Topical Bible: Revenge: Rebuked by Christ

◄ Revenge: Rebuked by Christ ►

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Revenge, the act of retaliating or seeking retribution for a wrong suffered, is a concept that finds its roots in human nature and history. However, within the teachings of Jesus Christ, revenge is consistently rebuked and replaced with principles of forgiveness, love, and mercy.

Teachings of Jesus on Revenge

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus directly addresses the issue of revenge. He contrasts the prevailing cultural norms with His radical teachings. In Matthew 5:38-39 , Jesus states, "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 someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." Here, Jesus challenges the Mosaic Law's allowance for proportional retribution, urging His followers to transcend the natural inclination for revenge.

The Call to Love Enemies

Further expanding on His teachings, Jesus calls His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. In Matthew 5:44-45 , He says, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." This command not only rebukes revenge but also elevates the believer's response to one of divine love and grace, reflecting the character of God.

Parables Illustrating Forgiveness

Jesus often used parables to illustrate the futility of revenge and the power of forgiveness. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, found in Matthew 18:21-35, serves as a poignant example. In this parable, a servant who is forgiven a massive debt by his master refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. The master rebukes the unforgiving servant, highlighting the expectation that those who receive mercy should also extend it to others.

The Example of Christ

Jesus' own life exemplifies His teachings on revenge. During His arrest and crucifixion, He refrains from seeking revenge against His persecutors. In Luke 23:34 , Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." This ultimate act of forgiveness underscores His message and sets a standard for His followers.

Apostolic Teachings on Revenge

The apostles, following the teachings of Christ, also admonish against revenge. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:17-19 , writes, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" Paul emphasizes that vengeance belongs to God, and believers are called to live in peace and trust in God's justice.

Conclusion

The teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostolic writings consistently rebuke revenge, urging believers to adopt a posture of forgiveness and love. By following Christ's example and teachings, Christians are called to rise above the natural desire for retribution and embody the transformative power of grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 9:54,55
And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, will you that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Crucified
... Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from ... In so doing He rebuked all
who seek to drown sorrows or ... monarch, that he saw the way to a petty revenge. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 21-32 christ crucified.htm

Index.
... Revenge, 234. Reward in heaven, 228, 235; rewards, passion for rebuked, 350. Ruler,
Christ's conversation with, 332. S. Sabbath, 218, 253, seq. ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/index 2.htm

The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... 3.) Divorce; (4.) Perjury; (5.) Revenge; (6.) National ... The Disciples prohibited to
reveal Christ's Messianic Dignity.--The Weakness of Peter rebuked. ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... their ingratitude towards Christ, [592]95; a ridicule to heathens and heretics,
because ignorant of Holy Scripture, [593]105; inattention of, rebuked by the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

John the Beloved
... Evil temper, the desire for revenge, the spirit ... Jesus rebuked this self-seeking,
disappointed his ambitions ... At one time Christ sent messengers before Him into a ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 53 john the beloved.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... How Christ manages his office of an Advocate against the adversary by argument.-
1. He pleads the pleasure of his Father in his merits.-Satan rebuked for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

The Epistles of St. Paul
... The latter rebuked the former for "dissembling," ie for ... takes great pains to show
who Christ is and what ... of antichristian Judaism from working revenge upon {124 ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter viii the epistles of.htm

Imprisonment and Death of John
... more firmly in her toils, and found revenge upon the ... the faithful forerunner, failed
to discern Christ's mission, what ... Jesus rebuked disease and banished fever ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 22 imprisonment and death.htm

Judas.
... incurred the displeasure of Christ and were rebuked by Him ... he felt that he must break
with Christ and His ... these years of poverty, and also revenge himself on ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/vii judas.htm

Colossians iii. 7-May
... So that they who revenge are ungrateful. ... Christ is cast out, and a drunken and silly
old ... who was his instructor, on beholding them, rebuked him, expostulated ...
/.../homily viii colossians iii 7-may.htm