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- Status
D
DaveBj
Guest
The context of Matt. 5:38-40 refers to insults, not to a physical attack by a bandit. Think: Most people in the world are right-handed. How would a right-handed person slap someone else on the right cheek? With the back of the right hand? A gesture of insult. With the left (= potty) hand? Also a gesture of insult.All right, so, Matthew 5:
I don’t get it…
B
Basilian
Guest
We know that the Word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), and that the Holy Spirit of God is likened to a sword (Ephesians 6:17). What do the Holy Fathers say?
Ambrose was cited above. Here is the full quote, from the “Exposition of the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke”, Book 10, section 53:
Ambrose takes it entirely in a spiritual manner. He is convinced that this metaphor of the sword has everything to do with peace, meekness, and quiet. It is the total opposite of what was assumed by a literal interpretation.
St. Cyril of Alexandria’s 145th sermon on Luke says:
Very different interpretations. Neither of them are literal.
Ambrose was cited above. Here is the full quote, from the “Exposition of the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke”, Book 10, section 53:
Source: the “Center for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies” translation of Ambrose, 2003.
Ambrose takes it entirely in a spiritual manner. He is convinced that this metaphor of the sword has everything to do with peace, meekness, and quiet. It is the total opposite of what was assumed by a literal interpretation.
St. Cyril of Alexandria’s 145th sermon on Luke says:
Source: tertullian.org/fathers/cyril_on_luke_13_sermons_135_145.htm#SERMON%20CXLV.
Very different interpretations. Neither of them are literal.
T
TimothyH
Guest
The quote from St. Ambros is sublime.
-Tim-
-Tim-
F
fred_conty
Guest
Here is a translation from the Jerusalem bible for Lk 22;35-38.
“He said to them, ‘When I sent you out without purse or haversack or sandals, were you short of anything?’ ‘No’ they said. He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it; if you have a haversack, so the same; if you have no sword, sell your cloak and buy one, because I tell you these words of scripture have to be fulfilled in me: He let himself be taken for a criminal. Yes, what scripture says about me is even now reaching its fulfilment.’ ‘Lord,’ they said ‘there are two swords here now.’ He said to them, ‘that is enough!’”
And here are the comments to this passage from the Jerusalem bible.
“The purse to buy, the sword to procure by force, the necessities of life. All this is symbolic of a mission in a hostile world. The apostles have taken the words of Jesus too literally and he closes the conversation abruptly.”
And here is a commentary from the NAB bible for the same passages.
“In contrast to the ministry of the Twelve and of the seventy-two during the period of Jesus, in the future period of the church the missionaries must be prepared for the opposition they will face in a world hostile to their preaching. ‘It is enough’: the farewell discourse ends abruptly with these words of Jesus spoken to the disciples when they take literaly what was intended as figurative language about being prepared to face the world’s hostility.”
“He said to them, ‘When I sent you out without purse or haversack or sandals, were you short of anything?’ ‘No’ they said. He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it; if you have a haversack, so the same; if you have no sword, sell your cloak and buy one, because I tell you these words of scripture have to be fulfilled in me: He let himself be taken for a criminal. Yes, what scripture says about me is even now reaching its fulfilment.’ ‘Lord,’ they said ‘there are two swords here now.’ He said to them, ‘that is enough!’”
And here are the comments to this passage from the Jerusalem bible.
“The purse to buy, the sword to procure by force, the necessities of life. All this is symbolic of a mission in a hostile world. The apostles have taken the words of Jesus too literally and he closes the conversation abruptly.”
And here is a commentary from the NAB bible for the same passages.
“In contrast to the ministry of the Twelve and of the seventy-two during the period of Jesus, in the future period of the church the missionaries must be prepared for the opposition they will face in a world hostile to their preaching. ‘It is enough’: the farewell discourse ends abruptly with these words of Jesus spoken to the disciples when they take literaly what was intended as figurative language about being prepared to face the world’s hostility.”
B
Basilian
Guest
I once saw this in a church:
http://thecrusadingchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/134.jpg
“Meek and humble of heart”.
http://thecrusadingchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/134.jpg
“Meek and humble of heart”.
M
mikekle
Guest
The problem with this kind of logic is nearly anyone, with any kind of theory COULD interpret a bible verse to mean nearly anything.
J
Jim_Baur
Guest
Put Christ on the Inner Man
Armor of Christ
Ephesians 6: 10 Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. 11 Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. 13 Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. 14 So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, 15 and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all (the) flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.
Protection from Confusion and Foolishness
Proverbs 2: 1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands, 2 Turning your ear to wisdom, inclining your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you call to intelligence, and to understanding raise your voice; 4 If you seek her like silver, and like hidden treasures search her out: 5 Then will you understand the fear of the LORD; the knowledge of God you will find; For the LORD gives wisdom,
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 He has counsel in store for the upright, he is the shield of those who walk honestly, 8 Guarding the paths of justice, protecting the way of his pious ones.
Protection from Confusion and Foolishness
Proverbs 12: 15 The way of the fool seems right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.
