ACC ~ Matthew 5 v39

OFFER THE OTHER CHEEK

ORIGEN: Jesus’ words regarding turning the other cheek concern more than simply long-suffering. For it is against nature to be so arrogant as to hit the other person. The one therefore who is “ready to give an answer” to every malicious person “concerning the faith that is in him” [1] will not offer resistance. The spiritual meaning is this: To one who strikes him upon the right cheek—that is, against the rational doctrines—the believer will offer also the ethical ones. This will scandalize those who do not understand the reasonings of faith. They will cease from their accusations, since they will be ashamed and continue progress in divine things. FRAGMENT 108. [2]

[1] 1 Pet 3:15.

[2] GCS 41.1:60.

TOLERATE A HIDDEN INJURY AS A WITNESS TO FUTURE JUDGMENT

HILARY: The Lord wishes that the hope of our faith, extending into eternity, be tested by these things, so that the very toleration of a hidden injury should be a witness of our future judgment. The law used to hold unfaithful Israel within a boundary of fear and contained the desire for injury by the threat of injury returned. Faith, however, does not permit resentment for injuries, nor does it wish for revenge. … There is in the judgment of God a greater consolation for those who have suffered injury and a punishment more dreadful than injuries returned. Therefore the Gospels not only warn us away from iniquities but also drive out the latent desire for vengeance. For if we have received a blow, we ought to offer the other cheek. … The Lord who accompanies us on our journey offers his own cheek to slaps and his shoulders to whips, to the increase of his glory. ON MATTHEW 4.25. [1]

[1] SC 254:144-46.

RESIST NOT EVIL

CHRYSOSTOM: For this reason Jesus has also added, “But I say to you, do not resist the evil one.” He did not say “do not resist your brother” but “the evil one”! We are authorized to dare to act in the presence of evil through Christ’s influence. In this way he relaxes and secretly removes most of our anger against the aggressor by transferring the censure to another.

“What then?” one asks. “Should we not resist the evil one at all?” Indeed we should, but not in this way. Rather, as Jesus has commanded, we resist by surrendering ourselves to suffer wrongfully. In this way you shall prevail over him. For one fire is not quenched by another, but fire by water. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 18.1. [1]

[1] PG 57:265; NPNF 1 10:124**. One whose life is hid in Christ resists evil in a most surprising manner by surrendering oneself to suffer wrongfully.