Do Christians have the right to defend themselves physically, and if so, how far can they go? This is an important question, especially considering that Christians are being persecuted all over the world. The answer is simple. We have the right to defend ourselves (Exodus 22:2; Psalm 82:4; Prov. 24:11; Luke 11:21; 22:36) and an obligation to defend others (Psalm 82:3-4; Prov. 31:8-9; Isaiah 1:17; Jer. 22:3). But, we do not have the right to take vengeance (Rom. 12:19; Deut. 32:35; Prov. 20:22; Matt. 5:38-39). Self-defense is reactionary because it is taken to stop a threat. Vengeance is pre-meditated because it is an action taken when there is no threat.

Scripture tells us that God wants us to seek peace whenever possible (Psalm 34:14; Rom. 12:17-18; Heb. 12:14) and that we are to love our enemies (Luke 6:27, 35). In light of this, we have the option to flee persecution (Jer. 6:1; Matt. 10:23; Luke 21:20-21; 2 Cor. 11:32-33). But, if that is not possible and peace is not attainable, then physical force is permitted, but it must be minimal with just enough force to stop a threat; otherwise, it becomes vengeance. Though we have the right to defend ourselves, it doesn’t mean we have the obligation. Think about this. Ultimately, our battle is “…not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). This means that the dark spiritual forces want chaos, death and to prevent Christians from preaching the gospel. For this reason, we should defend the true gospel (1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:15), and resist oppressors, whether they be small in number (Psalm 82:3–4; Isaiah 1:17) or as large as a bad government (Exodus 1:15-17; Acts 5:29; 2 Cor. 11:32-33).

Consider that Christians were persecuted for their faith in the New Testament and did not physically retaliate (Acts 5:40-41; 16:22–24; 2 Cor. 11:24-25). Sometimes they fled to avoid harm (Matt. 10:23; 24:15-16; John 10:39; 2 Cor. 11:32-33). Other times, they used the law in their favor (Acts 25:8-11). Nevertheless, scripture tells us that suffering has been granted to us by God (Phil. 1:29). This is why many Christians throughout history have accepted death as a testimony of their trust in and proclamation of Christ Jesus (Acts 5:40; 7:58-60; 16:22-24; Heb. 11:36-40). Yet, it is also true that when Jesus sent His disciples into the world, He told them to buy a sword (Luke 22:36). He knew that they would suffer violence for the sake of the gospel. He was not against violence. In fact, Jesus drove the people out of the temple using a whip of cords as he overturned the money tables (John 2:15). And let us not forget that in the Old Testament, Nehemiah instructed the Israelites to carry swords as they rebuilt the defensive walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 4:18).

Finally, we must consider how our resistance will affect unbelievers? Will it increase sympathy for the enemies of the gospel if we defend ourselves? Might it cause anger towards Christians and further hinder the gospel presentation? Undoubtedly, it will. But, we are not responsible for how unbelievers sinfully misinterpret biblical truths and our defensive actions. I would like to ask if dying for Christ is better than defending ourselves. Each person must determine what they will do when the situation arises – and that, after much prayer and examination of God’s word.

