Early Christian Commentary Matthew Chapter 5:38-42

Summary:

No longer shall the Law say, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,” (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21) to him who counts no man his enemy, but all men his neighbors (IRENAEUS). 

Christians observe the new law, the old law being obliterated (TERTULLIAN). 

“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,”—that is the expression of justice, but non-resistance is the expression of goodness (ARCHELAUS)

 and patience (TERTULLIAN). 

If one gives you a blow upon your right cheek, turn to him the other also; and you shall be perfect (THE DIDACHE). 

Nonresistance also includes not going to law with those who plunder and rob us (IRENAEUS, ATHENAGORAS), 

being patient concerning injuries (JUSTIN MARTYR), 

not correcting with violence the delinquencies of sins (CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA), 

not fighting in self-defense (TERTULLIAN), 

not hitting the other person (ORIGEN), 

not returning force (COMMODIANUS), 

not injuring anyone at any time (IRENAEUS, THEONAS OF ALEXANDRIA, LACTANTIUS), 

and not making any resistance when apprehended (CYPRIAN). 

Both the provoker and provoked are blamed of hurting a man in the eyes of the Lord (TERTULLIAN). 

He who returns an injury, desires to imitate that very person by whom he has been injured (LACTANTIUS). 

It is in our own power to observe what is commanded (ORIGEN). 

Do not hesitate to give, nor murmur when you give (BARNABAS, THE DIDACHE, HERMAS). 

Alms are to be denied to none (CYPRIAN). 

But woe to those who have and who take under false pretenses, or who are able to help themselves and want to take from others.

(HERMAS, THE DIDACHE, CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA).