21 Bible Verses about Self Defence

from a principle of conscience. what glory is there in suffering corporal punishment for real offences? but if you meet with ill usage for doing your duty, and bear it with constancy, this will conciliate the divine favour. and this is the condition of your vocation, since Christ himself has suffer'd for us, leaving an example for your exact imitation, he who never offended, and from whose lips no fallacy was ever utter'd,read more.
who, when he was reviled, did not revile again: when he was in his sufferings, he did not threat, but referr'd his cause to the righteous judge.

but I say unto you, don't return evil for evil; on the contrary, if any one strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other likewise.

if any one strike you on one cheek, present to him the other likewise: or if any one seize your cloak, surrender your coat also.

but Jesus said to him, put up your sword in its place: for all that take to the sword, shall perish by the sword.

then said Jesus to Peter, sheath thy sword: the cup which my father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

dear brethren, avenge not yourselves, but leave that to the resentment of another: for it is written, "vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

Alexander the copper-smith did me many injuries: the Lord may reward him according to his actions.

be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.

Finally, my brethren, place your strength in the transcendent power of the Lord. put on the set of divine armour, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. for our conflict is not barely with men, but with principalities, with potentates, with the princes of darkness, with wicked aereal spirits.

wherefore invest yourselves with the set of divine armour, that ye may be able to withstand in the difficult day, and having overcome all to maintain your ground. stand firm, the belt of truth round your waist, let justice invest you like mail: wing your feet with the gospel of peace:read more.
cover all with the shield of faith, to repel all the fiery darts of the adversary: let salvation be your helmet, and the divine doctrine your spiritual sword. Pour out your souls unto God upon all occasions, watching in prayer with all perseverance and supplication for all christians:

Am I not free? am I not an apostle? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you become christians by my labour? if I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you: for your being christians is the proof of my apostleship. my answer to those who call me to account, is this:

what, did I make a gain of you by any body I sent to you? I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother: did Titus make a gain of you? didn't we follow the same principles, and take the same measures? do you think I have been making excuses for not coming? as I am a christian, in the presence of God, I have, my beloved, in every thing consulted your advantage.

Paul replied, I did not consider, brethren, that he was the high priest. it is indeed written, "thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."

Then the governour sign'd to Paul to reply; who said, I enter upon my defence with the greater confidence, by considering you have govern'd this nation several years:

Having staid above eight, nay ten days, he went to Cesarea, and on the morrow mounting the tribunal, he order'd Paul to be brought before him. when he appear'd, the Jews, who were come from Jerusalem presented themselves before Festus, and loaded Paul with abundance of accusations, which they were not able to prove. to this he answer'd, "I have not been guilty of any misdemeanour, either against the law, or against the temple, or against Cesar."

Then Agrippa said to Paul, you are at liberty to make your defence. upon which Paul disengaging his hand from his cloak, thus made his plea. I think myself happy, king Agrippa, in having this opportunity of vindicating myself in your presence, from every thing the Jews have laid to my charge:

At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge.

when you are brought into the synagogues, and before magistrates and rulers, be not sollicitous what to say in your own defence; for the holy spirit shall instruct you on the very occasion, what is proper to be said.

but when they take you. into custody, be not sollicitous, how or what ye shall speak, for at the very instant you shall be inspir'd what to say. for it is not properly you that speak, but the spirit of your father that speaketh by you.

now when they shall lead you to deliver you up, be not sollicitous about your defence, don't premeditate upon it; but what shall be suggested to you at the very occasion, that deliver: for it is not you that will plead, but the holy spirit.

fix it therefore in your mind, not to think beforehand about your defence. for I will make you speak with such strength of argument, as all your adversaries shall not be able to contradict or withstand.