Summary Points

1. Physical self-defense is permitted, but it is not an obligation (Exodus 22:2; Luke 11:21; 22:36).
2. We have the right and obligation to defend others (Psalm 82:4; Prov. 24:11; Luke 22:36).
3. We are not to take vengeance (Rom. 12:19; Deut. 32:35; Prov. 20:22; Matt. 5:38-39).
4. We are to seek peace whenever possible (Psalm 34:14; Rom. 12:17-18; Heb. 12:14).
5. We can flee to avoid persecution (Matt. 10:23; 24:15-16; John 10:39; 2 Cor. 11:32-33).
6. We are to pray for our persecutors (Matt. 5:44).
7. We are to love our enemies (Luke 6:27, 35).
8. We are in a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:12)
9. We must defend the true gospel (1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:15).
10. We are to resist evildoers, whether small in number or large (Psalm 82:3–4; Isaiah 1:17) as well as bad governments (Exodus 1:15-17; Acts 5:29; 2 Cor. 11:32-33).
11. Our suffering is granted to us by God (Phil. 1:29).
12. Many Christians have accepted death as a testimony of their faith in Christ (Acts 5:40; 7:58-60; 16:22-24; Heb. 11:36-40).
13. In light of possible violence, Jesus told his disciples to buy a sword (Luke 22:36). He even used a scourge to drive people out of the temple (John 2:15).
14. Consider how our actions will affect unbelievers and their trust in the gospel of Christ.
15. Suggested Order of Action:
    1. Pray for and love our persecutors (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35).
    2. Seek peace with them (Psalm 34:14; Rom. 12:17-18; Heb. 12:14).
    3. Seek a verbal self-defense (1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:15).
    4. Seel a legal self-defense (Acts 25:8-11).
    5. Flee persecution (Jer. 6:1; Matt. 10:23; Luke 21:20-21; 2 Cor. 11:32-33).
    6. Use physical force if necessary in order to protect oneself and others (Exodus 22:2; Psalm 82:4; Prov. 24:11; Luke 11:21; 22:36).

Old Testament offense and defense

In the Bible, there are many accounts of Israel being involved in war.  (See, “Should Christians go to war?”) Sometimes it was to stop an invading army, and other times was purely for self-defense. We see many verses about battles. Some of them are as follows.

• Exodus 15:3, “The LORD is a warrior. The LORD is His name.”
• 2 Samuel 22:35, “He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
• Psalm 144:1, “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”

Items of war and self-defense used in the Old Testament

• Armor, (2 Chron. 26:14; 1 Sam. 17:5; Jer. 46:4)
• Battering Rams, (Ezekiel 4:2, 21:22; 26:9)
• Bow and arrow, (1 Chron. 8:40; Jer. 4:29)
• Chariots, (2 Chron. 12:3)
• Cities, (2 Chronicles 11:5-12)
• Greaves (leg protection), (1 Sam. 17:6)
• Hammer and tent peg, (Judges 4:21)
• Helmets, (1 Sam. 17:5; Isa. 59:17)
• Horses and chariots, (1 Kings 4:26; Jer. 4:29;46:4)
• Plowshare, mattock, ax, forks, and hoe, (1 Sam. 13:20-21)
• Shields, (1 Chron. 12:8; 2 Chron. 14:8; 2 Sam. 1:21)
• Sling and stones, (1 Sam. 17:40; Judges 20:16; 1 Chron. 12:2)
• Spears, (1 Sam. 13:19; 1 Chron. 12:24, 34)
• Sword, (Deut. 20:13; Joshua 10:28-39; Judges 20:16; Psalm 149:6)
• Sword and bow, (1 Chron. 5:18, 1 Sam. 20:20-22)
• Trumpet, (2 Sam. 18:16)

Techniques of war and self-defense used in the Old Testament

• Ambush, (Joshua 8:2, 4; Judges 20:29; 2 Chron. 20:22)
• Appeal to the Lord, (1 Sam. 7:8-10)
• Attack, (1 Samuel 7:11)
• Defense, (Num. 21:23–24)
• Groups, (1 Sam. 11:11; 2 Sam. 18:1-2)
• Seige, (Deut. 20:10-12; 2 Sam. 11:1; Zech. 12:2)

As you can see, the Bible records battles and weaponry of war. But you must understand that this was in the context of a theocracy where God’s prophets revealed God’s word directly to the nation of Israel. That is not the case now. Ultimately, these battles were to ensure the arrival of the Messiah through God’s chosen people. The Messiah has come. So the issue we must examine is, since Jesus has been born, died, and risen, what is our obligation as Christians regarding self-defense who are living under secular governments?  After all, the situation is different. How much Old Testament practice can we port over to the New Testament times?  I’ll address this below.

