It is very important for us to look at what the Bible says about the Christian's role and their use of violence. However, looking at an ideology in the abstract can often leave us with many questions as to how that ideas is supposed to play out. But when we see people implement an ideology, it can sometimes affirm or counter our assumptions about what the the ideology actually says. For instance, if pacifists argue that a Christian loving their enemies and turning the other cheek means that they shouldn't harm another even in self-defense, then were we to find any of the apostles defending themselves from harm with violent actions, it would make us think twice about the extent of what Christ was teaching. Likewise, if we find that Christians fail to retaliate with violence, even in self-defense, then that should give us pause as to whether Christ fully meant what he said in regard to violence rather than passing his words off as hyperbole or metaphor.
There are no absolutely clear stories where all details are filled in for us in regard to pacifism. The point of the stories of the early Christians and the Apostles wasn't necessarily to teach self-defense or nonviolence. But what we do see is how early Christians naturally react to violence instituted against them by individuals, their community, and their government.
There are no absolutely clear stories where all details are filled in for us in regard to pacifism. The point of the stories of the early Christians and the Apostles wasn't necessarily to teach self-defense or nonviolence. But what we do see is how early Christians naturally react to violence instituted against them by individuals, their community, and their government.
Stephen: In the midst of being stoned by religious enemies, Stephen prayed for the forgiveness of his attackers. While there aren't a tremendous amount of details here, I think it is safe to infer that he was not attacking his aggressors.
Jason: In Acts 17 we see an account of Jason being dragged by members of an angry mob. There is no indication that he used violence against them, even though they could have been dragging him to his death for all he knew.
Paul and Silas: Paul and Silas are not reported to have fought with those who drug them before local leaders, which following, they then submitted to a beating even though they were Roman citizens and this punishment was illegitimate. Paul would eventually submit all the way to his death in Rome.
Jesus Christ: We see Jesus run from the Pharisees or avoid certain interactions, but we never see him defend himself with violence or encourage others to defend him or themselves.
The Apostles: Most of the apostles (all except John) were put to death, and by all accounts, without reciprocating violence themselves. While some were put to death by the government for religious reasons, others were supposedly (based on tradition) put to death by other groups of people. We don't have any direct biblical account of apostolic martyrdom, though Jesus does preverify that Peter would be martyred on a cross (John 21:19).
None of the examples above are anything for pacifists to hang their hats on. We see a lot of examples of people being killed without mention of their resistance. We see examples of Jesus or Paul running from danger, but never see anyone fight back. At best, this is an argument from silence. However, when coupled with the numerous passages which seem to, on their face, teach non-violence, it is one more piece in a cumulative case for pacifism. When you add to this that there are no passages that indicate teachings for violence or examples of violence for Christians prior to Christ's return in judgment, the pacifist's case grows stronger.
1. Introduction
2. Biblical Teaching
3. Biblical Examples
4. Early Church Teaching
5. Real Life Examples
6. Pacifism Applied
7. Evaluating the Christian Alternative to Pacifism
8. Pacifism Quotes to Ponder
9. Counter-Rebuttals
10. Questions for Just-War Adherents
11. Conclusion
12. Resources
Jason: In Acts 17 we see an account of Jason being dragged by members of an angry mob. There is no indication that he used violence against them, even though they could have been dragging him to his death for all he knew.
Paul and Silas: Paul and Silas are not reported to have fought with those who drug them before local leaders, which following, they then submitted to a beating even though they were Roman citizens and this punishment was illegitimate. Paul would eventually submit all the way to his death in Rome.
Jesus Christ: We see Jesus run from the Pharisees or avoid certain interactions, but we never see him defend himself with violence or encourage others to defend him or themselves.
The Apostles: Most of the apostles (all except John) were put to death, and by all accounts, without reciprocating violence themselves. While some were put to death by the government for religious reasons, others were supposedly (based on tradition) put to death by other groups of people. We don't have any direct biblical account of apostolic martyrdom, though Jesus does preverify that Peter would be martyred on a cross (John 21:19).
None of the examples above are anything for pacifists to hang their hats on. We see a lot of examples of people being killed without mention of their resistance. We see examples of Jesus or Paul running from danger, but never see anyone fight back. At best, this is an argument from silence. However, when coupled with the numerous passages which seem to, on their face, teach non-violence, it is one more piece in a cumulative case for pacifism. When you add to this that there are no passages that indicate teachings for violence or examples of violence for Christians prior to Christ's return in judgment, the pacifist's case grows stronger.
1. Introduction
2. Biblical Teaching
3. Biblical Examples
4. Early Church Teaching
5. Real Life Examples
6. Pacifism Applied
7. Evaluating the Christian Alternative to Pacifism
8. Pacifism Quotes to Ponder
9. Counter-Rebuttals
10. Questions for Just-War Adherents
11. Conclusion
12. Resources
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