Physical fighting and violence are unfortunately common occurrences in our fallen world. As Christians, how should we respond to conflict and aggression from others? What does God’s Word instruct us regarding the use of force and physical confrontation?
Table of Contents
In this post, we will explore the biblical principles and passages related to physical fighting and self-defense. There are various perspectives on this issue within the Christian community. Our aim is to present a balanced approach that considers both the old and new testament teachings on the matter.
Key Takeaways:
The Bible affirms the value of human life and the need to protect oneself and others from harm.
Jesus calls us to love our enemies, turn the other cheek, and overcome evil with good. Physical retaliation is discouraged.
The Old Testament allowed fighting in certain contexts like war, capital punishment, and defending one’s home from intruders.
Christians should seek peace, avoid unnecessary violence, and entrust justice to governing authorities.
Self-defense may be warranted to protect innocent lives from violence in extreme situations.
We must test all actions against Scripture and align our hearts with God’s will.
With these principles in mind, let’s explore what the word of God reveals about physical fighting and self-defense.
Old Testament Principles
The Old Testament provides many examples of fighting during war, capital punishment, and defending one’s property that appear to be sanctioned. However, violence is consistently seen as an undesirable last resort.
The sixth commandment establishes the sanctity of human life:
“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13 NKJV)
Murder and unjustified killing are forbidden. However, taking a human life was permitted in specific circumstances according to the Law of Moses.
The death penalty served as the maximum punishment for certain grievous sins:
“Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.” (Exodus 21:12 NKJV)
“But if a man acts with premeditation against his neighbor, to kill him by treachery, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.” (Exodus 21:14 NKJV)
Fighting in war, under God’s direction, brought judgment on wicked nations (Deuteronomy 7:1-6). Israel’s armies were even used to carry out God’s prescribed punishments on His own people when they fell into idolatry (Leviticus 26:25). War and killing were portrayed as unavoidable evils due to the corrupt state of the world.
Defending one’s home and property from intruders with force was permissible according to the Law:
“If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed.” (Exodus 22:2 NKJV)
However, taking defensive action was not always required. Jesus later contrasted this provision with His own teaching (see Luke 12:39).
Throughout the Old Testament, God is portrayed as a “man of war” (Exodus 15:3 NKJV). Yet, He is also the protector of the vulnerable who detests senseless brutality:
“Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloodthirsty men.” (Psalm 59:2 NKJV)
The Law sought to limit violence by requiring proportional punishment and protecting the innocent (Deuteronomy 19:4-10). God’s people were to trust Him as their ultimate defender rather than resort to unrestrained brutality (Psalm 140:7).
New Testament Fulfillment
While the Old Testament permitted physical force in certain circumstances, Jesus introduced a higher standard in the Sermon on the Mount that fulfills the spirit of the Law.
When slapped on the face, He commanded turning the other cheek:
“But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” (Matthew 5:39 NKJV)
He also taught us to love our enemies rather than retaliate:
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44 NKJV)
The Apostle Paul expounded further on this principle:
“Repay no one evil for evil…live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves…for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay’ says the Lord…Overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21 NKJV)
How do we reconcile these words of Jesus with accounts of fighting in the Old Testament? Did He intend to entirely prohibit self-defense in all cases?
To answer this, we must understand the deeper spiritual principles behind Christ’s commands. He desired to transform our hearts and shift focus away from earthly disputes and retribution.
Jesus confronted the common misconception that force was the solution to injustice. Instead, He declared that only the inner renewal brought by His sacrificial love could break the cycle of violence. Physical confrontations cannot produce lasting peace.
Christ called his followers to a radical lifestyle of grace, mercy, patience, and forgiveness – leaving judgement in God’s hands. Defending oneself was secondary to trusting completely in Divine protection.
However, Jesus never directly addressed situations requiring force to protect the innocent. Though uncommon, the biblical authors likely understood appropriate self-defense as an extension of the sixth commandment’s prohibition of murder. Justified protecting others from unwarranted harm would align with Scripture’s high view of life.
Principles for Christians Today
In applying these biblical principles today, we should aim to emulate the heart and mind of Christ. As Philippians 2:5 encourages, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Our motives and responses in conflict scenarios reveal much about our spiritual maturity. We are called to be Spirit-filled ambassadors of Christ’s kingdom as we await His return.
With these priorities in mind, Christians faced with the threat of violence should strive to follow these guidelines:
Avoid dangerous people and situations whenever possible (Proverbs 22:3). Seek to live at peace with all people (Hebrews 12:14).
