The question came over a quote by Martin Luther. I have heard it two different ways one is

"Not only do I have a right to defend myself, I also have a duty to protect others"

the other is

"I don't know if I have the right to defend myself but I do know I have a duty to protect others"

I do not know if Luther ever made either comment and if he did I doubt if he was referring to physical self defense. But it does raise the question as to weather self defense is moral, right, Christian behavior or not. I have tried to do a light study of the matter and just come short of finding a clear answer. There is plenty to conceder surly Jesus knew Peter carried a sword that he drew in John 18:10 and he also rebuked him for using it.

Did Israel have an army for no reason, how many times did God say something to effect of "I will defend"

I have also thought as Reformed people how much differently would we see this question as your average Arminian. We would belive that an attacker is there by "divine appointment" and not by chance. That is why I came here for input.

I honestly belive I find answer in Matt 5:39 ...whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

But my fallen head keeps saying "what if it is a life or death situation?" then I remember 1 Peter 2:23 "when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not" That was a life or death situation.

I will also add when I go to reasoning with my fallen and contaminated mind I don't usualy think of myself, if someone wants to attack me that is fine I am looking forward to being with the Lord. But I can't tell my wife the same thing. Would you honestly tell your wife if someone is tring to rape you don't practice self defence. This is where my strugle comes from, If it is wrong for me then it is wrong for her, right?

With all that said I would appreciate any advice or references. If a passage is coming to mind let me know I probably overlooked several. (I did look at more than the few I referenced) If anyone knows which (if either) of Luthers quotes is correct I would like to know just for curiousity sake.

Thanks
The Monergist