Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 5:41

41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

The Apostle Paul giveth the best Exposition upon this Text, Rom. 12.17, 18, 19.21. Recompense to no man Evil for Evil—if it be possible as much as in you lyes, live Peaceably with all Men. Dearly beloved avenge not your selves, but rather give place unto Wrath, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord, v. 21. Be not overcome with Evil, but overcome Evil with Good, The general Scope of our Saviour is that which they must observe, who would understand the Sense of these words, they must not think that the particular things mentioned, are their Duty, but▪ 1. That it is the Will of their Lord, that they should not take any private Revenge, but leave the avenging of their injuries unto God, and to the publick Magistrate, who is God's Vice-gerent, before whom notwithstanding any thing here said, they may seek a just Satisfaction. 2. That in lighter Cases, we should rather remit the wrong done to us for Peace sake, than stand upon a Rigor of Justice, rather overcome Evil with Good, than suffer our selves to be overcome by the Evil of others. Rather suffer a blow on the other Cheek, than with our own Hands revenge the blow, which is given thus on our Cheek; rather loose our Cloak also, than contend for our Coat, taken away in Judgment from us, tho we be in that Judgment oppressed. No injury can deserve a private Revenge: Light injuries are not of that Nature, as we should contend for a publick Revenge of them.