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Matthew 5:39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

John 18:23 “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.

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  • Turning one's head, and being silent, are two completely different things. – Lucian May 30 '20 at 20:13
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    It's one thing for someone to slap an equal without just cause, and best to be ignored by proferring the other cheek. It's quite another for a religious ruler, who has convened a Court, to request an Officer of that Court to strike a defendant during a judicial process of questioning. You have not explained why there is a need to 'reconcile' anything. That should have been part of your question. – Nigel J May 30 '20 at 22:17
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    I agree with @NigelJ. There is a huge difference between an everyday tort (civil wrong that causes loss or harm, metaphorical cheek slap) and the abuse of the process of jurisprudence in court. – Dottard May 30 '20 at 23:01

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V38 that precedes Matt. 5:39 has:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ (Matt. 5:38, ESV)

Thus, the context of Matt. 5:39 is retaliation or vengeance. In John 28:23 Jesus is not retaliating. He is arguing his case. He is also getting the officer to think about his action.

Perry Webb
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