Amos Ministries

Self defence has become a major topic of discussion of late! I recently posted a message on social media about Leviticus 19:33-34 which related to my post on racism:

Leviticus 19:33-34 – ‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

Interestingly, the conversation turned from ensuring minorities are treated fairly to making sure we are being able to defend ourselves against foreigners who wish to harm the country’s citizens. Many of you have reached out to me about what the bible says about self defence. In particular, what does Jesus say about self defence? Jesus clearly states that we should not be concerned about self defence. This may be hard to believe, seeing that Western culture and laws contain a lot of rights pertaining to self defence. Many countries also allow the right to bear arms, and defend themselves. You may have rights in your country that are not aligned with Jesus’ teachings. Jewish leaders scoffed, when Jesus declared himself the Messiah and Son of God. Why? Because Jesus was not the Messiah they had imagined. They imagined the Messiah would be a warrior and it is easy to see why they may have felt this way:

Numbers 24:17 – “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth.

Genesis 49:10 – The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.

Psalm 2:2, 8 – The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed…

Zechariah 9:9-10 – Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Micah 5:2 – But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Daniel 7:13-14 – “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Psalm 110:1 – The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

Psalm 2:1-2 – Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,

Jeremiah 23:5 – “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.

Someone who would come with a sword and army to defend and deliver them from the hands of the Romans. The Romans were occupying and oppressing the Jewish people in Israel, and the people were looking for a rebel fighter to rise up; a warrior Messiah.

So we can imagine, when Jesus showed up and said he was the Messiah, they couldn’t believe it! Jesus taught about loving one’s enemies, forgiveness, generosity and mercy. He did not teach self defense let alone offense. Christianity is in no way, shape or form about violence. Jesus did not defend himself in any way. He even taught the Jewish people to go the extra mile if their oppressor demands something of them. Jesus was a warrior against evil spirits and the dark forces of Satan. He was not this way against people themselves, but rather against the evil within them. 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Still today, people are confused about Jesus’ interpretation of the scriptures. Jesus himself stated in:

Matthew 10:34 – “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

This does not mean that Jesus condones violence as some may twist it to mean. The book of Luke clarifies the meaning:

Luke 12:51 – Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

Jesus is simply stating that his teachings cause division, even within the family unit. Jesus is not condoning or speaking of physical violence in any way with this statement.

Luke 12:52-53 – From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Matthew 10:35-37 – For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Anyone who wishes to follow their parents’ teachings, philosophies and priorities over Jesus, is not worthy of receiving his Spirit. This scripture has nothing to do with physical violence.

People also refer to:

Luke 22:36 – He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.

Jesus is speaking of spiritual items in this scripture. A spiritual bag:

Job 14:17 – my transgression would be sealed up in a bag, and you would cover over my iniquity.

We can see confirmation of this in:

Luke 22:37 – For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”

This means that people will call both Jesus and his followers, transgressors due to not agreeing with his interpretation of the word of God, and they will need God’s protection regarding people’s allegations of these transgressions.

Isaiah 51:7-8 – Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults. 8For the moth will eat them up like a garment, And the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, And My salvation from generation to generation.”

2 Chronicles 36:15-16 – The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. 16 But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.

Acts 7:52 – Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 – For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.

This means that no matter how much the people try to curse Jesus and his true followers, God will continue to bless them.

Numbers 23:3 – How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?

Genesis 12:3 – I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

A spiritual money belt/purse:

Luke 12:33 – Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

Jesus is speaking about a spiritual sword in this scripture.

Ephesians 6:17 – Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Isaiah 49:2 – He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.

Revelation 1:16 – In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

And a spiritual cloak:

Isaiah 59:17 – He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.

As we can see in Isaiah 59:17 above, the ‘cloak’ is zeal. This means that Jesus is stating to use your zeal to study and gain the knowledge of the word of God. This is the sword of the Spirit; the word of God.

The battle, the enemy and the weapons are all spiritual, not physical.

