In Matthew 5:25, Jesus says, “Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.” This verse comes in the midst of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, where He is teaching His followers about living in God’s kingdom. So what does Jesus mean when He tells us to “agree with your adversary quickly”? Let’s explore the context and meaning of this important verse.
The Context of Matthew 5:25
Matthew 5:25 comes right after Jesus’ teaching about anger and murder in Matthew 5:21-24. Jesus equates unjust anger with murder and warns that those who are angry with their brothers will be liable to judgment. He then transitions in verse 25 to dealing with conflict and legal disputes. Jesus likely has financial and legal matters in view here – situations where someone has a grievance against you or you have wronged them in some way. In Jesus’ day, if two people had a dispute, they would often take the matter before a judge who could order remedies or punishment. But Jesus is warning His followers that it’s better to deal with issues quickly rather than let disputes escalate to the courts.
The Meaning of “Agree with Your Adversary Quickly”
When Jesus says to “agree with your adversary quickly,” He is telling us to seek reconciliation and resolution to conflicts as soon as possible. The word “adversary” indicates someone who feels wronged by you or has something against you. And “agree” implies seeking peace through mutual understanding and trying to make amends. Jesus isn’t saying we should compromise our principles or integrity. But if we’ve genuinely wronged someone, we should humble ourselves, confess our fault, and do what we can to make it right (see Matthew 5:23-24). This may involve apologizing, repaying debts, or changing hurtful behaviors. The goal is to pursue justice, understanding, and relational restoration.
Jesus tells us to do this “quickly” – meaning we shouldn’t let conflicts fester or allow relationships to deteriorate. Tensions often amplify over time, making conflicts harder to resolve. We should address issues humbly and lovingly as soon as possible after they arise.
Why It’s Important to Resolve Conflicts Quickly
Jesus gives two reasons why it’s vital to reconcile quickly with those who have an issue with us:
- To avoid escalation. Jesus says to agree with your opponent “while you are on the way with him.” The longer conflict persists, the more opportunities there are for misunderstanding, offences, and reactions that spiral out of control. Small issues can erupt into major relational ruptures or even lawsuits if left unaddressed. By reconciling quickly, we can resolve matters before they escalate.
- To avoid harsh consequences. Jesus warns that unresolved issues may lead to being hauled before a judge, found guilty, and thrown in jail. While He likely isn’t speaking literally here, the point is that unaddressed conflicts can have severe relational, reputational, financial, or legal ramifications. If disputes escalate, we may face consequences that could have been avoided by humbly reconciling when issues first emerged.
Overall, Jesus understands our tendency to drag our feet when we’ve wronged someone or been wronged. We avoid difficult conversations and hope problems just go away. But acting quickly to reconcile honors God and prevents destructive escalation. The longer we wait, the wider the relational breech becomes.
How to Apply This Teaching
How can we “agree with our adversary quickly” in appropriate ways? Here are some application principles:
- Be humble and introspective whenever conflict arises. Examine your own heart and be willing to confess faults (Matthew 7:3-5).
- Initiate reconciliation; don’t wait for the other party to come to you. “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).
- Act in love, not anger or pride. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
- Confess your wrongs sincerely and ask forgiveness when appropriate (James 5:16).
- Try to understand the other person’s perspective rather than insisting on your own way. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
- Seek solutions that promote justice and restore relationships, not just truces that bury hurt (Matthew 5:9).
- Involve others to help mediate conflicts if needed (Philippians 4:2-3).
- Trust God to give you wisdom in resolving matters justly and peaceably (James 3:17-18).
As followers of Christ, we want to take His admonition seriously to reconcile quickly when conflicts arise. This prevents destructive escalation and honors God by pursuing peace.
Principles for Believers Facing Legal Issues
While Jesus’ words likely pertain to ordinary disputes between individuals, some broader principles can apply when believers face legal issues:
- As much as possible, seek to resolve issues out of court – prayerfully and through biblical mediation if needed (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8).
- Avoid unnecessary lawsuits and contention over minor issues (Matthew 5:39-41; 1 Corinthians 6:7).
- In matters of conscience or moral/spiritual principle, stand firm in your convictions with grace and truth (Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-32).
- Trust God to defend you and work through even unjust verdicts for His purposes (Matthew 5:11-12; Acts 16:35-40).
- Respect governing authorities and the law of the land when these do not require disobedience to God (Romans 13:1-7).
- Pray for and bless those who wrong you (Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:14).
- Entrust yourself to God’s love and justice; He will make all wrongs right in the end (Romans 12:19-21).
