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Many times throughout the New Testament followers of Jesus are instructed to refrain from judging and condemning others. The following is one example of many:
It should be apparent to all that these teachings are not practiced within courts of law. As the job title indicates, judges make it their profession to judge whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty, and then condemn those who are guilty by determining their punishment. Most modern Christians make peace with this issue by assuming that Jesus’ teachings on judgment apply only to private, not public relations. This is a dangerous and erroneous assumption. The New Testament does address the issue of courts of law on several occasions, and these passages must be addressed to determine how followers of Jesus should view and interact with these courts.
Courts of Law and the Treatment of Enemies
In several passages within the Gospels, Jesus spoke concerning courts of law:
Luke 12:57-58: Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? As you are going with your adversary to the judge, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way…
“Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?” No one needs a judge to determine what is right and wrong. Judge for yourself what is right, converse with your adversary to gain an understanding of what he feels is right, and then try to compromise, or as Jesus said, “try hard to be reconciled to him.” If this fails, and your adversary still wishes to sue you, well, as Jesus said above, “If someone wants to sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well.” Paul further explained this sentiment:
First, it must be noted that Paul referred to the judges and courts of law as “unrighteous.” Again, the court system is built on judgment and condemnation, which Jesus taught against. Paul asked, “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” Jesus likewise stated: “If someone wants to sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well.” This, indeed, is preferable to the other option – using the “unrighteous” courts of law to defend ourselves and our possessions from our enemies. This issue, in many ways, is an extension of a larger issue: how Christians should treat their enemies. For an examination of this issue, please read The New Testament Promotes the Absolute Love of Enemies.
The Authority of Courts of Law and Human Governments
The treatment of enemies aside, Paul, in a couple of passages from 1 Corinthians, completely disregarded the authority of courts of law.
1 Corinthians 2:15: The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment.
Furthermore, Acts 4-5 tells the story of how Peter and John were arrested, imprisoned, and brought before the court in Jerusalem. The court ordered the two apostles to stop spreading the teachings of Jesus. Peter and John answered in defiance:
Once freed, they immediately proceeded to ignore the court’s orders, continuing to spread the teachings of Jesus. Once again they were arrested and imprisoned. This time, they escaped from the jail, and continued their teaching, despite the orders of the court. The apostles were once again brought before the court and asked:
Peter answered:
Again, this issue is an extension of a larger issue: how Christians should regard and interact with human governments. For an examination of this issue, please read: Human Government is a Rejection of God, Satan is in Control of Human Governments, and Romans 13, 1 Peter, and the Proper Relationship Between the Christian and the State.
Written by Matthew J. Truitt, Harmless As Doves Ministries
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