Encounter with the Man Mistreating His Wife 

In 23 CE, while embarking at Tarentum during a stop in Jesus' twenty-month tour of the Mediterranean world, Jesus, Ganid, and Gonod noticed a man being cruel to a woman. As usual, Jesus stepped in to defend the person who was being attacked. He tapped the man on his shoulder and asked to speak with him privately. The man was quite surprised, and after hesitating for a minute, agreed to a private conversation.

After Jesus had taken him aside, he said to him, "My friend, I perceive that something terrible must have happened to you; I very much desire that you tell me what could happen to such a strong man to lead him to attack his wife, the mother of his children, and that right out here before all eyes. I am sure you must feel that you have some good reason for this assault. What did the woman do to deserve such treatment from her husband? As I look upon you, I think I discern in your face the love of justice if not the desire to show mercy. I venture to say that, if you found me out by the wayside, attacked by robbers, you would unhesitatingly rush to my rescue. I dare say you have done many such brave things in the course of your life. Now, my friend, tell me what is the matter? Did the woman do something wrong, or did you foolishly lose your head and thoughtlessly assault her?"

The man’s heart was touched by Jesus’ kind smile and compassionate look. He answered Jesus, "I perceive you are a priest of the Cynics, and I am thankful you restrained me. My wife has done no great wrong; she is a good woman, but she irritates me by the manner in which she picks on me in public, and I lose my temper. I am sorry for my lack of self-control, and I promise to try to live up to my former pledge to one of your brothers who taught me the better way many years ago. I promise you."

As the travelers said farewell to the man and his wife, Jesus added, "Always remember that man has no rightful authority over woman unless the woman has willingly and voluntarily given him such authority. Your wife has engaged to go through life with you, to help you fight its battles, and to assume the far greater share of the burden of bearing and rearing your children; and in return for this special service, it is only fair that she receive from you that special protection which man can give to woman as the partner who must carry, bear, and nurture the children. …Men and women are partners with God in that they cooperate to create beings who grow up to possess themselves of the potential of immortal souls…Love your children as God loves you."

As Jesus, Gonod, and Ganid boarded the boat, they turned to see the couple embracing each other, overcome with emotion. Gonod, after meditating about the scene he had witnessed and Jesus’ words, decided that when he returned to his home in India, he would be more respectful and loving to his wife and children.