Resisting Evil - How Much Should We Do?

Consistent with this view of war, most of these Christians believe that the death penalty is wrong also. In addition to verses about not resisting evil (Matthew 5:39), these Christians point to Jesus’ refusal to stone the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11). Therefore, many of these Christians think that a Christian should not be a judge or member of the government, since then he would have to “bear the sword” to punish wrongdoers and would have to decide when to give the death penalty and when to go to war. They believe that a Christian cannot be a member of the police either, since a policeman may have to use physical violence or even kill a criminal to protect society. These believers point out that we are citizens of heaven, not of earth (Philippians 3:20), and that we are called to a life of peace (Hebrews 12:14). Although these Christians refuse to be a part of government themselves, they do submit to their country’s government. For example, they pay taxes, and they pray for government authorities (Mark 12:13-17; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-17).

Many other Christians interpret these sayings of Jesus differently. These Christians believe that Jesus’ words must be followed by every individual believer in his personal life, but that Jesus was not talking about governments or about policemen and other officials doing their public duty. If we as individual believers are hurt by a “brother” or an “adversary,” Jesus tells us to get rid of our anger and “be reconciled” to our brother and “settle matters” with our adversary (Matthew 5:22-26). If we as individuals are slapped by someone, we should not fight back or seek revenge, but rather we should show him our love by “turning the other cheek” (Matthew 5:38-41). As individuals we should be ready to give or lend to whoever asks (Matthew 5:42), even if they are our enemies (Luke 6:35). According to this second view, these sayings of Jesus refer to private individuals only.

These Christians say further that Jesus was speaking to private individuals in an unarmed nation. He would have been thinking of the daily arguments of village life. Jesus’ hearers would not have applied His words to the police or army. According to this viewpoint, these authorities must resist evil. Further, these Christians say, if the authorities do wrong, it is good to resist them as well. There are three examples of resisting authorities in the New Testament. First, Jesus Himself showed anger and resisted evil physically when He cleared the temple with a whip and overturned the money tables (John 2:13-16). Second, Jesus protested an illegal slap on the cheek during His own court case (John 18:19-23). And Paul resisted evil to his own person by appealing to a higher court (Acts 25:11). Because of these examples, these Christians believe that we also should resist evil in this way.

Regarding war, this group of Christians recognize the sinfulness of war, but they note that Paul approves of the government’s use of the “sword” to punish wrongdoers (Romans 13:4). John the Baptist was asked by soldiers what they must do to show true repentance, and he told them to be content with their pay; he did not tell them to leave the army (Luke 3:14). These Christians distinguish between those things, on the one hand, that are allowed by God in the Old Testament law but which Jesus said we should no longer do, such as divorce (Matthew 5:31) and oaths (Matthew 5:33); and on the other hand those things which God specifically ordered in the Old Testament, which they believe Jesus did not deny, such as the judicial death penalty or war in a just cause (Numbers 31:1-7; Joshua Chapters 6-8; Judges 4:14-16; 7:2-22; 1 Samuel 15:2-3). John’s vision presents Jesus at the end time as a warrior leader coming to destroy completely those who fight with God (Revelation 19:11-19). Therefore, although these Christians recognize that most wars are unjust and wrong, they believe certain wars are necessary and “just.” Most of these Christians believe that the death penalty is still allowed as well. Even in the New Testament, God used Peter to pronounce death on two people trying to tell a falsehood to God (Acts 5:1-10). They believe that war or the death penalty is not God’s perfect will, but that God still requires it to prevent certain injustices or to show the seriousness of certain sins.

Regarding participation in government, these Christians point to Paul’s instructions to submit to the government and to its laws and taxes (Romans 13:17). Even though the Roman emperor at the time was a vicious persecutor of Christians, Paul said that the authorities are established by God, and that they are God’s servants (Romans 13:1,4,6). Tax collectors do not have to leave their jobs, but must collect fair taxes (Luke 3:12-13; Romans 13:6-7). These Christians believe that it is good for believers to be members of the government or police in order to encourage the government and police to follow God’s way of justice, and to show mercy when appropriate. They say that Christians should be a “light” in government (Matthew 5:14-16). Although as individuals they should not “fight back” to get revenge or protect their own interests, as members of the police or government they should help to see that wrongdoers are punished and the interests of others are protected.

A third group of Christians believe that any person can resist an evil person, with violence if necessary. These Christians believe that when Jesus gave these teachings about resisting evil, He did not intend that they be applied in every situation. These Christians say that there are obvious exceptions, which Jesus’ hearers would have understood without being told. For example, if a drunkard tries to murder an innocent victim, he should be resisted in any way possible. They further point out that it is not good for children to be allowed to slap or insult their parents, or when they grab one sweet to be given a second sweet also. These Christians believe that there are many examples like these in which God wants all of us to resist evil.

These Christians also believe that individuals can resist major criminal violence, even if it is one’s own interests that are being threatened. They believe that some sayings of Jesus are hyperbolic statements designed to make the teaching more vivid and emphatic, but are not meant to be taken literally, as in Matthew 5:29-30. They note that the typical teacher of Jesus’ time used such hyperboles frequently. They agree that Christians should not fight or quarrel with others, even when challenged (Matthew 5:39). But, they say, if someone is trying to do permanent damage to us or is trying to kill us, we are allowed to fight back to save ourselves. They agree that Christians should do good to their enemies and be merciful by giving to others anything they truly need (Matthew 5:43-44; Luke 6:3036). But they do not believe that we must give all of our money or property away if someone who is not in need asks for it or tries to steal it.

These Christians accept all the arguments of the second view (mentioned above) about participation in the police, the army, and the government. They believe that such participation is not only acceptable, but may also be God’s will as well.

Some Christians may decide that some ideas from all of these three main views are correct. Each Christian should come to a decision about these questions only after thorough Bible study, meditation, and prayer, and with the help of the Holy Spirit. Through all of church history, mature spiritual Christians have differed on these questions. The Bible does not give definite answers to these questions. Whatever view we hold ourselves, we should not condemn another for holding a different view, nor should we fight over these issues.

Related to the question of resisting evil is the question of persecution of believers. Persecution is the suffering inflicted on us by other people because of our good actions or because of our faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:10-11; Luke 6:22; 1 Peter 2:20). The New Testament teaches that all Christians will be persecuted in some way (Mark 13:9; Luke 21:12; 2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus also taught us how to respond to persecution as Christians. He told us not to be afraid (Matthew 10:26), but to rejoice (Matthew 5:10-12). Paul said that he delighted in persecution, because then he could experience God’s GRACE, which was always sufficient to enable him to bear anything (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). However, Jesus also told us to be as shrewd as snakes and to be on (our) guard (Matthew 10:16-17).

Regarding the persecutor, we are instructed to bless and … not curse those who persecute us (Romans 12:14), and to love … and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). We also will be brought before government officials in courts and prisons, but we are not to worry beforehand about what to say, because Jesus through the Holy Spirit will teach us at the time what to say (Mark 13:9-11; Luke 21:12-19).

Jesus did not tell us to fight when we are attacked for our faith in Him. Just before His own arrest Jesus said to His disciples to buy swords (Luke 22:3538), but He did not allow them to use their swords to defend Him (Luke 22:51). Rather, He warned them that those who take the sword will die by it (Matthew 26:52). Most Christians think that believers who are being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus should never defend themselves by violent means.

Whatever we think about some of these difficult sayings of Jesus, all Christians agree that we should live in peace as much as we are able (Hebrews 12:14). We all look forward to the future day when the Lord’s kingdom is established on earth, when men will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3). Meanwhile, if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).