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O uso da força pelo cristão: estudo exegético de Mateus 26:52

2008; Volume: 4; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

2237-7557

Samuel Bruno do Nascimento Carvalho,

Biblical Studies and Interpretation

The present research focuses the theme of the use of force by a Christian and ahs as its main objective to analyze the text of Mathew 26:52 – “Then Jesus said to him: ‘Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword’” (NAS). In view that the opinions are divergent among scholars concerning this issue, in an essay to verify its adequate interpretation, it was undertaken an analysis of the text, of its historical context, and its literary and semantic aspects. From such analysis it was possible to perceive that the internal and external evidences related to the text point that the verse speaks of an interdiction of the use of force for religious purposes. The use of force by the State, however, is a legitimate necessity for the maintenance of order in society. The study concluded also that for a Christian, in an individual basis, there is no excuse for violent attitudes, even in situation where retribution could be justified.