1
Defense
LeAndra N. Jackson
Liberty University
CJUS 400: Criminal Law
Judge Scott Naus
July 23, 2025
2
Defense
The right to self-defense and the defense of others has been a long topic of theological
and legal debates. Using three key points such as unlawfulness, necessity, and reasonableness to
determine the lawfulness of self-defense and the defense of others, the rules for self-defense and
the defense of others mirror each other (Gardner & Anderson, 2018, p. 1). In modern society,
laws like Stand Your Ground and the Castle Doctrine allow people to use force to protect
themselves without retreating. However, to align with biblical principles, they must only be used
to preserve life. Though the Bible does not specifically mention concealed carry or modern legal
rules, it provides principles that can be interpreted to support self-defense and the defense of
others under certain conditions. While scriptures like Genesis 1:27 show the sanctity of life is
important, other scriptures acknowledge the need for protection against physical harm. In Exodus
22:2, the law states, “If a thief is caught breaking in9at night and is struck a fatal blow, the
defender is not guilty of bloodshed” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Exodus 22:2). This
scripture highlights that deadly force may be justified when a person is protecting their home and
life, specifically when the threat from an intruder is unclear. However, in the following verse,
Exodus 22:3 shows that the same act of self-defense would be considered murder as it states,
“but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Exodus 22:3). Exodus 22:3 also aligns with the key point of necessity as it highlights
that the use of force must be necessary. Both scriptures emphasize that modern laws could risk
departing from Scripture when used aggressively.
Biblically, the use of force may be justified to save one’s own life or the life of another;
however, it is only when all other options have truly been exhausted, or immediate harm is
unavoidable. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches others about forgiveness and turning the other
3
cheek, which is interpreted as Him telling others to avoid violence. However, from these
inclusive teachings come debates that these teachings only pertain to personal offenses and not to
circumstances involving unavoidable physical harm. A passage that is often referenced in self-
defense discussions is Luke 22:36, where Jesus tells His disciples to sell their cloaks and buy a
sword if they did not have one (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Luke 22:36). Although
some scholars interpret this verse symbolically or prophetically, other scholars see it as practical
preparation. According to Timothy Hsiao in his article Jesus, guns, and Luke 22:36, Jesus’ direct
instructions to His disciples were a small endorsement of arming oneself for self-defense in
anticipation of real danger, highlighting that Jesus was not advocating for aggression, but instead
readiness and protection of life in an adverse world (Hsiao, 2024, p. 252). Modern self-defense
laws must be guided by necessity and the sanctity of life to align with biblical ethics.
4
References
Gardner, T. J., & Anderson, T. M. (2018).9Criminal law9(13th ed.).9Cengage Learning.
https://ng.cengage.com/static/nb/ui/evo/index.html?
deploymentId=5680542456081257383138347567&eISBN=9781305966413&id=246745
3692&snapshotId=4648202&
Hsiao, T. (2024). Jesus, Guns, and Luke 22:36: A Response to Barrigar.9Evangelical Quarterly:
An International Review of Bible and Theology,995(3), 249-
261.9https://doi.org/10.1163/27725472-09503003
New International Bible. (2011). The NIV Bible.9https://www.thenivbible.com 9 (Original work
published 1978)
REPLIES:
Marcus,
This was a thorough and well-rounded discussion on the biblical perspective of self-defense,
including the distinction of deadly force and its moral justification. The use of Exodus 22:2-3
highlights the Old Testament’s allowance for lethal force in defense of life and property, while
also emphasizing the difference between night and day as it highlights the importance of intent
and clarity in moral decisions (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Exodus 22:2-3). The
connection to Luke 22:36 is also significant in providing a New Testament balance to the
conversation of self-defense. Adding to the points made within the discussion, Timothy Hsiao
5
argues in his article Jesus, guns, and Luke 22:36, Jesus’ direct instructions to His disciples were a
small endorsement of arming oneself for self-defense in anticipation of real danger, which
highlights that this verse is not Jesus encouraging violence, but He is aware of real world dangers
where readiness and protection may be necessary (Hsiao, 2024, p. 252). This interpretation
supports Christians who conceal carry with a focus on preserving life. However, how will this
interpretation influence Christian attitudes toward public policy on gun ownership? Lastly, legal
rights may exist; however, biblical ethics demand restraint, discernment, and peace.
Jameson,
This discussion post offered reflections on the biblical foundations of self-defense. The
distinction Exodus 22:2-3 gives between uncertainty in the evening and clarity during the day
highlights the biblical interest in intent and necessity (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Exodus 22:2-3). Additionally, incorporating Romans 13:4 was a strong theological perspective
used to highlight the legitimacy of lawful authority in administering justice. Romans 13:4 also
aligns with the legal debate of the use of force being justifiable.
Adding to the analysis provided, Timothy Hsiao’s article Jesus, guns, and Luke 22:36, highlights
that Jesus’s direct instructions to His disciples were a small endorsement of arming oneself for
self-defense in anticipation of real danger, emphasizing the reality of a fallen world and the
importance of readiness (Hsiao, 2024, p. 252). With this interpretation, how can Christians
balance the biblical call to be prepared for danger with support or opposition to public policies
like concealed carry and Stand Your Ground laws? The tensions between the two bring up
important questions about how believers can morally navigate scriptural teachings and societal
6
laws. Importantly, this scripture should not encourage an individual to act violently, but to protect
one’s life in the face of danger.
gives clarity to Luke 22:36 by highlighting
for self-defense
This interpretation given by Timothy Hsiao shows that concealed carry can be defended
biblically, but how would this interpretation influence Christians who are opposed to concealed
carry?
including the use of Exodus 22:2-3 to show that context determines the moral justification of
force,
Offering a balanced reflection of the biblical foundations of self-defense, the discussion post was
great.
