1. Matthieu 5:39 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

What does Jesus mean when he says that kingdom citizens must not resist an evil person?

Matthieu 5:39 (NEG79)

39 Mais moi, je vous dis de ne pas résister au méchant. Si quelqu'un te frappe sur la joue droite, présente-lui aussi l'autre.

When evil is done to a kingdom citizen, his first thought must not be for revenge. He must not descend to the level of the aggressor and return evil for evil (Romans 12:17–21), but trust God to bring vengeance/justice in his time. Evil must be answered with good. This idea is anticipated elsewhere in Scripture (Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 32:35; Proverbs 20:22; Proverbs 24:29; Proverbs 25:21–22; Isaiah 50:6; Lamentations 3:30). 1