Luke 22:36, buy a sword

Luke 22:35–38, “And He said to them, ‘When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?’ They said, ‘No, nothing.’ 36 And He said to them, ‘But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” 38 They said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ And He said to them, ‘It is enough.’“

This is, perhaps, the most important verse in the New Testament about self-defense. In verse 36, Jesus tells the disciples that “whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.” Jesus did not tell them to get rid of their weapons. Instead, he said to buy one. In addition, among the 12 disciples, they had two swords. It was not necessary that everyone had to be armed. That is probably why Jesus said, “It is enough.”

The word “sword” used by Jesus is μάχαιρα, máchaira.  It means, “A knife, slaughter–knife, a sword for cutting…”¹Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000. and “a short sword or dagger.”²Vine, W.E., and F.F. Bruce. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Old Tappan NJ: Revell, 1981. And, “relatively short sword (or even dagger) used for cutting and stabbing—‘sword, dagger.’³Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996. Though commentators sometimes differ on what Jesus meant in this passage, we can clearly see that He instructed them to buy a sword. Why? It would appear that it was for self-defense.  By contrast in Rev. 2:12, it says, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this.”   (See also Rev. 1:16; 2:16; 6:8) The word for sword there is ῥομφαία, rhomphaía.  It means, “A broadsword used especially by the Thracians and carried on the right shoulder.”⁴Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000.  It is the word used in the Septuagint in Exodus 32:27 and Ezek. 5:1.  

So, the sword that Jesus advocated having was not an instrument used for all-out attack (rhomphaia). Instead, it was a smaller instrument, implying self-defense (machaira).

Jesus taught us to seek peace

We can clearly see that Jesus told the disciples to buy a sword (Luke 22:36) that, we conclude, is for self-defense.  But, Jesus also taught us that we should seek peace.

• Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
• Luke 6:27, “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
• Luke 6:35, “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”
• John 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

In light of the previous verses, Jesus wants us to be as peaceful as much as possible. We are to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9) who love our enemies (Luke 6:27; 35) and love one another (John 13:35). This is what we ought to seek first and foremost. In light of this, sometimes it is better to suffer persecution than it is to defend oneself. But each person must decide what choice to make when the time arises.

Jesus defended God’s temple

John 2:15, “And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.”

When Jesus made a scourge of cords (several ropes bound together), turned over tables, and drove the people out of the temple, it was an act of violence – but not a lethal one. Jesus defended the reverence and truth of God’s holiness against the false religious leaders of His time. From this, I conclude that we are to take the representation of God in our culture very seriously, and we are to defend it against false religious leaders. I’m not advocating that we violently go into heretical churches and drive people out of them. However, I believe it is necessary to expose the false teachers so they might not harm the true body of Christ with false teaching. We should follow Jesus’ example and guard the integrity of the worship and presentation of God in our culture and our churches.

What kinds of weapons are okay for Christians

Since Jesus told the disciples to buy a sword (Luke 22:36) and He made a scourge of cords, then I conclude that we can likewise obtain weapons today. I believe this includes both lethal and non-lethal weapons such as firearms, knives, pepper spray, batons, bats, etc. Furthermore, I believe it is okay for Christians to study martial arts to defend themselves and defend others. Please understand, I’m not recommending that Christians obtain weapons. That is between God and them. But, we have the right to defend ourselves with proper weaponry and training.

When a government fails its obligation to protect its citizens

A nation’s government is supposed to protect its citizens from the threats of foreign governments, which is what the military is for. It is also supposed to protect its citizens from internal threats, which is what the police are for. According to scripture, the government also has an obligation to punish evildoers (Rom. 13:4), not show partiality (Lev. 19:15), and, as I said, provide for the safety of its citizenry (1 Pet. 2:14). If it cannot do that or refuses to do that, then the citizens have the right to defend themselves and others. The preferred way is through voting, lawful protests, petitioning, boycotting, lawsuits, etc. Furthermore, this context is not simple Christian persecution, but the overall protection of a population, Christian and non-Christian. Since we are to protect others (Psalm 82:3-4; Prov. 31:8-9; Jer. 22:3), it would be justified to physically defend ourselves and others.

