Why did Jesus command his disciples to buy swords in Luke 22:38?
Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about Me is reaching its fulfillment.”
So they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.”
“That is enough,” He answered. (Lk 22:36-38)
A lot of people assume that it was in order to defend themselves, and use this as an argument for warfare and liberal gun laws. But if it’s one thing we can be sure of, it is that Jesus definitely didn’t intend the swords to be used for self-defense.
See, when a disciple (according to the Gospel of John, it was Peter) later uses one of these very swords for self-defense, Jesus rebukes him:
When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (vv. 49-51)
I bet Peter was quite surprised by this. The very reason he struck the ear was that it would fall off, and now Jesus insists on putting it on again!
According to Matthew, Jesus pointed out to Peter that he doesn’t need violence to be protected:
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Mt 26:52-54)
When the Savior later met with Pontius Pilate, he pointed out that his disciples wouldn’t fight because of the nature of his Kingdom:
“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (Jn 18:26)
Some have suggested that while Jesus didn’t want his disciples to use the swords in order to stop his arrest, he did want them to use them for self-defense later. But this is not supported by the text.
Jesus says that two swords are “enough”, which doesn’t make much sense if these swords are supposed to protect all eleven apostles or even the whole church (which in a few weeks’ time would encompass over 3000 people). Furthermore, These swords, or any other swords, never show up again in the forthcoming narrative. Luke also wrote the book of Acts, and the only swords there are used to persecute and kill Christians (like James in chapter 12).
If the disciples had been armed, they would had at least tried to kill persecutors like Paul. Instead, it seems like they loved their enemies and turned the other cheek, allowing Paul to be converted by a supernatural vision instead.
Also, note that Jesus told his disciples in Lk 22:36 that it was so vital that they had swords that they sold their cloaks to get one. This clearly expresses urgency and importance. The cloak was among the last thing one sold in Biblical times, especially travellers were very vulnerable without cloaks. Jesus isn’t expressing long-term usage of swords, but that they immediately need them around.
But why?
If there’s nothing in the text that supports the idea that the swords were used for self-defense, what were they used for? There are a number of alternatives. Some have argued that Jesus spoke about spiritual, metaphorical swords, that they would get ready for spiritual battle. When they mistook him to speak about literal swords, he cuts them off, and later rebukes them when they use literal swords for self-defense.
Another similar theory is that he knew that they would take him to mean literal swords, and so he let them act out on their mistake so that they would learn that spiritual swords are the only ones that matter.
Personally, I don’t think Jesus talked about spiritual swords. But I don’t think he wanted literal swords to be used violently, either. Pay attention to the motivation he gives when he has just commanded the disciples to buy swords:
For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about Me is reaching its fulfillment.
This quote from Isiah is the key to this text. Jesus would be numbered with transgressors. That’s why he wants the disciples to buy swords. I believe he plays prophetic theater, just like he does when he rides a donkey into Jerusalem or when he picks twelve apostles. He fulfills and reinforces prophecy not just in his words, but in his actions.
You may have another theory on why Jesus gave this command, and that’s perfectly OK. But I hope I have shown you that the theory of self-defense doesn’t match with this narrative: it’s a modern idea that the biblical text doesn’t support.
Micael Grenholm is a Swedish pastor, author and editor for PCPJ.
Pentecostals & Charismatics for Peace & Justice is a multicultural, gender inclusive, and ecumenical organization that promotes peace, justice, and reconciliation work among Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians around the world. If you like what we do, please become a member!
PCPJ 
Jesus rebuked Peter for striking with the sword, because Peter was acting in defense of Jesus. There is no need to protect Jesus – anything would only happen to Jesus if He would allow it. This does not reflect on a mortal person or follow defending themselves or other innocent life. We have that responsibility.
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I see what you mean. However, when Jesus rebukes him he seems to point to a universal principle of not using swords (Matthew 26:52). We see no swords being used by Christians in Acts, even when the church is persecuted. And the crucial question is of course if we really love our enemies and turn the other cheeks when we try to kill others?
Blessings!
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Uh, no. He tells Peter to put his sword, “in it’s place”. He does not say to rid of it.
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And turning the other cheek is not a passive affair at all. When the other cheek is turned, the assailant would find it necessary to strike the other cheek with the open hand, as opposed to the back of the hand as on the prior strike. To use the open side of the hand was a punishable criminal offense against another citizen and would subject him to punishment.