Ephesians 6:10-17 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 – But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

This is why when the disciples responded and pointed out two physical swords, Jesus rebuked them for missing the point. Unfortunately, people are still missing the point today.

Luke 22:38 NIV – The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.

Luke 22:38 CEV – The disciples said, “Lord, here are two swords!” “Enough of that!” Jesus replied.

When Peter attempted to defend him in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus rebuked him. 

Luke 22:49-51 – When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

Matthew 26:51-52 – With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Jesus clearly stated ALL those who take up the sword will die by the sword. This was not meant for Peter only but for EVERYONE. Self defence is violence in the eyes of God.

John 18:26 – One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?”

John 18:10-11 – Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Revelation 13:10 – He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

If Jesus meant literal swords in Luke 22:36, then when the guards came to arrest him, he would not have asked why he is being treated like someone who is inciting violence:

Luke 22:52 NIV – Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?

NLT – Then Jesus spoke to the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him. “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,” he asked, “that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?

NASB – And Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a man inciting a revolt?

Matthew 26:55 NIV  – In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.

NLT – Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day.

NASB – At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a man inciting a revolt? Every day I used to sit within the temple grounds teaching, and you did not arrest Me.

Jesus is clearly stating that he is being treated as one who incites violence and insurrection. Obviously, Jesus was not speaking about literal swords in Luke 22:36.

So then, it is obvious that Jesus is not condoning violence nor is he speaking of a physical sword. Jesus is speaking of a spiritual sword in Luke 22:36, which is the word of God. 

This is why Jesus stated:

Matthew 10:34 – “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Luke says it this way:

Luke 12:51 – Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.

As we can see, Jesus was speaking of a spiritual sword not a literal one.

This is why when the disciples responded and pointed out two literal physical swords, Jesus rebuked them for missing the point. Unfortunately, people are still missing the point today.

Luke 22:38 NIV – The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.

Luke 22:38 CEV – The disciples said, “Lord, here are two swords!” “Enough of that!” Jesus replied.

Due to Jesus’ lack of explanation on this subject, Peter did not understand that he was referring to a spiritual sword at the time. And so, we find Peter carrying a sword, and ready to use it in self defence, until Jesus explains matters further to him, in the garden of Gethsemane in: 

Matthew 26:51-52 – With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Some people are of the opinion that Jesus had to die and so, he did not want anyone to defend him, and this is why he rebuked Peter. But we all have a cup of suffering that the Father has given us.

Romans 8:17-18 – Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 5:3-5 – Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 5:6-11 – You have condemned and put to death the righteous person; he offers you no resistance. 7 Therefore be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Do not complain, brothers and sisters, against one another, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. 10 As an example, brothers and sisters, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

According to the teachings of the Bible, we are not meant to resist and fight back. Instead, we are meant to patiently trust in God to save us and avenge us. Any resistance will bring upon God’s judgment.

John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Psalm 34:19 – Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Revelation 21:4 – ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

2 Timothy 3:12 –  In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Phillipians 1:29 – For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

Phillipians 3:10 – I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

1 Peter 3:14 – But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

1 Peter 4:12-19 – Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

James 1:12 – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

1 Peter 2:19-21 –  For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

2 Corinthians 1:5 –  For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

Matthew 10:38 – Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 5:10-12 – Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Psalm 119:50 – My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

Psalm 119:71 – It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

Acts 5:41 – The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Acts 14:22 – strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

2 Timothy 1:8 – So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

Matthew 10:22 – You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

2 Timothy 2:3 – Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Jesus clearly states that all those who draw the sword will die by the sword. 

Matthew 26:52 – “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 

This means all those who live according to violence (self defence included as Peter was acting in self defence and defence of Jesus), shall die by the sword. They will be judged according to the 2nd death, as per the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. One just has to look at Jesus’ teachings as a whole, to see that he did not promote self defence. His idea of self defence was relying on God through faith.

Jesus also stated in John 18:36 – “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Jesus is stating that the idea of self defense is an earthly concept and not from the Kingdom of Heaven. The kingdom of heaven’s position is that God will protect and avenge us, and for us not to fight back.

