Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  »  5944 self-defence

The people of God in the OT defended themselves, but their ultimate defence was to be God himself. Paul, using the channels open to him, answered false charges against him in the church and before civil authorities. Christians are not to take personal revenge but, following Jesus Christ's example, are to entrust themselves to God.

Defence of one's property

Exodus 22:2-3

Defence of one's person

The use of a stronghold

See also Judges 6:2; 1 Samuel 23:14; 2 Samuel 5:17

The strength of numbers

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Trust in the Lord

Daniel 3:16-18

The example of Jesus Christ in self-defence

1 Peter 2:20-23 See also Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 5:39 pp Luke 6:29; Matthew 26:52; John 18:11; Romans 12:19; 2 Timothy 4:14

Defence against spiritual enemies

Acts 20:28; Ephesians 6:10-12 See also Ephesians 6:13-18

Self-defence in the face of false accusations

Paul to the Corinthian church

1 Corinthians 9:1-3; 2 Corinthians 12:17-19

Paul before the civil authorities

Acts 21:39-22:1,3-21,30-23:5; Acts 24:10; Acts 25:6-8,13-16; Acts 26:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:16

The promise of the help of the Holy Spirit

Luke 12:11-12 pp Matthew 10:19-20 pp Mark 13:11 See also Luke 21:14-15

See also

3281  Holy Spirit, inspiration
5209  armour
5214  attack
5291  defence
5315  fortifications
5480  protection
5495  revenge & retaliation
5605  warfare
8490  watchfulness
8822  self-justification