Same goes for a Roman soldier to order someone to run further than a mile, that would be against the law and subject the soldier to punishment.
If you gave your cloak, you would be NAKED! In the days of scripture, it was not a disgrace to be seen naked, but on the contrary the disgrace was upon the OBSERVER of the nakedness! As such the shame of Ham when he saw his father’s nakedness as he was naked in his tent.
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This quote from Isiah is the key to this text. Jesus would be numbered with transgressors. That’s why he wants the disciples to buy swords. I believe he plays prophetic theater, just like he does when he rides a donkey into Jerusalem or when he picks twelve apostles. He fulfills and reinforces prophecy not just in his words, but in his actions.
What does having a sword have to do with Jesus being numbered with transgressors,,,,unless it was illegal to have sword,,,but then you did not explain that. Which way is it?
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Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Thy sword into his place – Into the sheath.
For all they that take the sword … – This passage is capable of different significations.
1. They who resist by the sword the civil magistrate shall be punished; and it is dangerous, therefore, to oppose those who come with the authority of the civil ruler.
2. These men, Jews and Romans, who have taken the sword against the innocent, shall perish by the sword. God will take vengeance on them.
3. However, the most satisfactory interpretation is that which regards it as a caution to Peter. Peter was rash. Alone he had attacked the whole band. Jesus told him that his unseasonable and imprudent defense might be the occasion of his own destruction. In doing it he would endanger his life, for they who took the sword perished by it. This was probably a proverb, denoting that they who engaged in wars commonly perished there.
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Seems every forgets that David conquered nations with a sword and was favored by God.
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The conclusions you draw in your article don’t seem to make logical sense. For what other reason would Jesus tell his disciples to bring a weapon with them if not to protect themselves from criminals and murderers?
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“When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” ”
Obviously carrying a sword for defense was common custom, usage and practice at that time. Not once did Jesus ever say, “Why do you carry swords? You don’t need swords. Get rid of your swords.” He said, ““Put your sword back in its place[.]” Not once did Jesus ever rebuke anyone for carrying a sword.
It seems quite clear to me that Jesus didn’t have a problem with people carrying swords for self defense. The only problem He seemed to have regarding swords is that one was used at a time and in a manner that would interfere with the ultimate plan for Jesus.
Moreover, in numerous instances throughout the Bible, God commanded His people to make war with and slaughter many other people.
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I totally agree with this Arthur, concerning Jesus just fulfilling biblical prophecy. But, the war of Armageddon will the Christians fight against sinner’s of the world?
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Christians have no command to fight any war. Perhaps that command will come. We are commanded to obey our Earthly government orders. Jesus brought the law of Heaven, not the law to rule in Earth over other men. There is only Sharia law to ensure the collapse of Earthly governments. Revelation 12, John 14 verse 30, Matthew 24….. the sealed scroll of Daniel 12 is the Quran.
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Jesus brought law for the Kingdom Heaven. Not the law to rule over other men on Earth. Jesus was a slave to His Father and set the example for us to follow in order to inherit eternal life.. Faith. Men fight wars to preserve their way of life and protect their families. There is no command of Jesus to do that at all. Islam has the law to rule by terror. Any man can rule by terror. That is Satan’s way from the temptation in Matthew 4. Mohammad accepted the offer that Jesus declined. Jesus warned us he would. John 14 verse 30…Revelation 12 to 20. And others as well…. Matthew 24 is one. Ephesians 6….17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
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Get behind us, Satan. Your pedophile ‘prophet’ is not of God.
