Matt 5:39 - But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someoneslaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;
Numerousonlinesources echo an idea that some of Jesus' most famous teachings from the 'Sermon on the Mount' are a response to unjust Roman laws that were used to miserably oppress the people of Judea:
- A Roman citizen could strike a Roman subject (ie a Judean) in the face without consequence
- A Roman citizen could compel a Roman subject to carry his burden for him, but only for one Roman mile
- A Roman citizen could sue for or even seize the personal property of a Roman subject
Different teachers have different takes on the proper interpretation of Jesus' teachings on these (this one is my favorite). Some of these are not reconcilable with each other. It would be nice to consult historical sources in order to form an opinion on which of these are more/less correct, but none of the many places I see this discussed offer any actual sources for the Roman laws. I have to wonder if this could all be based on somebody's supposition.
What are the best and most original sources for these claimed Roman laws (or maybe they are just customs not codified laws)? I am specifically looking for documentation of these Roman laws or customs themselves, or ancient attestation of their existence. For example, if one of the anti-Nicene 'church fathers' discussed this, I would consider that good enough, as it appears that no complete Roman law books from before the time of Justinian I have survived to our time.
Or can this theory of the teaching be traced to a specific theologian or author in the modern era?