Christians have the right to resist ungodly governmental proclamations

Since God ultimately institutes all governments, we are to submit to governing authorities (Rom. 13:1). However, when a government moves against its citizens or requires its population to submit to and participate in ungodly laws, then Christians have the right and even the obligation to resist. As I said above, the preferred way of resistance is through voting, lawful protests, petitioning, boycotting, lawsuits, etc.  (See the article, The Christian’s duty to obey and disobey government, civil authority)

• Acts 5:29, “But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
• 2 Cor. 11:32-33, “In Damascus, the ethnarch under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me, 33 and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands.”
• Exodus 1:15-17, “Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other was named Puah; 16 and he said, ‘When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live.”

When Christians resist their government, they must be willing to suffer the consequences. Remember that God never promises us that our Christian walk will be easy. So many people in history, all over the world, and recorded in Scripture have suffered imprisonment, beatings, and death for their faith. In fact, such things have been granted to us by God (Phil. 1:29). So, be ready to suffer for Christ’s sake.

Aggression against an impending attack

In some parts of the world, Christians are persecuted by Muslims, Hindus, and other religious and secular groups. What should Christians do if they know that a violent mob is moving into their area in order to physically attack them because they are Christians? At this point, I’m hesitant to advocate a preemptive physical attack. But, I lean toward its possibility as an attempt to prevent imminent harm to oneself and others. If such a pre-emptive attack is deemed necessary, the amount of force used must be sufficient to stop the threat and not exceed it. If the persecutors cease their assaults, then the Christians should cease their preemptive attempt to stop physical harm.

Defending the helpless

One of the obligations of Christians is to defend the helpless and do justice not only for ourselves but also for others.

• Psalm 82:3–4, “Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”
• Proverbs 31:8–9, “Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.”
• Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.”
• Jeremiah 22:3, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also, do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place.'”
• 1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Scripture teaches us that when we recognize an injustice done to others, we have an obligation to help them. How this manifests depends on the circumstances. This defense doesn’t have to be physical, though it can be. But, the level of defense must be intended to stop the injustice and any violence.

Fight or flight?

Scripture does not command that we always resist evil overtly and directly. There are times to fight (Ecc. 3:3), and there are times to flee (Jer. 6:1). Sometimes fleeing is the better option.

• Jeremiah 6:1, “Flee for safety, O sons of Benjamin, from the midst of Jerusalem! Now blow a trumpet in Tekoa and raise a signal over Beth-haccerem; for evil looks down from the north and a great destruction.”
• Matthew 10:23, “But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.
• Luke 21:20–21, “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. 21 Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city.”
• John 8:58–59, “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.’ 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.”
• 2 Corinthians 11:32–33, “In Damascus the ethnarch under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me, 33 and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands.”

Jesus fled persecution. Paul, the apostle, did, too (2 Cor. 11:32-33). In fact, the Lord told Joseph in a dream and to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt (Matt. 2:13). Jesus told the disciples that when they’re persecuted, to flee to other cities (Matt. 10:23) and to the mountains (Matt. 24:15-16).  Fleeing is biblical, and it is peaceful. So, whenever possible flee violence (Jer. 6:1; Matt. 10:23; 2 Cor. 11:32-33) and seek peace (Psalm 34:14; Rom. 12:17-18; Heb. 12:14).

Verbal self-defense

In our examination of self-defense, verbal self-defense is justified and preferred over physical self-defense. Jesus, Paul, and Peter verbally defend themselves. So, we can, too. This is the practice of apologetics, which is that branch of Christian theology that deals with the defense and the establishment of the Christian faith. Verbal defense should be our first method unless we flee, and physical defense our last.

• Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
• Luke 12:11–12, “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
• Acts 22:1, “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.”
• Acts 24:10, “When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.”
• Acts 26:1, “Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense.”
• 1 Peter 3:15, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

Of course, carm.org is dedicated to this kind of defense of the gospel. We can accomplish a lot with the truth of God’s word.

Legal self-defense

Paul, the apostle, was a Roman citizen, and the Jews falsely accused him of causing problems and stirring up dissension (Acts 21:28; 24:5-6; 25:7). As a result, the threat of death was imminent (Acts 21:27, 30; 23:12). Paul was then rescued by the commander of the Roman cohort (Acts 21:31-32). And then, finally, Paul “appealed to Caesar.”  This means he used the legal system of his day as a form of self-defense.

