Project – THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN ENSURING PEACE AND HARMONY AN EXEGETICAL STUDY OF MATTHEW 5:38-39
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
The role of the Church in promoting peace and harmony has been a central theme in Christian theological discussions for centuries. One of the most notable passages in the New Testament that addresses peace and reconciliation is Matthew 5:38-39, where Jesus teaches about the response to violence and the exercise of non-retaliation. This passage, found in the Sermon on the Mount, has been pivotal in shaping Christian perspectives on peace and conflict resolution. Scholars and theologians have examined this text to understand its implications for both individual and communal relationships. The message in Matthew 5:38-39 challenges traditional views on justice and retribution, calling for a radical form of peace that the Church is urged to embody.
Matthew 5:38-39 reads: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (ESV). This text has been widely debated in theological circles. Many interpret this passage as a call to reject the ancient principle of lex talionis, the law of retaliation, which was a cornerstone of Old Testament justice (Exodus 21:24). By reinterpreting this law, Jesus challenges his followers to adopt a higher standard—one that promotes forgiveness and non-violence over revenge and retaliation (Hagner, 1993). The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to model this radical peacekeeping behavior in its ministry and relationships.
The exegetical analysis of this passage reveals that Jesus’ instruction is not merely about personal conduct, but has broader social and ecclesiastical implications. According to scholars such as Davies and Allison (1997), the command to “turn the other cheek” is not an invitation to passive submission, but an act of active resistance against injustice. By refusing to retaliate, the Christian demonstrates a refusal to perpetuate the cycle of violence and enmity. In this way, Matthew 5:38-39 can be understood as a call for the Church to work towards reconciliation and restorative justice, rather than simply maintaining the status quo of retributive justice. This stance supports the Church’s mission to be a peacemaker in a broken world.
Moreover, scholars argue that the Church’s role in fostering peace is not limited to individual interactions but extends to broader societal structures. Wright (2010) contends that the Church is called to act as a transformative agent within society by advocating for systemic peace and justice. By embracing the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-39, the Church can challenge violent and oppressive systems that perpetuate inequality and division. This calls for a prophetic engagement with issues such as war, poverty, and injustice. The Church, therefore, is not just an institution for personal salvation but also a community that works toward the flourishing of all humanity, in line with the biblical vision of shalom—peace that encompasses justice, wholeness, and harmony.
Furthermore, the Church’s role as an instrument of peace requires a theological understanding of reconciliation that is deeply rooted in the Gospel. According to Newbigin (1989), the Church’s mission of peace is tied to the doctrine of reconciliation through Christ. Jesus’ act of reconciling humanity to God through the cross sets the foundation for Christian peacebuilding. Matthew 5:38-39 reflects this deep theological truth, as it challenges believers to reflect the love and mercy that God has shown to them. The Church, therefore, is tasked with embodying this grace in its engagement with the world, offering reconciliation rather than retribution, mercy instead of judgment.
Finally, the Church’s role in ensuring peace and harmony is not without its challenges. The teachings of Matthew 5:38-39 often clash with the prevailing attitudes in society, which frequently prioritize self-defense, justice through retribution, and the maintenance of power. Thus, the Church’s peacebuilding efforts are often met with resistance, both internally and externally. However, as scholars like Gorman (2015) suggest, the struggle to live out these teachings is precisely what marks the authenticity of the Church’s witness. It is in this tension—between the ideal of peace and the reality of a fallen world—that the Church’s role becomes most visible. The call to peacemaking, rooted in Matthew 5:38-39, compels the Church to offer a radical witness of non-violence and reconciliation, even in the face of opposition.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
The pursuit of peace and harmony has been a fundamental aspect of Christian teaching, with the Church historically positioned as a key agent in fostering reconciliation and non-violence within society. However, in contemporary times, the Church’s role in promoting peace is increasingly challenged by social, political, and cultural conflicts. Despite Jesus’ clear instructions in Matthew 5:38-39 to reject retaliation and embrace non-violence, many Church communities struggle to embody these teachings effectively. This disconnect between biblical mandate and ecclesial practice raises concerns about the Church’s ability to serve as a credible advocate for peace and reconciliation in a fractured world.
Matthew 5:38-39 specifically addresses the principle of non-retaliation: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (ESV). This radical teaching challenges both individual believers and the Church collectively to adopt a posture of forgiveness and non-violence, even in the face of injustice or aggression. The problem arises when the Church, as an institution, fails to consistently apply this teaching, opting instead for practices that may align more closely with societal norms of retribution and conflict. This inconsistency undermines the Church’s witness and weakens its mission to foster peace.