Matthew 26:52-53 –  “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Jesus is stating that we must look to God to protect and save us, not through physical violence (self defence). When we do not believe that God can protect us, we are lacking faith. The disciples showed this through their own example.

Matthew 24:9 – Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

Matthew 5:11-12 – “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Acts 5:40-42 – His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

The Apostles did not resist or fight back but rather, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer as Jesus did.

The Apostle Paul makes it pretty plain that whoever is wronged must not avenge themselves but rather, they should have faith that God will avenge them in the age to come. This is true faith; not taking matters into your own hands here on this earth.

Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Romans 12:17 – Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

Phillipians 1:28-30 –  without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Romans 12:19-21 – Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Deuteronomy 32:35 – It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.

Jeremiah 51:36 – Therefore this is what the LORD says: “See, I will defend your cause and avenge you; I will dry up her sea and make her springs dry.

Hebrews 10:30-39 – For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”38 And, “but my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” 39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

We are to have faith that God will either save us or avenge us.

Paul proves this by his own example:

2 Timothy 4:14 – Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.

Old Testament scriptures support this view also:

Leviticus 19:18 – “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Deuteronomy 32:35-36 – It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.” 36 The Lord will vindicate his people and relent concerning his servants when he sees their strength is gone and no one is left, slave or free.

Proverbs 20:22 – Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”  Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.

Proverbs 24:29 – Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.”

1 Samuel 24:11-17 & 19 – See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. 12 May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.

14 “Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Who are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? 15 May the Lord be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.”

16 When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. 17 “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. 18 You have just now told me about the good you did to me; the Lord delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. 19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today.

In Luke 9:55, Jesus speaks against this kind of vengeful spirit. 

Luke 9:51-55 – As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them.

Jesus does not allow hate of any kind.

1 John 3:15 – Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

When you examine the nature of self defence, it is essentially a vengeful act of returning a curse for a curse and violence for violence. Both of which are devoid of faith and leave no room for God to act and this is wrong. We must trust that vengeance is in the hands of God. Our responsibility as children of God is to forgive the individual that is attacking or persecuting us. We are not meant to take matters into our own hands.

Peter explains this as well:

Essentially, self defence is returning violence for violence. Just because someone steals from you, does not give you the right to steal back from them. If someone lies to you, that doesn’t give you the right to lie to them. In the same way, if someone attacks you with violence, that does not give you the right to attack back using violence. When self defence is examined carefully, this is exactly what it is; a form of violence.

1 Peter 2:15-16, 18-23 – For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves….18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

Leviticus 19:18 – ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Romans 12:14, 17-21 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

1 Corinthians 4:12 – We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it

1 Thessalonians 5:15 – Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

This means that if we are being attacked, we are not meant to return violence for violence. We must look at Jesus’ example, since we are told to follow him and live as he did.

1 John 2:6 – Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Matthew 26:67 – Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him

Mark 14:65 – Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Isaiah 50:6 – I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.

Matthew 27:30 – They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.

Mark 10:34 – who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.

Luke 22:63 –  The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.

Even after being wrongfully accused and abused, Jesus did not retaliate. He responded in love just as he taught and expects us to:

Matthew 5:44 – But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Luke 6:28 – bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 23:34 – Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Stephen also responded the same:

Acts 7:60 – Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Self defense is a concept of returning violence for violence. It is prohibited by the word of God. All the disciples, except for the Apostle John, were murdered. None of them resisted any attacks against them or their subsequent murders.

Paul also showed this through his examples.

2 Corinthians 11:23-25 – Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,

Acts 14:19-20 – Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

Acts 18:12-17 – While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. 13 “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.”

14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” 16 So he drove them off. 17 Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.

Paul did not resist his oppressors or fight back with violence. He looked to God for help instead. 

2 Timothy 4:14 – Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.

Acts 13:50-51 – But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium.

2 Timothy 4:16-18 – At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 3:10-13 – You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

And he lived by the concept found in Psalm 34:19:

Psalm 34:19 – Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Stephen also did not defend himself when he was attacked and killed.