Protection from Deception
Colossians 2: 5 For even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing as I observe your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
6 So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, 7 rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ.
Protection from Lust and Fornication
I Thessalonians 4: 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality, 4 that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor, 5 not in lustful passion as do the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 not to take advantage of or exploit a brother in this matter, for the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you before and solemnly affirmed.
St.** Matthew 5: 27 "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.**
Protection from Slander and Gossip
Ephesians 4: 29 No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear.
30 And do not grieve the holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Armor of Christ
Ephesians 6: 10 Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. 11 Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. 13 Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. 14 So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, 15 and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all (the) flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.
Protection from Confusion and Foolishness
Proverbs 2: 1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands, 2 Turning your ear to wisdom, inclining your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you call to intelligence, and to understanding raise your voice; 4 If you seek her like silver, and like hidden treasures search her out: 5 Then will you understand the fear of the LORD; the knowledge of God you will find; For the LORD gives wisdom,
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 He has counsel in store for the upright, he is the shield of those who walk honestly, 8 Guarding the paths of justice, protecting the way of his pious ones.
Protection from Confusion and Foolishness
Proverbs 12: 15 The way of the fool seems right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.
Protection from Deception
Colossians 2: 5 For even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing as I observe your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
6 So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, 7 rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ.
Protection from Lust and Fornication
I Thessalonians 4: 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality, 4 that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor, 5 not in lustful passion as do the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 not to take advantage of or exploit a brother in this matter, for the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you before and solemnly affirmed.
St.** Matthew 5: 27 "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.**
Protection from Slander and Gossip
Ephesians 4: 29 No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear.
30 And do not grieve the holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption.
J
Jim_Baur
Guest
Philippians 2: 13 For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work. 14 Do everything without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world, 16 as you hold on to the word of life, so that my boast for the day of Christ may be that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Proverbs 18: 20 From the fruit of his mouth a man has his fill; with the yield of his lips he sates himself. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who make it a friend shall eat its fruit.
Protection from Perversion
Psalm 119: 35 Lead me in the path of your commands, for that is my delight. 36 Direct my heart toward your decrees and away from unjust gain. 37 Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life. 38 For your servant fulfill your promise made to those who fear you.
Job 31: 1 If I have made an agreement with my eyes and entertained any thoughts against a maiden;
II Corinthians 10: 3 For, although we are in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our battle are not of flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses. We destroy arguments 5 and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ, 6 and we are ready to punish every disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Protection from Sin
Proverbs 4: 20 My son, to my words be attentive, to my sayings incline your ear;
21 Let them not slip out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, to man’s whole being they are health. 23 With closest custody, guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.
Protection from the Flesh
Galatians 2: 19 For through the law I died to the law, that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.
Protection from Ungodliness
Titus 2: 11 For the grace of God has appeared, saving all 12 and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, 13 as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the
glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.
Protection from Anger
Ephesians 4: 26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, 27 and do not leave room for the devil.
Protection from Greed
**Exodus 20: 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or *, nor anything else that belongs to him."
Protection from Anger, Pride and Impatience
Proverbs 18: 20 From the fruit of his mouth a man has his fill; with the yield of his lips he sates himself. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who make it a friend shall eat its fruit.
Protection from Perversion
Psalm 119: 35 Lead me in the path of your commands, for that is my delight. 36 Direct my heart toward your decrees and away from unjust gain. 37 Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life. 38 For your servant fulfill your promise made to those who fear you.
Job 31: 1 If I have made an agreement with my eyes and entertained any thoughts against a maiden;
II Corinthians 10: 3 For, although we are in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our battle are not of flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses. We destroy arguments 5 and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ, 6 and we are ready to punish every disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Protection from Sin
Proverbs 4: 20 My son, to my words be attentive, to my sayings incline your ear;
21 Let them not slip out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, to man’s whole being they are health. 23 With closest custody, guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.
Protection from the Flesh
Galatians 2: 19 For through the law I died to the law, that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.
Protection from Ungodliness
Titus 2: 11 For the grace of God has appeared, saving all 12 and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, 13 as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the
glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.
Protection from Anger
Ephesians 4: 26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, 27 and do not leave room for the devil.
Protection from Greed
**Exodus 20: 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or *, nor anything else that belongs to him."
Protection from Anger, Pride and Impatience
J
Jim_Baur
Guest
Colossians 3: 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. 14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
Protection from Revenge
St.** Matthew 5: 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.**
Protection from Pride
Proverbs 16: 16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To acquire understanding is more desirable than silver. 17 The path of the upright avoids misfortune; he who pays attention to his way safeguards his life. 18 Pride goes before disaster, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be humble with the meek than to share plunder with the proud.
Protection from Self-righteousness
Philippians 2: 3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, 4 each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others.
Romans 12: 3 For by the grace given to me I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly, each according to the measure of faith that God has apportioned.
