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Verse Takeaways
1
The Occupied Mile
Commentators explain that "compel" refers to a specific Roman military practice. A soldier could legally force a civilian to carry his equipment for one Roman mile. Jesus' command is not about a friendly request but a response to oppressive, legal authority. By going a second mile, a follower of Christ transforms a moment of humiliation into an act of surprising, proactive generosity.
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Matthew
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Commentaries
9
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 5:41
18th Century
Theologian
Whoever shall compel you to go a mile. The word translated shall compel is of Persian origin. Post offices were then unknown. In …
AT Robertson
On Matthew 5:41
Shall compel thee (αγγαρευσε). The Vulgate has angariaverit. The word is of Persian origin and means public couriers or mou…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 5:41
19th Century
Preacher
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
If you can do him any service, do it cheerfully, do it readily. Do …
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John Gill
On Matthew 5:41
17th Century
Pastor
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile
The word (aggareusei), rendered "compel", is …
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 5:38–42
17th Century
Minister
The plain instruction is: Suffer any injury that can be endured for the sake of peace, committing your concerns to the Lord's keeping. And the sum …
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 5:38–42
13th Century
Philosopher
You have heard that it hath been said: An eye for an eye. Above, the Lord fulfilled the Law concerning permissive precept…