Part 3: The Biblical Case Against Taking Up Arms
Last time, we looked at the biblical arguments for defending your family and others from violence. Now, let’s consider the other side, since many sincere Christians think the Bible allows defensive force in certain situations.
But there is another view worth considering. Many devoted followers of Jesus believe Christians should never use violence against anyone, even to protect themselves.
This belief does not come from fear or passivity. Instead, it grows out of a deep desire to follow Christ as closely as possible.
No matter where you stand, it’s important for every believer to understand why many Christians choose biblical nonviolence.
Jesus Changed the Standard
The main biblical argument against using weapons starts with Jesus’ own teachings.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” (Matthew 5:38–39, CSB)
A few verses later, He continued:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
These are some of the most challenging words in the whole Bible.
Jesus did not just tell His followers to avoid getting revenge.
He told them to actively love the people who mistreat them.
For many Christians, this teaching sets the example for every situation, even when facing personal danger.
Turning the Other Cheek
Some interpreters understand Jesus’ command to “turn the other cheek” as referring specifically to insults and personal offenses rather than life-threatening attacks.
Others think Jesus set a wider rule of refusing violence in all situations, not just when insulted.
Either way, Jesus clearly rejected the idea of getting back at others.
His followers should not act out of anger, pride, or a wish to get even.
God’s kingdom moves forward in a different way than the kingdoms of this world.
Peter’s Sword
One of the clearest moments occurs on the night of Jesus’ arrest.
When soldiers came to seize Jesus, Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
Jesus immediately stopped him.
Matthew 26:52 records His words:
“Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword.”
Jesus then healed the wounded servant.
For those who support Christian nonviolence, this moment matters a lot because it shows how Jesus acted when using force seemed most justified.
Peter was defending the innocent Son of God.
If there were ever a justifiable reIf there was ever a good reason to use force, protecting Jesus would be it.nce.
Instead, He chose to give Himself up to do what the Father wanted.
Many believe Jesus was not just talking about that one moment, but setting an example for His followers to copy.
Jesus Chose the Cross Instead of Resistance
During His ministry, Jesus had unlimited power.
He calmed storms.
He cast out demons.
He raised the dead.
When arrested, He reminded His disciples:
“Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will provide me here and now with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53)
Jesus was never poweHe chose to be nonviolent.violent.
His victory came through sacrificial love, not by using force.
Followers of Christ are called again and again to follow that example.
The Example of the Apostles
The New Testament records repeated persecution of the apostles.
They were beaten.
Imprisoned.
Threatened.
Eventually, most suffered martyrdom.
But we never see the apostles fighting back with weapons against those who hurt them.
Instead, they put their trust in God.
Peter later wrote:
“When he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23)
Peter points believers straight to Jesus as the example for handling injustice, and this leads right into what Paul teaches in Romans.
Romans 12 and Overcoming Evil
Immediately before Paul discusses governing authorities in Romans 13, he gives this command:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.”
He continues:
“Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
People who support nonviolence say that believers defeat evil by forgiving, loving sacrificially, and staying faithful, not by using force. This idea connects what Paul says in Romans 12 to how Christians should live under authority.
The greatest weapon for a Christian is not a sword.
It is the gospel itself.
The Early Church
History shows that many Christians in the first three centuries stayed out of the military and refused to take part in violence.
Not every believer agreed, but many church leaders stressed Jesus’ commands to love enemies and not fight back.
Writers like Tertullian and Origen said Christians fight spiritual battles with prayer, holiness, and faithful living, not with physical fighting.
Church history is not the same as Scripture, but it shows that Christian nonviolence is not new. It goes back to the early church.
What About Protecting Family?
This is perhaps the most difficult question for Christian pacifists.
Most do not deny the desire to protect loved ones.
Instead, they believe Christians are called to trust God, even when facing danger.
Some say that taking a life to save your own puts physical life above obeying God.
Others believe that following Jesus sometimes means accepting suffering instead of fighting back.
This view can be costly.
It raises hard questions.
Could I love someone who intended to harm me?
Would I trust God enough to suffer rather than retaliate?
Could my willingness to forgive become a testimony to the gospel?
These questions are not easy, but they deserve careful thought as we move from ideas to real-life situations.
A Different Kind of Victory
All through the Bible, God’s greatest victories often come through what looks like weakness.
Joseph forgave his brothers.
Stephen prayed for those stoning him.
Paul rejoiced in suffering.
Most importantly, Jesus conquered sin, death, and Satan not by destroying His enemies but by dying for them.
The cross shows believers that God’s power is often seen in sacrificial love, not in force. This truth leads to the conclusion below.
Conclusion
The biblical case against taking the biblical argument against using weapons is based on the belief that Jesus calls His followers to love their enemies, forgive, and accept suffering. People who choose Christian nonviolence believe this is how God’s kingdom grows—not through weapons, but through faithful obedience, even when it is hard.
They simply believe that Christ calls His followers to respond differently from the world.
Even though this view is challenging, it deserves real respect because it tries to take Jesus’ words and example very seriously. It asks believers to consider if being faithful sometimes means costly obedience instead of using force, and to think about that with humility and respect.
In the last article of this series, we will look at both sides together. We will explore how Christians can honestly wrestle with this issue, where each view finds support in the Bible, and how believers can disagree with humility while staying united in Christ.
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 