i disagree,but I know others and myself were called to protect .I am helping a man who isn't all there and is possibly a murderer.pastor hasn't verified but never will or will allow any member to be near this man by themselves .

saving the lost doesn't negate common sense of protection .two days ago in,the same day a fire was with in a block of me and a shooting . cops got that suspect and the fire was an accident

I keep telling you Jason, you gotta move out of that city in the middle of the everglades.
main drag, alligator alley

 

[jasonc]

I keep telling you Jason, you gotta move out of that city in the middle of the everglades.
main drag, alligator alley

I have plans ,to live where Ralph won't even go,and btw the marsh isn't far from me ,old map dating to the 30s lists my,area as everglades .the st.john marsh will flood into,the Okeechobee area via the missile river and one could canoe and boat from lake Wilmington to Okeechobee,and the other way .that is what the old timers would do

 

[jasonc]

it should be the Kissimmee river