Resisting evil
Resist not evil
Matthew 5:39 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.
Contradiction of Scripture
Is Jesus teaching us that we are not to resist doing wrong or sinning? Resist is to stand against, so to wrongly interpret or put into proper context this could easily be used to excuse committing sin. The Bible never contradicts itself; it always is in agreement with the whole. Jesus is God and He is the Author of both the Old and New Testament writings. Any interpretation of seemingly opposing verses that nullifies one to the other is not a true interpretation.
The context of Jesus’ teachings
In order to understand Jesus’ teaching we must examine the context of the verses in question – this is the verse before or after it or both; we must also examine parallel passages and accompanying passages from both testaments to reach the truth being taught. One other area to consider is the original language which often sheds light upon and clarity to our understanding.
In the context (Matt 5:38-48) Jesus is addressing teachings of His day that originally were not as they were being taught by the religious leaders and rulers. In parallel passage (Lu 6:22-38) the teaching is very similar to that in Matthew. Jesus uses an Old Testament phrase “eye for an eye” in bringing truth to the people. There are three OT passages that mention this phrase (Ex 21:22-27; Lev 24:19-20; Deut 19:19). Each one refers to punishment applied to a perpetrator by the governing body of Israel or directive of God. The question we must answer is, “Is Jesus nullifying OT teaching regarding criminals?” If He is then criminals are free to do whatever they please without fear of punishment.
Jesus was correcting a false belief taught by the religious leaders and rulers as well as the general populace that legalized any and all mistreatments by others. In explaining Himself, Jesus elaborated on it with the context and parallel passages. Jesus is not dealing with governance or judges who stand in judgment of criminals or cases of criminal actions, but to individuals and interpersonal issues and problems – smiting on the cheek; trivial lawsuits; treating all men fairly (love your enemies); rendering aid to others when we are able; going the second mile; greeting all people alike and praying for our persecutors.
Other New Testament teachings
Are there any New Testament teachings similar to what Jesus taught in the Matthew and Luke passages? Paul, Peter and James all spoke similarly in their letters (Ron 12:17-19; 1 Thes 5:15; Jam 5:9; 1 Pet 3:9). The Proverbs also teach similarly along these lines (Prov 20:22; 24:28-29). Therefore when we compare spiritual things with spiritual and also Scripture we see that Jesus is no way excusing or giving allowance for sinful activity or yielding to sin.