One of the core issues is the Church’s struggle to balance the call for non-retaliation with the reality of conflict in contemporary society. Many churches find themselves navigating complex social tensions, such as racial discord, political polarization, and community violence, where calls for justice often intersect with calls for peace. This tension creates a dilemma: how can the Church advocate for peace without compromising on justice? The passage in Matthew 5:38-39 offers guidance, yet its application in real-world contexts remains ambiguous for many Christian communities. Consequently, the Church often faces criticism for either appearing passive in the face of injustice or for abandoning its biblical mandate in favor of conflict resolution strategies that prioritize retribution.
Furthermore, there is a theological gap in how the Church interprets and applies Matthew 5:38-39 in its peacebuilding efforts. While the passage explicitly instructs believers to eschew retaliation, there is limited exegetical clarity on how this directive shapes ecclesial responses to systemic violence and injustice. The Church’s role as a peacemaker requires a theological framework that not only addresses personal grievances but also systemic issues affecting communities. Without a robust theological understanding and application of this passage, the Church risks reducing its peace efforts to mere conflict avoidance rather than active reconciliation and justice advocacy. This gap in theological interpretation and practical application constitutes a significant challenge for Church leadership and theologians.
Another problem is the Church’s ability to influence societal peace processes while maintaining its doctrinal integrity. In many conflict-affected areas, the Church is called upon to mediate between conflicting parties and to advocate for peace at national and community levels. However, the Church’s peacebuilding efforts are often hampered by internal divisions, political affiliations, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations of justice. These factors can dilute the Church’s message of non-retaliation as outlined in Matthew 5:38-39, leading to skepticism about the Church’s commitment to peace. The challenge, therefore, is for the Church to maintain a prophetic voice for peace while navigating complex social and political landscapes.
Additionally, the Church must address the pastoral implications of teaching non-retaliation to congregants who are victims of violence or injustice. Pastoral care within the Church often involves guiding individuals through personal and communal conflicts, and the teaching of non-retaliation can be difficult to apply when congregants face real threats to their safety and well-being. Pastors and church leaders must reconcile the tension between advocating for personal forgiveness and supporting justice for victims. The lack of clear pastoral strategies for implementing Matthew 5:38-39 in these contexts exacerbates the Church’s struggle to be a beacon of peace without neglecting the need for justice and accountability.
In light of these challenges, this study seeks to exegetically analyze Matthew 5:38-39 to provide clarity on the Church’s role in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. By exploring the theological and practical dimensions of non-retaliation, this research aims to equip the Church with a more coherent and biblically grounded approach to fostering peace and harmony in both personal relationships and broader societal conflicts. Addressing this problem is essential for the Church to fulfill its mission as a peacemaker and to offer a transformative witness in a world marked by conflict and division.
1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine the role of the church in ensuring peace and harmony an Exegetical study of Matthew 5:38-39. The specific objectives are:
- To examine the teachings of Matthew 5:38-39 in the context of promoting peace and harmony within the church community.
- To explore the historical and cultural background of the passage to better understand its relevance to contemporary church practices.
- To analyze the role of forgiveness and non-violence in maintaining peaceful relationships within the church.
- To investigate how the church can apply the principles of Matthew 5:38-39 to resolve conflicts and promote reconciliation among its members.
1.4. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- How do the teachings of Matthew 5:38-39 contribute to promoting peace and harmony within the church community?
- What is the historical and cultural background of Matthew 5:38-39, and how does it relate to contemporary church practices?
- In what ways does forgiveness and non-violence play a role in maintaining peaceful relationships within the church?
- How can the principles of Matthew 5:38-39 be applied by the church to resolve conflicts and promote reconciliation among its members?
1.5. Significance of the Study
The study of the Church’s role in ensuring peace and harmony through an exegetical analysis of Matthew 5:38-39 holds significant importance for both theological scholarship and practical ecclesial application. As the Church continues to navigate a world marked by conflict, social unrest, and division, understanding the biblical mandate for non-retaliation and peace becomes crucial. This study offers a deeper theological and exegetical insight into Jesus’ teaching on non-violence, providing the Church with a robust framework to address contemporary conflicts while remaining faithful to biblical principles. By unpacking Matthew 5:38-39, the research seeks to equip church leaders and congregations with practical tools for peacebuilding and reconciliation.
One of the key contributions of this study is its potential to enhance the Church’s role as a peacemaker in society. The teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 challenges the Church to transcend cultural norms of retribution and adopt a posture of forgiveness and non-violence. By exploring the exegetical dimensions of this passage, the study provides theological clarity on how the Church can actively engage in conflict resolution without compromising justice. This is particularly significant in contexts where the Church is called to mediate in social, ethnic, or political conflicts. The findings of this study will serve as a valuable resource for Church leaders, enabling them to foster reconciliation and promote peace within their communities and beyond.