Acts 25:8–11, 21 “while Paul said in his own defense, “I have committed no offense either against the Law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me on these charges?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know. 11 “If, then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.” …21 ‘But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.”

Roman citizens had the right to appeal to Caesar. Paul did this because he was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25). So, he used the laws of the land in his favor and his defense. Likewise, Christians can use the laws of the land for their benefit as well – and we should.  But, if we cannot use the legal system because we can’t afford it or because it’s corrupt, then we should pray for God’s deliverance.

Persecution for one’s faith vs. random violence

Not all violence is persecution.  If a burglar randomly picks my home and forces his way in and attacks my family and me, I have the right to defend myself and them by using violence and weapons if necessary.  But what do we do if we are preaching the gospel on a street and a person comes up and persecutes us physically by pushing or even striking us? In my situations where I’ve been verbally threatened with a physical attack, I have never responded with violence. To deescalate the situation, I’ve always backed down and considered physical self-defense as an absolute last resort if I cannot flee the situation. Depending on the extent of the physical attack, I may or may not defend myself physically. However, if a person were to physically attack someone I am with who is also preaching the gospel, then I would physically intervene.

Obviously, our situations differ between people and circumstances. We have to decide how far we’re going to go when verbally and physically attacked. I don’t believe there’s a universal rule that applies to all Christians in every situation except that we are to pursue peace whenever possible (Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:18). But we do have that right to defend ourselves ( Luke 11:21; 22:36) and others (Psalm 82:4; Prov. 24:11; Luke 22:3).

Consequences of our Actions

An important consideration about the use of violence to defend ourselves is how unbelievers might perceive it. Since the most important issue related to all of humanity is salvation, Christians must be very careful how they use violence, if they use it at all, in their self-defense. How will it be perceived by unbelievers? Will it gain sympathy for Christians, or will it increase hostility?  Throughout history, Christians have been persecuted, and many thousands have willingly died at the hands of unbelievers. In fact, the Scriptures mention this as a reality.

Hebrews 11:36–38, “and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.”

So, though we have the right to defend ourselves, we need to consider how our actions might affect the attitudes of unbelievers regarding the person and work of Jesus. Though we are not responsible for their misinterpretations of our intentions, we need to realize that our actions will affect them. Ultimately, we want them to find salvation in Jesus, which is more important than defending ourselves. But balancing the right of self-defense, our desire for their salvation, and the consequence of our actions depends on a person’s situation.  So, it would be wise to pray ahead of time to do the right thing if and when the time comes.

Objections to physical self-defense answered

Jesus told Peter to put his sword away (Matt. 26:52)

Matt. 26:52, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.’“

The context of this verse is the arrest of Jesus before his crucifixion. Peter was defending Christ, and Jesus told him to put his sword back. This was not because Jesus did not want any Christian to ever be violent in self-defense or the defense of others. It was because Jesus needed to fulfill the will of the Father and go to the cross for our salvation. Also, notice that Jesus did not tell Peter to get rid of the sword. He told Peter to put it back in its sheath. There is a time and a place to defend others, but in that case, it was not the time or the place.

Turn the other cheek (Matt. 5:39)

Matt. 5:39, “…I tell you not to resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”

This is not an admonition to never defend oneself.  To be slapped in the face in that culture was an indignity. Jesus did not advocate retaliation at that point. Rather, take the indignity and move on. It is better to be at peace whenever possible than to risk escalation of aggression. Furthermore, to be slapped on the right cheek means the aggressor must use the left hand. The right hand was the symbol of power (Exodus  15:6), deliverance (Psalm 16:8; 17:7), and justice (Psalm 48:10). So, to be slapped with the left hand was an insult. Finally, notice that in John 18:22-23, Jesus is slapped, and He rebukes the one who struck Him rather than turning the other cheek!  This was because the slap was a violation of Jewish law, and Jesus had done nothing wrong.