Good for Evil

How Nave’s arranged it

• General scriptures concerningMatthew 5:44–47Luke 6:27–36
• RETURNING
• INSTANCES OF
• Abraham, to AbimelechGenesis 20:14–18
• David, to Saul1 Samuel 24:17
• Elisha, to the Syrians2 Kings 6:222 Kings 6:23
• David, to his enemiesPsalms 35:12–14
• Jesus, to his crucifiersLuke 23:34
• Stephen, to his murderersActs 7:60
• See Golden Rule
• See Evil for Good

The passages, in Bible order (9)

The same references, sorted Genesis to Revelation. The first 9 are quoted in full; the rest are one click beneath them, book by book.

1. Genesis 20:14–18

   So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, menservants and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham and restored his wife Sarah to him.

   Verse page →Original language →

2. 1 Samuel 24:17

   and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.

   ›Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:171 voice

   “Not even this act of benevolence moved Saul, however. Again he gathered an army and again he set out in pursuit, until he was a second time apprehended by David in the cave where he more clearly revealed his own iniquity and made the virtue of David even more resplendent. Envy is the most savage form of hatred. Favors render those who are hostile to us for any other reason more tractable, but kind treatment shown to an envious and spiteful person only aggravates his dislike.

   Everything gathered on 1 Samuel 24:17→

   Verse page →Original language →

3. 2 Kings 6:22

   “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.”

   ›Commentary on 2 Kings 6:221 voice

   “Whom thou hast taken captive - Those who in open battle either lay down their arms, or are surrounded, and have their retreat cut off, are entitled to their lives, much more those who are thus providentially put into thy hand, without having been in actual hostility against thee. Give them meat and drink, and send them home to their master, and let them thus know that thou fearest him not, and art incapable of doing an ungenerous or unmanly action.

   Everything gathered on 2 Kings 6:22→

   Verse page →Original language →

4. 2 Kings 6:23

   So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.

   ›Commentary on 2 Kings 6:231 voice

   “Jehoram did not merely follow the letter of the prophet’s direction, but understood its spirit and acted accordingly. The plundering bands which had been in the habit of ravaging the territory 2Ki 5:2 ceased their incursions in consequence either of the miracle, or of the kind treatment which Elisha had recommended.

   Everything gathered on 2 Kings 6:23→

   Verse page →Original language →

5. Psalms 35:12–14

   They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul.

   Verse page →Original language →

6. Matthew 5:44–47

   But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

   ›Commentary on Matthew 5:44–472 voices

   “Love your enemies - This is the most sublime piece of morality ever given to man. Has it appeared unreasonable and absurd to some? It has. And why? Because it is natural to man to avenge himself, and plague those who plague him; and he will ever find abundant excuse for his conduct, in the repeated evils he receives from others; for men are naturally hostile to each other. Jesus Christ design’s to make men happy. Now he is necessarily miserable who hates another. Our Lord prohibits that only which, from its nature, is opposed to man’s happiness.

   “Many measuring the commandments of God by their own weakness, not by the strength of the saints, hold these commands for impossible, and say that it is virtue enough not to hate our enemies; but to love them is a command beyond human nature to obey. But it must be understood that Christ enjoins not impossibilities but perfection. Such was the temper of David towards Saul and Absalom; the Martyr Stephen also prayed for his enemies while they stoned him, and Paul wished himself anathema for the sake of his persecutors. (Rom. 9:3.)

   Everything gathered on Matthew 5:44–47→

   Verse page →Original language →

7. Luke 6:27–36

   But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

   ›Commentary on Luke 6:27–361 voice

   “Love is commanded when it is said, "Love your enemies," so that the saying which was uttered already before the church may be fulfilled: "Set in order love in me." For love is set in order when the precepts of love are formed. See how it began from the heights and cast the law undeneath the backs of the gospel's blessing. The law commands the revenge of punishment. The gospel bestows love for hostility, benevolence for hatred, prayer for curses, help for the persecuted, patience for the hungry and grace of reward.

   Everything gathered on Luke 6:27–36→

   Verse page →Original language →

8. Luke 23:34

   Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

   ›Commentary on Luke 23:341 voice

   “(Hom. in Pass. Dom.) He also who for our sakes took upon Him all our conditions, put on our garments, the signs of Adam's death, that He might put them off, and in their stead clothe us with life and incorruption. It follows, And they parted his raiment among them, and cast lots.

   Everything gathered on Luke 23:34→

   Verse page →Original language →

9. Acts 7:60

   Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

   Verse page →Original language →