As citizens of heaven, believers can have confidence that God is sovereign even over secular courts and laws. The highest calling is to represent Christ in all dealings – even adversarial ones – by pursuing righteousness, peace, and reconciliation as much as possible.
Old Testament Background
While Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:25 represented a distinctive part of His kingdom ethic for followers, the topic of dealing with disputes and adversaries had Old Testament precedent as well:
- The Law of Moses contained regulations for fairly judging legal cases and ensuring impartial justice in Israel (Exodus 23:1-3, 6-8; Leviticus 19:15-16; Deuteronomy 16:18-20).
- Wronged persons were to confront offenders directly to seek confession and restitution (Leviticus 6:1-7).
- Recipients of wrong could choose gracious forgiveness over vengeance (Genesis 50:15-21).
- Kings were exhorted to avoid unnecessary disputes and seek peace through compromise (Proverbs 25:8-10).
- The wicked would often refuse correction and reconciliation (Proverbs 29:1).
- God would providentially work good from human injustices and eventually bring all wrongs to light (Psalm 37; 76:10).
While Old Testament law provided principles of justice, Jesus built on these with His radical commands to non-retaliation, sacrificial service, and grace toward enemies when wronged. Resolving disputes through humility and forgiveness – rather than vengeance or escalation – was central to Christ’s revolutionary kingdom ethic.
The Rest of the Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5:25 fits within the broader context of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew 5-7. The sermon forms the first of Jesus’ five major discourses in Matthew’s Gospel. Some key themes directly related to Matthew 5:25 include:
- Reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ – Jesus emphasized the importance of reconciling offenses to maintain unity and harmony in the church (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-20).
- Loving enemies and overcoming evil with good – Believers are called to a radically different ethic of returning good for evil and loving enemies, not taking revenge (Matthew 5:38-48).
- A higher righteousness – Christ’s followers are held to a greater standard of righteousness defined by love and sacrifice, not mere external rule-keeping (Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28, 43-48).
- Integrity, honesty, and peaceful motives – Jesus exhorted His disciples to be people of integrity who make reconciliation and peacemaking top priorities (Matthew 5:8, 9, 23-24, 33-37).
- Trusting God’s provision and justice – Rather than retaliate, believers can trust God to defend and provide for them in disputed matters (Matthew 6:25-34; 7:7-12).
In summary, Matthew 5:25 aligns with Christ’s larger emphasis on loving others through grace, honesty, mercy, peacemaking, and trust in God. Quickly reconciling conflicts is vital to living out Jesus’ kingdom ethic.
The Authority of Jesus’ Teachings
Why should we heed Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:25? As the Son of God and Messiah, Christ spoke with divine authority and perfect wisdom:
- He was the living embodiment of God on earth (John 1:14; 14:9; Colossians 1:15-20).
- He was the greatest Prophet whose words superseded all previous revelation (Hebrews 1:1-3).
- He had total authority to interpret God’s will and command human obedience (Matthew 7:28-29; 28:18).
- His wisdom was greater than Solomon’s and astounded crowds (Matthew 12:42; 13:54; Luke 2:46-47).
- He knew the thoughts and hearts of all people (Luke 6:8; John 2:24-25).
- His teachings were affirmed by miraculous signs, wonders, and the resurrection (Acts 2:22; Hebrews 2:1-4).
- He taught completely consistent with God’s law while deepening its application (Matthew 5:17-48).
For these reasons, all Jesus’ instructions – including those on resolving disputes in Matthew 5:25 – carry the full weight of God’s authority. As the perfect Son of God, Jesus fulfilled the law and exemplified what it looks like to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). His words cut to the heart and demand our thoughtful obedience as followers of Him.
Other Biblical Teachings on Handling Conflict
The New Testament contains many other teachings that agree with and expand on Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:25 to reconcile quickly. Here is a sampling:
- “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
- “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:14-15).
- “If your brother or sister sins, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them” (Luke 17:3-4).
- “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:17-18).
- “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
- “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:30-32).
Scripture is consistent that reconciliation should be a top priority for believers, enabled by Christlike forgiveness and grace. We can trust God to ultimately make all wrongs right.
Conclusion
Jesus’ command to “agree with your adversary quickly” challenges believers to pursue timely reconciliation when conflict arises. Letting disputes fester leads to escalation that breeds disaster. By humbly seeking resolution and making amends as soon as possible, we reflect Christlike love, prevent worse outcomes, and keep unity/peace. As part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:25 sets a high standard of integrity, grace, and trust in God to sustain us when wronged. Through the Spirit’s power, may we apply Jesus’ words to promote justice and reconciliation that honor Him.
