Does Jesus Contradict the Eye for an Eye Law?

Matthew 5:38-42

38 You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39 But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.

41 And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two.

42 Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away.

Jesus does not contradict the Old Testament in Matthew 5:38-42 but instead magnifies the law by elevating it from a civil statute of justice to a higher standard of spiritual holiness and personal non-resistance2SP 223.1+2. He clarifies that the Gospel is a revision and spiritualization of the moral principles given to the Jews, designed to give them greater stringency rather than to abolish them Matthew 5:17-18ARSH March 10, 1859, page 121.13+1.

The Distinction Between Civil Law and Personal Conduct

• The "eye for an eye" principle was a civil law intended for judges to administer justice and limit private vendettas Exodus 21:24SC3 140.13+1.

• The Jews had incorrectly applied this legal standard to their personal relationships, using it to justify a spirit of retaliation and revengeCDFW 4.5+2.

• Jesus corrected this misconception by teaching that while the civil law exists for the state, the follower of Christ must live by the law of grace and love Matthew 5:38-39AMS July 23, 1896, page 227.3+1.

• Under the Gospel, the "stoning system" and the strict administration of literal retaliation are replaced by a system where evil is met with patience and kindness John 8:1-11SC3 140.13.

Fulfilling and Magnifying the Law

• Christ’s teachings do not destroy the law of the prophets but fulfill them by showing that they embrace the internal thoughts and intents of the heartSC3 140.13+2.

• While the law says "Do and live," grace says "Believe and live," yet both proceed from the same divine Author whose principles of government never change Luke 10:28TDOC 93.2+1.

• Jesus showed that the law is a representation of God's character and requires perfect spiritual obedience, not just outward compliance Matthew 5:48ST February 24, 1898, par. 5+1.

• By teaching non-resistance, Jesus was reiterating the foundational principle of loving one’s neighbor as oneself, which was already present in the Old Testament Leviticus 19:18PP 373.2.

The Rule of Non-Resistance

• Non-resistance is the rule of the Christian life, meaning a believer must be willing to suffer wrong patiently rather than resist evil through force 1 Peter 2:20-21AMS July 23, 1896, page 227.3+1.

• Retaliation and defiance are contrary to Christ's methods and only serve to destroy the peace of the soul and grieve the Holy SpiritChL 64.1+2.

• The instruction to turn the other cheek or give up one's cloak illustrates that the divine law requires more than what any civil law can exact Matthew 5:39-402SP 223.1+1.

• True followers of Jesus are to be peacemakers, reflecting the character of their Father who is kind even to the unthankful and the evil Matthew 5:44-45PTUK October 8, 1896, page 642.6+1.

Overcoming the Spirit of Revenge

• The natural human heart is filled with pride, envy, and a desire for revenge, but Christ provides strength to rise above these slights and annoyances3BC 1159.7+2.

• Revenge has never conquered a foe; instead, it is the "soft answer" and a well-regulated temper that exert a good influence2MCP 520.4+1.

• Jesus himself provided the ultimate example of this teaching, as contumely and persecution never caused Him to retaliate upon His enemies 1 Peter 2:21-232SP 223.2+1.

• By refusing to seek revenge and instead praying for persecutors, the Christian manifests the "salt" and "light" that preserves the world from corruption Matthew 5:13-16DA 306.3+1.