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The Roman soldiers were entitled to command a Jew to carry their pack for them - but they were only to carry it for one mile. After that, the soldier had to carry it himself or find another Jew to do so. Jesus was making the point that we should go further with serving others than just doing the bare minimum required under the law.

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Q: How was going the extra mile related to Roman soldiers in Jesus' time?
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The phrase "go the extra mile" comes from Jesus' sermon on the mount, where He says, "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." (Matthew 5:41) Roman soldiers could legally command citizens to carry their pack for a mile. Jesus used this as an example for "turn the other cheek" (verse 39).


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