In Reply to: Re: Self defence perhaps? posted by Alan on December 01, 2003 at 12:16:11:
it seems to me that the close juxtaposition of these two somewhat contrary instructions remains a mystery. there is a big diff between contradiction and paradox, imo. and mysteries like this don't rightly divide all that neatly. isn't God at all mysterious to you? some stuff seems to be there to make us chew a little.
do you find any record of those disciples, soon in for lots of violent persecution, ever drew a sword in self defence? i'm not saying i wouldn't, but i'm not sure that tidy answer answers it.