Protection from Laziness
I Corinthians 15: 57 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
**Hebrews 6: 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones. 11 We earnestly desire each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises. **
Powerful Weapons
**James 5: 13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, 15 and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. **
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
**Hebrews 4: 9 Therefore, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God. 10 And whoever enters into God’s rest, rests from his own works as God did from his. 11 Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience. 12 Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, **
sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
James 4: 6 But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. 9 Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.
Protection from Revenge
St.** Matthew 5: 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.**
Protection from Pride
Proverbs 16: 16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To acquire understanding is more desirable than silver. 17 The path of the upright avoids misfortune; he who pays attention to his way safeguards his life. 18 Pride goes before disaster, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be humble with the meek than to share plunder with the proud.
Protection from Self-righteousness
Philippians 2: 3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, 4 each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others.
Romans 12: 3 For by the grace given to me I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly, each according to the measure of faith that God has apportioned.
Protection from Laziness
I Corinthians 15: 57 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
**Hebrews 6: 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones. 11 We earnestly desire each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises. **
Powerful Weapons
**James 5: 13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, 15 and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. **
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
**Hebrews 4: 9 Therefore, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God. 10 And whoever enters into God’s rest, rests from his own works as God did from his. 11 Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience. 12 Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, **
sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
James 4: 6 But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. 9 Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.
J
Jim_Baur
Guest
Protection from Division
Ephesians 4: 1 I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, 3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: 4 one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Protection from Depression and Discouragement
St. John** 16: 33 I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."**
I Peter 1: 13 Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance 15 but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, 16 for it is written, "Be holy because I (am) holy."
Romans 12: 11 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
Nehemiah 8: 10 He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!"
Hebrews 10: 23 Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.
Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!
Protection from Fighting and Not Forgiving
Ephesians 4: 30 And do not grieve the holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 (And) be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.
Love
I Corinthians 13: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, 5 it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, 6 it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.
Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5: 16 I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. 26 Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another.
Ephesians 4: 1 I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, 3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: 4 one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Protection from Depression and Discouragement
St. John** 16: 33 I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."**
I Peter 1: 13 Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance 15 but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, 16 for it is written, "Be holy because I (am) holy."
Romans 12: 11 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
Nehemiah 8: 10 He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!"
Hebrews 10: 23 Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.
Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!
Protection from Fighting and Not Forgiving
Ephesians 4: 30 And do not grieve the holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 (And) be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.
Love
I Corinthians 13: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, 5 it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, 6 it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.
Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5: 16 I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. 26 Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another.
P
Paul_Edwards
Guest
He was teaching the doctrine of just war in that passage.
There is just war and there is unjust war.
He condemns unjust war when he says “those who live by the sword shall die by the sword”.
The Crusaids and fighting Hitler are an example of just war
There is just war and there is unjust war.
He condemns unjust war when he says “those who live by the sword shall die by the sword”.
The Crusaids and fighting Hitler are an example of just war
T
TimothyH
Guest
The sword is the word of God.
*And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)
From his mouth issues a sharp sword with which to smite the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. (Revelation 19:15)
**
And the rest were slain by the sword of him who sits upon the horse, the sword that issues from his mouth**; (Revelation 19:21)*
It has nothing to do with war.
-Tim-
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CHRISTINE77
Guest
I don’t think all the Crusades were just. The Children’s Crusade for example was a horrible fiasco.
G
GEddie
Guest
For justice, there must be a reasonable chance of success.
Sending children to fight for the most part negates that.
ICXC NIKA
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Paul_Edwards
Guest
I accept the judgements of the Supreme Pontiff who called for them
P
Paul_Edwards
Guest
I agree that God’s word is a sword but I think this sounds more like an actual sword with selling etc…
You are free to disagree, but I am trying to support the Churches doctrine on just war
P
PJM
Guest
Friend, here is Haydock’s translation:
"Ver. 36. That hath not, &c. Whilst the apostles are contending for prerogative, he reminds them that now is the time of danger and slaughter; for I, your Master, (says he) shall be led to a dishonourable death, and reputed among the wicked: as all which hath been foretold of me shall have their end; that is, be fulfilled. Wishing also to insinuate the violence of the assaults they themselves will have to sustain, he mentions a sword; but does not reveal all, lest they should be too much alarmed; nor does he entirely suppress the mention of it, lest sudden attacks might overpower them, had they not been forewarned. (Theophylactus)
Ver. 38. Behold here are two swords, &c. The disciples not understanding the hidden meaning of the words in the preceding verse, and thinking they should have need of swords against the attack of the traitor Judas, say, behold here two swords. (St. Cyril) — But if he had wished them to rely upon human aid, not even a hundred swords would have sufficed; but, if the power of man was unnecessary in their regard, even two swords are sufficient, and more than are wanted. (St. Chrysostom) — Even two swords are sufficient testimony of our Saviour’s having suffered spontaneously. One to shew that the apostles had courage to contend for their Master, and that their Lord had the power of healing the servant, Malchus, who was maimed; the other, which was not drawn from its scabbard, shews that the apostles were withheld from doing in his defence as much as they could have done. (Ven. Bede)"
God Bless you,
Patrick
- Status