Furthermore, this study is significant for its contribution to the theological discourse on justice and peace in Christian ethics. The tension between justice and non-retaliation often poses a challenge for the Church’s mission, especially when addressing systemic injustice. By examining Matthew 5:38-39 exegetically, this research offers insights into how the Church can balance the call for non-violence with the pursuit of justice. The study enriches the theological understanding of peace as not only the absence of conflict but as an active commitment to reconciliation and restoration. This theological perspective is crucial for churches that seek to engage in social justice initiatives while upholding the teachings of Christ.
The study also holds pastoral significance by providing church leaders with practical guidance on counseling and conflict resolution within their congregations. Pastors and church leaders often encounter situations where congregants struggle with personal grievances, violence, and injustice. This research will help pastors apply Jesus’ teachings on non-retaliation in pastoral care settings, encouraging individuals to respond to conflict with forgiveness and peace. By integrating exegetical insights with pastoral practice, the study equips church leaders to guide their congregations through conflict in ways that reflect the radical peace of Christ, fostering healthier and more harmonious church communities.
In addition, this study contributes to the Church’s mission of reconciliation on a global scale. Many churches are involved in peacebuilding efforts in regions affected by war, ethnic conflict, and political instability. By providing a theological and exegetical foundation for non-retaliation and peace, the study empowers churches to play a transformative role in conflict-affected areas. The Church’s involvement in peace processes can be more effective when it is rooted in a clear biblical mandate, as articulated in Matthew 5:38-39. This study enhances the Church’s credibility as a peacemaker and offers practical strategies for churches to engage in reconciliation efforts at local, national, and international levels.
Finally, this study is significant for its potential to influence Christian education and discipleship programs. Teaching the principles of non-violence and forgiveness from Matthew 5:38-39 can be integrated into theological curricula, discipleship programs, and church teachings. Equipping church members with a clear understanding of these principles strengthens the Church’s collective witness in society. As believers embody the teachings of Christ in their personal and communal lives, the Church becomes a living testimony of peace and reconciliation. This study thus contributes to the broader mission of the Church, reinforcing its role as a beacon of hope, peace, and harmony in a world often characterized by conflict and division.
1.6. Scope of the Study
The study examines the role of the church in ensuring peace and harmony an Exegetical study of Matthew 5:38-39. The research is an exploratory study.
1.7. Operational Definition of Terms
Role: The term role refers to the function or responsibility assigned to an individual or institution within a particular context. In the context of this study, the role of the Church refers to its duty or responsibility to foster peace and harmony in society, as guided by biblical teachings. It encompasses the Church’s active engagement in conflict resolution, reconciliation, and promoting non-violence in accordance with the teachings of Christ.
Church: The Church in Christian theology is the community of believers who follow Jesus Christ, both as a local congregation and the global body of Christians. It is considered the body of Christ, tasked with continuing Jesus’ mission on earth, including worship, teaching, fellowship, and outreach. In this study, the Church’s role extends to being an agent of peace and harmony, reflecting Christ’s teachings in Matthew 5:38-39 in its interactions with individuals and communities.
Peace: Peace in a biblical and theological context is more than the absence of conflict; it refers to a state of reconciliation, wholeness, and harmony with God, oneself, and others. The Greek term eirene, used in the New Testament, conveys this holistic sense of peace. In this study, peace involves the Church’s active role in promoting reconciliation, forgiveness, and non-violence, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:38-39.
Harmony: Harmony denotes a state of agreement, unity, and peaceful coexistence among individuals or groups. In the context of this study, harmony refers to the Church’s effort to cultivate relationships characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and love, both within the Church community and in broader society. Harmony, in line with biblical teachings, involves fostering social cohesion and communal well-being.
Exegetical Study: An exegetical study involves the critical interpretation and analysis of biblical texts to uncover their meaning in historical, literary, and theological contexts. The goal of exegesis is to understand the author’s original intent and apply it to contemporary contexts. In this study, an exegetical approach to Matthew 5:38-39 involves analyzing the passage’s historical background, language, and theological implications to understand how the Church can apply Jesus’ teaching on non-retaliation and peace.
Matthew 5:38-39: Matthew 5:38-39 is a passage from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus contrasts Old Testament retributive justice with His call for non-violence and forgiveness. The passage states: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (ESV). This passage challenges followers to reject the principle of retaliation (lex talionis) and instead respond to wrongdoing with grace, forgiveness, and peace. The study focuses on how this teaching shapes the Church’s role in promoting peace and reconciliation in individual and societal contexts.
Project – THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN ENSURING PEACE AND HARMONY AN EXEGETICAL STUDY OF MATTHEW 5:38-39
