Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5 Vs. 41

 Retaliation

Matthew 5:41 “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”

compel thee to... A reference to the custom of forced service in transport by a king’s courier who could demand the service of others to carry out the king’s business. To refuse was an unpardonable offense to the king (Mat. 27:32; Mark 15:21).

The word speaks of coercion. The New Testament picture of this is when Roman soldiers forced Simon the Cyrene to carry Jesus’ cross (27:32).

go a mile... In ancient times government agents were in a position to compel forced service upon a subjugated people. A Roman soldier, for example, could compel a Jewish native to carry his armor or materials for one mile.

with him twain... Jesus now states that if someone compels you to walk a mile, “go with him twain.”

The believer is to be willing to go the extra mile. Doing double our duty not only proves our loyalty to human authority, but likewise proves the spiritual intention of our heart.

Do more than is expected of you.

Suddenly and unexpectedly there are sounds of horses’ hoofs and a great demand is thrust upon us. We are sent off in a direction we never contemplated and are compelled to go one mile. It is the second that tests character; and your actions with respect to it will determine whether you have entered into the spirit of Christ and are willing to serve others for love’s sake and at cost of peril and inconvenience to yourself.

Instead he might go the extra mile to maintain peace. When wronged by being struck on a cheek, or sued for his tunic (undergarment; a cloak was the outer garment), or forced to travel with someone a mile, he would not strike back, demand repayment, or refuse to comply.