(2nd try, time ran out)
Quote:
Stephanos questioned:
I'm not sure how a man could remain in an army and not do violence to others.
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John was a fair plain-spoken person. Do you think that he possibly knew that soldiers sometimes have to kill people? Occasionally, they may have to get very rough with those who resist. If he likely knew that and did not plainly say, "You must leave the military," is it not VERY obvious that the violence that he was speaking of was that of the viciousness that the common soldiers were known for. Do not hide behind words that you know do not mean what you are trying to make them mean to fit an unbiblical church teaching.
A question: Does your church permit police as members? The soldiers of John's day were also the police force.