Resist the temptation to escalate disputes or seek personal vengeance (Romans 12:19). Follow the biblical process for resolution outlined in Matthew 18:15-17.
Respond to insult or minor aggression with patience, turning the other cheek to diffuse conflict (Luke 6:27-30). Focus on internal character over external actions (1 Peter 3:8-9).
When confronted with the possibility of serious physical harm, attempt to safely de-escalate or diffuse the threat through non-violent means (Acts 5:29-32). Seek help from governing authorities if needed (Romans 13:1-5).
As a last resort, the use of force may be justified to protect yourself or others from loss of life, serious bodily harm, rape, kidnapping or other crimes that violate human dignity. Employ the minimum force necessary (Exodus 22:2).
Force may not be used for revenge, out of anger, to protect property alone, or to impose personal justice apart from governing authorities (Romans 12:19, Proverbs 20:22).
Following any confrontation, pray for repentance and restoration of all involved (2 Corinthians 13:11). Seek healing, forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24).
The overarching mission of sharing the gospel of peace must guide our conduct. As Christians, we have the security of knowing that God ultimately brings justice and protects His children.
By walking in the Spirit, turning from evil, and overcoming hatred with Christ-like love, we can help break the dark cycles of retaliation and violence that plague our fallen world (Romans 12:21, Isaiah 2:4).
Biblical Examples of Physical Fighting
To further explore principles on appropriate force, let’s examine biblical examples of physical fighting and self-defense both condemned and permitted:
Cain Murders Abel (Genesis 4:1-8)
After Cain’s sacrifice was rejected by God, he murdered his righteous brother Abel in anger. This act of aggression stemming from jealousy and wounded pride stands as an archetype of sin and evil. Scripture roundly condemns premeditated violence against innocents.
The People Seek to Stone David (1 Samuel 30:1-6)
When David was distressed and outnumbered battling the Amalekites, his people turned on him and threatened to stone him. But David “strengthened himself in the Lord” and trusted God to deliver him. Though he could have asserted force as king, he refrained and left justice to God.
Peter Strikes the High Priest’s Servant (John 18:10-11)
When officers arrived to arrest Jesus, Peter struck Malchus with a sword in misguided zeal. Jesus rebuked Peter, healed the ear of Malchus, and surrendered peacefully. He reminded Peter that following God’s will would provide the protection needed.
Israel Defends against Midian (Judges 7:1-25)
When Israel was being terrorized by raiding Midianites, God appointed Gideon and his small army of 300 to defeat them in battle as judgment for their oppression. This account illustrates God’s use of force in unique contexts of His divine plan during the theocratic era.
Nehemiah’s Workers Take Up Swords (Nehemiah 4:11-23)
When Nehemiah led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, the workers carried weapons to guard themselves against enemy factions who threatened attack. However, they continued the construction work and remained vigilant with trust in God, not fear.
Jesus Commands Buying a Sword (Luke 22:35-38)
In his final instructions to the disciples, Jesus curiously referenced fulfilling a prophecy that involved purchasing swords. Swords were a normal possession for travelers then. He may have used this object lesson to emphasize spiritual vigilance and trust in God amidst coming persecution – not violent resistance.
Paul Appeals to Authorities for Protection (Acts 22:22-29)
When a mob sought to beat Paul after his arrest in Jerusalem, he first reasoned with them and shared his testimony. Paul then appealed to the Roman officers for protection as a Roman citizen. God used this process to spare Paul and advance the gospel to Rome.
These examples provide principles for avoiding unnecessary violence, entrusting justice to God, defending innocents, and respecting governing authorities. The way of Christ is found even in difficult conflict scenarios when we walk in the Spirit.
Conclusion
Our exploration of scripture has uncovered principles of non-violence and patience as well as provisions for protecting innocent life in extreme circumstances. Clearly, the Bible denounces unwarranted violence and personal vengeance. However, it leaves room for discernment in situations requiring defense against evil.
Loving our enemies does not necessitate pacifism to enable their wicked deeds. The testimony of God’s word provides guidance for pursuing justice while avoiding undue force.
Ultimately, Christians serve the Prince of Peace who triumphed through Calvary’s cross not the sword. While we await Christ’s return, we must shine as lights revealing the power of redemptive love, not retaliation.
How will we live out Jesus’ Kingdom in the midst of strife and aggression? May the Holy Spirit give us wisdom and courage to walk the narrow path set forth in Scripture – gently restoring the lost while trusting God with protection against all enemies.
All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber. Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary. He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988. Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world. He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.
