“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.” – Genesis 9:6 (BSB)
“You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” – Matthew 5:21–22 (BSB)
“If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18 (BSB)
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in anyone who murders.” – 1 John 3:15 (BSB)
Jesus deepened this command in the Sermon on the Mount, teaching that anger and contempt also violate it. Fr. Keith Allen (AMiA, St. Brendan’s Anglican Church, AL) writes, “Murder begins in the heart. When we harbor hatred, bitterness, or vengeance, we deny the dignity of others and break this commandment in spirit.” (Teaching on the Commandments, 2019)
This commandment calls me not only to refrain from violence but to actively pursue peace. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) explains, “The Sixth Commandment is about more than avoiding harm. It’s about choosing reconciliation, defending the vulnerable, and promoting life in all its fullness.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2018)
Gerald Bray (ACNA-affiliated, Beeson Divinity School) notes that this command has broad moral implications: “It touches issues from abortion and euthanasia to racism and unjust war. Wherever life is devalued, the Sixth Commandment is being broken.” (God Is Love, 2012) The Church must bear witness to the value of every human life, especially those most at risk.
Fr. William Beasley (AMiA, Anglican Awakening) reminds us, “This commandment teaches us not only to resist hatred, but to become agents of peace. In Christ, we are called to be reconcilers, forgiving as we have been forgiven.” (Life in the Kingdom, 2016)
“The image of God in man makes murder a sacrilege. Life belongs to God, and no man may take it unjustly.” – Augustine of Hippo, City of God, c. 426 AD
“Do not suppose murder lies only in the act. Anger is its seed, and hatred its root.” – Cyprian of Carthage, Treatise on Jealousy and Envy, c. 250 AD
“Let the Christian be known by his love, not his rage. The Church keeps this command not only by what it refuses to do, but by what it chooses to be—peaceful, patient, and kind.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
