Hi, guys! I normally prefer reading through discussions rather than engaging in them, but I do have one comment on this.
God expects the male to be the physical protector in the home and occupy the defense role for those under his care. Jesus clearly refers to this role when He refers to the “strong man” in the following instances:
Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. [Matthew 12:29 KJV]
No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. [Mark 3:27 KJV]
When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: [Luke 11:21 KJV]
This is irresponsible exegesis on two counts. First of all, the context of this verse is Jesus’ response to the Pharisees after they said Jesus got his powers from the Prince of Demons (Satan). In response, Jesus says that if he got his powers from Satan, then Satan would be fighting against himself and his kingdom would not survive. However, if Jesus gets his power from God, then the Spirit of God must have arrived. Next, Jesus uses the above verses as a metaphor to illustrate the Son of Man’s power over demons. A rough translation of Jesus’ metaphor would go something like this: “Who is mighty enough to cast out the most powerful of demons? Only someone even more powerful than they.”
Secondly, Brian, you quoted this verse three times, once each from Matthew, Mark and Luke. Matthew, Mark, and Luke make up what is known as the Synoptic Gospels. They tell many of the same stories, often in the same sequence, and sometimes even with identical wording. Just because a verse Jesus said appears three times in the Synoptic Gospels does not mean that Jesus said those words three separate times.
In summary, Jesus is not commanding Christian men to be macho strong men who defend their households from thieves. He is talking about himself and his power over the spiritual realm.
Cheers, and thank you all for the interesting read that this thread has been!
