- The Proper Teaching on Revenge 对于报复的正确教导 (5:38)
In the Pentateuch, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” are part of longer lists that include “hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn” (Ex 21:24–25). The principle of punishment is to match the crime committed. However, this principle was to be carried out by the civil justice system. Exodus 21–23 speaks of God’s provision for civil law. Both trial and sentencing were the responsibility of duly appointed judges or a large representative body of citizens (Ex 21:22; Deut 19:18; Lev 24:14–16).
“以眼还眼，以牙还牙”这表述出自于摩西五经中，而上下文还包括了“以手还手，以脚还脚，以伤还伤”（出21:24-25）。处罚的原则就是处分要与罪行相等，并且是由民间的司法制度执行。《出埃及记》21-23章所记载的是神为民间法律所设的规定。审讯与判处也一直都是由指定法官或民众群体代表负责（出21:22；申19:18；利24:14-16）。
- The Perversion of Revenge 对于报复的错误教导 (5:38)
Yet the rabbinic tradition had done the opposite. Each man was permitted to become his own judge and executioner. God’s law was turned to individual license, and civil justice was perverted to commit acts of personal vengeance acceptable.
然而，犹太拉比传统的教导却恰恰相反：个人变成了自己的审判与处罚官。神律法的曲解变成了个人报复的理由，而民事司法的原则也被误解，成为私人报复的工具。
- The Prospect of Revenge 对于报复的图景 (5:39 – 42)
However, Jesus rebutted the Pharisees and applied a principle of non-retaliation when faced with personal affronts. Paul said, “Repay no one evil for evil…never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Rom 12:17-19). If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:48). We are not to take the law into our own hands but entrust ourselves to the righteous Judge (1Pe 2:23).
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- Do you believe in God? If so, you know he is the master and judge of this world. If you take the law into your own hands, you are usurping the authority of God. How then, can you claim to believe in God?
你信上帝吗？若是，你当知道祂是世界的主和审判者。但是，你若擅行事，便是藐视自己的主人和篡夺上帝的权柄。你怎能自称相信上帝又同时篡夺祂的权柄呢？
- If we believe in God, we will obey him and not attempt to take matters into our own hands. This shows than we are not our own but we belong to God and he is our master and destiny. Romans 12:19 says “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Pray that we will wait upon the Lord.
我们若信上帝，就会顺服祂而不会自行其是。这表示我们不是自己的主人，而是属神的人；祂是我们的生命与主。主说：“伸冤在我，我必报应，这是耶和华说的”（罗12:19）。请祷告让我们会等候耶和华。
- God is perfect and he expects us to be like Him. So pray that if our enemy is hungry, we will be gracious to feed him; if he is thirsty, we will give him drink. To be non-retaliatory is to be humble and submit to God’s lordship. Pray that we will not be so proud as to usurp the authority of God but instead, fear Him and submit to Him.
