However, all of these explanations of Maimonides' ruling are difficult and the simple understanding of Maimonides is that (at the least) a person that is capable of forcing compliance, must. Indeed, while Rabbi Karo does appear to limit the application of Maimonides somewhat, he clearly understands Maimonides as requiring compulsion whenever possible, even by an individual.<ref>Kesef Mishnah Mila 1:6</ref> This is similarly understood to be the opinion of Maimonides by Tzafnach Panaich, in his lengthy discussion on this topic.<ref>Rabbi Joseph Rosen, Tzafnach Paneach, Maimonides, Milah 1:6</ref> A ruling similar to Maimonides' is found in Chinuch 192, where it states: "The rule is as follows: In all that the nations are commanded, any time they are under our jurisdiction, it is incumbent upon us to judge them when they violate the commandments." Thus this appears to apply non-Jews who are citizens of a sovereign Jewish entity run according to Jewish Law.<ref>ibid.</ref>
Concerning the Maimonides exclusive use of capital punishment for Noahide violations, most rabbinic authorities disagree and hold that it means "punishments up to and including capitalpunishment" punishment and that a system of fines is meant to be set up, though Jewish law has no say in the severity of punishments.<ref>[[Capital Punishment in Noahide law]]</ref>
Two important notes must be taken into account when reading this translation. 1) Jewish law does not always follow the Maimonides, and in certain case other opinions are accepted as law. 2) The question as to what constitutes idolatry today, and whether Christianity constitutes idolatry or a lesser form of ''partnership'', is a matter of debate in Jewish law. In any event, Jewish law has never, at any time in our history, suggested that Christians be prosecuted according to these laws.