Acts 7:54-60 – When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Can We Defend Ourselves From Foreigners?

Should you be able to defend yourself against people who don’t share your values? Religious freedom and diversity is apparent in the west. We all live with people who are from different religious backgrounds like Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddist, etc. Some religions like Islam wish to establish Sharia law. I am not saying we should abide by Islamic law, since it is contrary to the ways of Jesus, but I am speaking of not oppressing them or giving them injustice under our law, even though we may not receive this same sentiment if we, as Christians, lived in an Islamic country. 

Defence of one’s religion is an Islamic concept, not a Christian one. In Islam, jihad is the allowance of violence in defence of one’s religion. This is why Islam is not a religion of peace and why Christianity is, since under no circumstance, is physical violence acceptable according to the teachings of Jesus.

In the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, at no time did they resist the attack on their lives. People have stated that this was because they had to follow what the government states. However, they were also told to worship the statue and they did not obey. This shows that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would follow their government/king as long as they were not contrary to the word of God. Since self defence is not permissible, they did not resist, but rather looked to God to save them.

Daniel 3:1-6 – King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide,[a] and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. 3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.

4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: 5 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.

Daniel also faced a similar situation. Daniel did not listen to the government/king’s decree as it was contrary to the word of God.

Daniel never resisted the attack on his life in any way. He looked to God and was saved. At no time, is self defense permissible.

We defend our Christian rights, by not compromising them, even with people who may persecute us. This is how we maintain our Christian values. Not by compromising and manipulating them due to other people’s behaviour towards us. Leviticus 19:34, states ‘for you were foreigners in Egypt’. The Israelites did not share the same values as the Egyptians. Foreigners do not have to share the same values as you to receive justice, fairness and equality.

In speaking of defense, Jesus said in:

Matthew 5:38-48 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

And also, Luke 6:27-36 – “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Jesus’ teachings make it clear that self defence is wrong. He has a policy of no violence at any time even in self defence. As followers of Jesus, we cannot compromise this to suit our way of thinking.

The idea of defending religion is an Islamic concept (Jihad). It is definitely not a Christian concept. Christian concepts are based on 1 Corinthians 6:7 which states no defense or vengeance.

1 Corinthians 6:7 – Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? 

As representatives of Christ, we should be ensuring that a nation’s weakest residents; the Indigenious, immigrants and foreigners, are treated as equitably as its citizens. Our laws may be just here in the west, but justice is dealt out by people at the end of the day. With peoples’ various prejudices and wrong interpretations, injustices and oppression occur, to the point where it becomes systemic. And this is not an accurate representation of Judeo-Christian values. All immigrants must receive the same rights and standard of justice as a citizen, no matter what their beliefs. This is how we defend the weak; by ensuring their rights and standing for justice, not with violent acts. 

Both Gandhi and Martin Luther King stood for non-violence and no self defence, which is a concept acquired from the teachings of Jesus.

Gandhi:”An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”

Martin Luther King: “Hate begets hate violence begets violence, toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.”

But Malcolm X, who was a Muslim, followed a philosophy of violence through self defence.

Malcom X: “We declare our right on this earth to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the right of a human being, in this society, on this earth, in this day which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary.”

We must ensure the rights of minorities such as Muslims, through our own repentance to our own beliefs, not adherence to their beliefs.

Deuteronomy 1:16 – And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judge fairly, whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you.

Deuteronomy 27:19 – “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

It is not our concern what beliefs they hold as we cannot be their judge and punisher. 

1 Corinthians 5:12 – What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?

1 Corinthians 4:5 – Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. 

If what we believe is true in Jesus, then their disbelief in Jesus will cost them their eternal salvation. All we can do is watch ourselves (our own conduct), so that we do not incur sin/hate due to the actions of others.

Being a Christian is not about fighting for equality for ourselves, but to ensure others receive equality, sometimes at our own expense. We also need to love and bless unbelievers in return for their animosity towards us. 

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