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All the above having been said by me above as the real reason as to why Jesus told His Believers to each get a Sword, therefore, please know the following in addition. That Mr. Grenholm in his original question and post is inaccurate, and it is not good that he did not help us there better by rightly dividing the word of the truth with the “Sword of the Spirit” and properly and correctly interpreting both the Old Testament and New Testament, together, in all the scriptural passages found within both to arrive at the true meaning that it is okay for believers to defend themselves, families, and country with a sword. And it is especially okay for any government founded upon our Creator, our Trinity God’s New Covenant of Christianity to always have and bear swords. For if you remember both God The Father and Jesus’s command and words there about their Civil Magistrate servants, also spoken through one or more Apostles: “They beareth not the sword in vain.” In other words, not only will our Trinity God’s Civil Magistrate use the sword for self-defense of its People and Country, but also in offensive ways, and retributive ways to punish those who do wrong, and you know what I mean here. And those who do wrong will not always get the sword, do not misinterpret me here. For they might get lucky and just get probation or a small amount of jail time, or be ordered to pay a fine. Even so, they beareth not the “Sword” in vain, so those who try to do wrong committing very serious crimes like kidnapping, torture, murder, and other serious crimes, that person may very well get the “Sword” in addition, whether physically, literally, or symbolically by the Civil Magistrate, and you know what I mean here. I hope everyone now understands the true meaning of all our scriptures words on the right for both individuals and governments to defend themselves, when they are on our Trinity God’s side! Have a good day everyone, and do not forget your sword, or something just as good as it for defense if necessary! For in this sometimes dangerous world, you will need it at times!
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Precisely! Jesus was sending his disciples into foreign lands to take up collections for His church when the command was given. Clearly they would need a deterrent if not a means of defense of self AND property.
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Agreed. You would think they missed the point. Jesus says to not spread the Kindom with violence. He said things must be fulfilled and that his Father gave him the command to lay down his life and take it up again. Those that *live* by the sword (murderers robbers and tyrants);will die by the sword. This is actually Jesus affirming the death penalty for murderers.
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Jesus instructs His disciples to not use swords as He sends them out to proclaim the Gospel.
This statement does not apply to other possible life events. We are to protect innocent life. In the process of protecting innocence, death might be an unintended consequence of whatever level of force was required to stop the offensive action.
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Jesus’ words and actions are not contradictory. Jesus’ didn’t want them to pick up a sword against the soldiers, because “how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Nor was Jesus ruling out that there would be other times His followers might need the swords for defense. These are two different situations and call for two different responses. As Ecclesiastes teaches there is a time and a season for everything under the sun, including war and peace.
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When Jesus said He had come to send a sword. He meant that He had also come to give a sword to each person that chose His side rather than choosing the adversary’s side. For Jesus did not come to send a sword to those on the adversary’s side. For instead, he wants to disarm those who are not on His side. For as Jesus said, those who are not for me are against me. Therefore, since we know that Jesus does not want those who are against Him and His Family of Believers to have a sword, we now understand that Jesus was sending the sword only to His Family of Believers, being why He told them to sell their cloak and buy a “Sword!” For they would needed it as self defense for themselves, Families, and the Kingdom! For the adversary, and those choosing the adversary’s side were not nice and always wanted to steal from and hurt people. But Jesus also wanted to get as many as possible saved, and convert as many as possible who might have even gone so far as get on the adversary’s side if Jesus and the Family of Believers could do that. That is why Jesus said, do not always use your sword in every single situation, but when you can try to win over your enemies in addition, by showing them love when you can, and even turning the other cheek with slight offenses if it is possible, and as much as is in you to do so! That is the “Real Truth” Everyone. And the Old Testament Scriptures also verify this as being the “Real Truth,” and you know what I mean here! It is very difficult to understand these scriptural teachings and put them in proper context I admit; however, there is a time and season for everything. And when our Trinity God appears to one or more believers and tells them to fight with their sword in a particular situation, they better do it!
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All the above having been said by me in my previous post as the real reason as to why Jesus told His Believers to each get a Sword, therefore, please know the following in addition. That Mr. Grenholm in his original question and post is inaccurate, and it is not good that he did not help us there better by rightly dividing the word of the truth with the “Sword of the Spirit” and properly and correctly interpreting both the Old Testatment and New Testament, together, in all the scriptural passages found within both to arrive at the true meaning that it is okay for believers to defend themselves, families, and country with a sword. And it is especially okay for any government founded upon our Creator, our Trinity God’s New Covenant of Christianity to alway have and bear swords. For if you remember both God The Father and Jesus’s command and words there about their Civil Magistrate servants, “They beareth not the sword in vain.” In other words, not only will our Trinity God’s Civil Magistrate use the sword for self defense of its People and Country, but also in offensive ways, and retributive ways to punish those who do wrong, and you know what I mean here. And those who do wrong will not always get the sword, do not misinterpret me here. For they might get lucky and just get probation or a small amount of jail time, or be ordered to pay a fine. Even so, they beareth not the “Sword” in vain, so those who try to do wrong committing very serious crimes like kidnapping, torture, murder, and other serious crimes, that person may very well get the “Sword” in addition, whether physically, literally, or symbolically by the Civil Magistrate, and you know what I mean here. I hope everyone now understands the true meaning of all our scriptures words on the right for both individuals and governments to defend themselves, when they are on our Trinity God’s side! Have a good day everyone, and do not forget your sword, or something just as good as it for defense if necessary! For in this sometimes dangerous world, you will need it at times!
