3247.-Resist Not Evil by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Sep 20, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 37.

3247.—Resist Not Evil

By Editor

Will you please explain in harmony with such scriptures as Matt. 26:52; Rev. 13:10; John 18:36; Matt. 5:39, and other scriptures, the words spoken by Jesus, "He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one"? Luke 22:36. As I understand the example and teaching of the Master, we should not resist evil even in self-defense.

The context may throw some light upon this expression. See verse 37, "And He was reckoned among the transgressors." It seems to be quite clear from the history which is given of Jesus and His disciples that they did not carry swords to defend themselves or wage physical warfare with any man. That was contrary to the whole teaching of the Master; and yet when Jesus was taken, there was seemingly a manifestation of resistance on the part of Him and His disciples. So He was reckoned among the transgressors. The fact may have been brought into His trial that His disciples carried swords, and Jesus permitted this because that was the very thing that was in the hearts of His disciples; but He permitted it not that they might defend Him, not that they might overcome or injure His enemies, because when one of His disciples did draw a sword and cut off the ear of one of the Lord's adversaries Jesus immediately put forth His hand and healed the wound made by His rash disciple. But their action gave the Master an opportunity to teach a lesson of principle to all the ages. When one of these rash disciples drew the sword in defense of the Master, Jesus rebuked him by saying: "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I can not now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" Matt. 26:52-54.

We find the fulfillment of prophecy in this case, and the foundation of a great lesson; the prophecy, that He was "reckoned among transgressors;" the lesson, that He rebuked the rashness on the part of His disciples, showing that "not by might nor by power" must wickedness be met. He rebuked that spirit that would enforce the principles of His kingdom by the sword. Those who have failed to learn the lesson have brought incalculable loss upon the church and untold misery upon the world, of which the Dark Ages and all persecutions are witness; while on the other hand those who have followed the Master have even through their death and suffering advanced His glorious kingdom.