Bible Study Seattle

To what extent must Christians obey secular or religious authorities?

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.”  Matthew 5:38-40

“But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”  Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.”  John 10:38-39

Jesus resisted evil people; isn’t he contradicting his own teaching??  No!  Context is key.  Turning the other cheek is only when you have no choice.  The Christian life is not about trying to become a martyr.  We are mainly to do good, but also:

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”   Ephesians 5:11  We are to turn people from evil whenever possible:

“Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”  James 5:20