Theological Review of the Death Penalty Based on Matthew 18:6–9 and Its Implications for the Context of the Criminal Justice System in Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to examine the meaning of Jesus’ statement in Matthew 18:6–9 in relation to the theological legitimacy of capital punishment and its relevance to the Indonesian criminal justice system. The research is driven by a gap in the literature regarding how conservative Protestant traditions—particularly traditional Lutheran and Reformed conservative perspectives—interpret this passage in the context of public ethics and the state's role in enforcing criminal justice. Previous studies have predominantly confined the interpretation of this passage to personal or eschatological moral teachings, overlooking its potential implications for contemporary legal discourse. Employing a biblical-theological and historical-theological approach, this study finds that Jesus’ condemnation of those who lead little ones astray reflects a divine principle on the gravity of sin and the necessity for firm justice. Both Lutheran and Reformed traditions have historically affirmed the state's God-given authority (Romans 13:1–4) to enact punishment, including capital punishment, as an expression of civil justice (justitia civilis). Accordingly, this passage can be understood as offering implicit support for ultimate penalties in cases of grave crimes that endanger public moral order. The study asserts that the state possesses ethical and theological legitimacy to implement the death penalty, provided that legal proceedings are conducted fairly and accountably. This study's implications support the development of a national criminal justice system grounded in retributive justice and public morality rooted in divine law.