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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Question about meaning of turning cheek | Matt 5:39 | Morant61 | 89642 | ||
Greetings Chusarcik! I have heard that interpetation but I don't buy it. Here is why: Each of the items mentioned in Mt. 5:38-42 deals with an issue of civil rights. The issue is one of personal civil rights. In contrast to the Jews who taught vengence, Jesus calls us to be 'extra mile' people. For instance, striking someone on the check was a great personal public insult. The 'eye for eye' philosphy would be to strike them back and avenge one's self of this affront. But, Jesus said to turn to him the other check as well and endure the insult again. Further, people were given legal protection against having their outer clock taken. For many people, this was both their coat and bedding. It was a legal right to keep it. The 'eye for eye' approach would be to insist upon our rights and not allow anyone to take what is rightfully ours. However, Jesus said to let him have your cloak as well. Finally, Roman soldiers were legally allowed to force people to carry their burdens for them for 1 mile. The 'eye for eye' approach would be to carry the burden for just 1 mile, but Jesus said to go 2 miles. The whole point of the passage is that Christians should be the kind of people who do not insist upon their 'rights'. We are to be, as Phil. 2:3-4 says, who consider others better than ourselves and look out for the interest of others, rather than ourselves. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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2 | Is this the opinion of most Christians? | Matt 5:39 | Chusarcik | 89648 | ||
Thankyou, that answer seems to make sense to me. I'm wondering if in general, Christians agree with your opinion. Is there anyone else out there that would care to comment? Chusarcik | ||||||
3 | Is this the opinion of most Christians? | Matt 5:39 | Parable | 89681 | ||
Yes, I agree that the command is for us to submit rather than demand justice. The OT prescriptions of "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" were to maintain social order, instead of promoting escalation, e.g. killing someone who insults your mother. Jesus, as usual, goes beyond the OT prescription, requiring that we address the contents of our hearts. Revenge starts in the heart as a desire for justice, but we err when we try to deliver justice ourselves instead of leaving that to God. Also, if we have no desire for justice for ourselves, we will never do anything that will provoke revenge by others. Ironically, to be peacemakers, we must work for justice, yet not for ourselves, but for others. Parable |
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4 | Is this the opinion of most Christians? | Matt 5:39 | Chusarcik | 89685 | ||
Thankyou, Chusarcik |
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