Matthew:5:39-41

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rwp @Matthew:5:39 @{Resist not him that is evil } (\me antist ˆnai t “i pon ˆr “i \). Here again it is the infinitive (second aorist active ) in indirect command . But is it "the evil man " or the "evil deed "? The dative case is the same form for masculine and neuter . Weymouth puts it "not to resist a (the ) wicked man ," Moffatt "not to resist an injury ," Goodspeed "not to resist injury ." The examples will go with either view . Jesus protested when smitten on the cheek (John:18:22 |). And Jesus denounced the Pharisees (Matthew:23 |) and fought the devil always . The language of Jesus is bold and picturesque and is not to be pressed too literally . Paradoxes startle and make us think . We are expected to fill in the other side of the picture . One thing certainly is meant by Jesus and that is that personal revenge is taken out of our hands , and that applies to "lynch-law ." Aggressive or offensive war by nations is also condemned , but not necessarily defensive war or defence against robbery and murder . Professional pacifism may be mere cowardice . rwp @Matthew:5:40 @{Thy coat ... thy cloke also } (\ton chit “na sou kai to himation \). The "coat " is really a sort of shirt or undergarment and would be demanded at law . A robber would seize first the outer garment or cloke (one coat ). If one loses the undergarment at law , the outer one goes also (the more valuable one ). rwp @Matthew:5:41 @{Shall compel thee } (\aggareusei \). The Vulgate has _angariaverit_ . The word is of Persian origin and means public couriers or mounted messengers (\aggaroi \) who were stationed by the King of Persia at fixed localities , with horses ready for use , to send royal messages from one to another . Songs:if a man is passing such a post-station , an official may rush out and compel him to go back to another station to do an errand for the king . This was called impressment into service . This very thing was done to Simon of Cyrene who was thus compelled to carry the cross of Christ (Matthew:27:32 |, \ˆggareusan \).

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