We all know the verse from the Sermon on the Mount which seems to go even deeper than turning the other cheek.
(Mat 5:39 KJV) But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.This seems pretty clear if you isolate it and take it literally, but notice the previous verse,
(Mat 5:38 KJV) Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:It would seem that this is not a blanket statement about letting evil have its way but instead personal revenge. This is another one of those places where we get different instructions at different places and we need to put them together to understand what it means.
Lets take a look at the word “resist” in verse 39.
It is of no significance but this Greek word is where we get the medical term antihistamine. I doubt if God meant it this way but I find it interesting that histamines are substances that cause allergies and other irritations in the body. If I would preaching I would make an aside that we are not to respond to petty issues, but I am not preaching.
The word is used in 12 verses in the New Testament. Four of them are of interest in trying to find a Biblical understanding of what Jesus is saying.
First we have Paul resisting Peter.
(Gal 2:11 KJV) But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.“Withstood” is our word. I would not say that Peter was evil but he was certainly going against Paul. Paul did not turn the other cheek. There was an important spiritual principle involved.
Paul continues to use the word,
(Eph 6:13 KJV) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Again, “withstand” is the word we are looking at. In this case it is a command to resist and “evil” is the same Greek word Jesus used. Evidently there are times when it is expected that we are prepared to resist.
Then we have a well known verse,
(Jas 4:7 KJV) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
How many times have you been told to resist the devil. It seems like good advice.
And then Peter chimes in,
(1Pe 5:9 KJV) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
To be concluded...
homo unius libri
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