Introduction:
Gun control refers to the regulation of the sale, possession, and use of firearms. While the Bible does not directly address modern firearms, principles regarding weapons, self-defense, and the role of government can be gleaned from Scripture. This entry explores these principles from a biblical perspective.

Biblical Principles on Weapons and Self-Defense:
The Bible contains numerous references to weapons and warfare, reflecting the historical context of ancient Israel. Weapons were common, and their use was often necessary for defense and survival. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were frequently engaged in battles, and God sometimes commanded them to take up arms (e.g., Joshua 1:6-9).

Self-defense is a concept that can be inferred from Scripture. In Exodus 22:2-3, the law provides for the defense of one's home: "If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him." This passage suggests a biblical allowance for defending oneself and one's property.

In the New Testament, Jesus' teachings emphasize peace and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). However, in Luke 22:36, Jesus instructs His disciples, "But now, whoever has a money bag should take it, and likewise a traveler’s bag; and whoever does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one." This directive has been interpreted by some as an acknowledgment of the need for self-defense, though others see it as metaphorical or specific to the disciples' mission.

The Role of Government:
The Bible recognizes the authority of government to maintain order and protect its citizens. Romans 13:1-4 states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage suggests that governments have a God-given role in establishing laws, which could include regulations on weapons to ensure public safety.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
The Bible places a high value on human life, as seen in Genesis 1:27, where humans are created in the image of God. The commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) underscores the sanctity of life. Any discussion on gun control within a biblical framework must consider the balance between the right to self-defense and the imperative to protect life.

Community and Responsibility:
Scripture emphasizes the importance of community and bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). In the context of gun control, this could be interpreted as a call for responsible gun ownership and consideration of the impact of firearms on society. Christians are encouraged to act in love and seek the welfare of others (Philippians 2:3-4).

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide explicit instructions on gun control, it offers principles that can inform the debate. These include the right to self-defense, the role of government, the sanctity of life, and the responsibility of individuals within a community. Christians are called to prayerfully consider these principles in light of contemporary issues surrounding firearms.Exodus 22:2-3
If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
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Matthew 26:52-54
Then said Jesus to him, Put up again your sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
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1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
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Matthew 5:38-39
You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
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Exodus 21:24-25
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
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Judges 5:8
They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
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Romans 13:4
For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath on him that does evil.
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Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
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Treats of the Same Subject as the Last ChapterAnd Describes the ...
... the ship herself nor her pilot and sailors can at their choice control the fury ... the
truth is that, with the swiftness of a bullet fired from a gun, an upward ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter v treats of the.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... with us more than an hour, he lost no part of his self-control or good ... the barracks,
we were first taken to the armory, where each man received a gun and its ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

The Importunate Widow.
... routes through romantic scenery it is customary to fire a gun in order ... and spent
it according to their own pleasure, without his knowledge or control: the boys ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxviii the importunate widow.htm

Providence
... While it certainly doth control the massive orbs that shine in heaven, it doth not ...
a little time before his conversion he was shooting, and his gun burst in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/providence.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... but he has a whole host of inferior spirits under his supremacy and control, and
as ... but I will lead the rich man into it." As the sportsman has a gun for wild ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

Religion --A Reality
... A man that has the destinies of a kingdom under his control, may well feel his ... I
always dislike the presence of man who carries a gun with him which will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/religiona reality.htm

How Much is the Bible Worth?
... Laws which conformed to our moral ideal would have been powerless to control such
a semi ... midst of a driving storm, throws up signal rockets or fires a gun for a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xiii how much is.htm

The Origin of Species.
... himself; while every philosophical thinker hails it as a veritable Whitworth gun
in the ... result of causes for the most part fully within human control, and not ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xii the origin of species.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... uncivilised), more difficult to manage than the Congos, and highly impatient of
control. ... fortress hidden in bush, and confronted the , who had gun in hand ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... John and James were amusing themselves in the forest with their guns; and as John
was sitting carelessly upon his horse, James's gun accidentally went off, and ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

What does it mean that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17)? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian own weapons? | GotQuestions.org

What are the weapons of righteousness in 2 Corinthians 6:7? | GotQuestions.org

Weapon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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