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Yep, funny how Jesus can clearly reference defending yourself as normal and expected but gun grabbers still seek to deceive….
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Jesus said very clearly, “Resist not evil”. Old Testament saints were not followers of Jesus living in the age of Grace when they waged wars. Paul made it plain that our battle is not with flesh and blood and our weapons are not carnal ie., natural, as are guns, swords, etc.. Except for Peter’s effort to protect Jesus, we never see a New Testament believer resisting an evil government, group, or individual with a physical weapon for any reason.
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Liberal gun laws? That would be gun control. You seem confused.
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To allow free gun trade is a liberal position, in the true sense of the word. Liberal is not the same as “whatever American democrats want”. Liberalism is about maximizing individual freedom and limiting governmental intervention: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberalism
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Democrats are not liberals – they are Leftists, and this is quite a different thing.
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Jesus set an example fornus all in his judicious use of Violence.
He was not by all accounts a Rowdy Fellow, but was also not above using violence when he feltmitmwas called for.
On more than one occasion Jesus visited violence upon the bankers in a temple and even fashioned an Whip out of a cord or rope with which to effect a deterrent force upon the assembled crowd.
The swords Jesus advised his crew to start packing were defacto outward signs of projected force, whether they were ever unsheathed or not.
He did not tell people to sell their most valuable possession to acquire a sword just as a fashion statement, or to use as a can opener.
Swords were the AK-47 of the era. Not just everyone could afford such a weapon, and those who had one were given a wide berth.
When the dirty dozen dozen of western lore breezed into a town, packing their six guns, they commanded respect and nobody gave them any gruff.
They mere lresence of weapons gave them license to behave as they wished without asking leave from the locals.
Jesus projected that power for good, whereas the Western dirty dozen were ruffians who would barge into a saloon and tip over tables and cause half the leople to run out of there in fear of their lives.
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Interesting how Jesus mentions “12 legions of angels” . A legion was 6,000 men and Legion was the name of the spirit who was inside the man in Mark 5:9. Therefore Jesus said he could ask his Father for 72,000 angels to defend him. All this is symbolic and not a literal thing.
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its passive christianity that led to our countrys fall. if our armed forces or george washington was passive we wouldnt even be in this country enjoying the freedoms the blood got us. God also TOOK the land, he wasnt just into self defence. there is a time to pray, but there is also a time for us to fight for whats right, and there are many biblical principles for that. standing up to die for talking about jesus is one thing. not standing up against pro abortions or protecting the innocent God will actually judge YOU for. there is a reason we have a police force. its not heaven here. we have to actually arrest people not just turn the cheek. God even appointed judges. he isnt into just letting the courrpt having their way. he doesnt like when people do nothing about it either. prayer is good but its not the only thing you do. therwise you better disband the military, the police, and never bother to evangelize because God will just do it all for you.
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Jesus says, “..for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
MATT 26:52
We all die. Jesus does not make any judgement relating to dying by the sword. There is no declaration that dying by the sword is a bad thing or even sinful.
It’s just a matter of fact, and maybe it would not be one’s first choice as a path to the after life.
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What about the second sword? Every thing written in the Scripture has a reason for it! I believe that Judas did not hang himself from a tree with a rope, but he fell upon or impaled himself upon that second sword thus the better explanation or understanding of his falling head first onto the ground with his guts spilling out. The word hang is used also for crucifixion and impalement.
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There is no doubt that Jesus would use the swords for a teaching moment later,.. While He knew ,and certainly wanted His disciples to know that at that moment of His arrest they were not to use physical force to try and prevent what was critical, and that was His Father’s will to go to the cross…In the disciple’s mind it was all about overthrowing Romans now that the Christ had come,,,They were looking for a kingdom taken by force and physical weapon’s…Jesus I believe told them to bring swords as a teaching moment…” That is enough”…
Eric
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Truly a weak analysis. There is a case to be made that when Jesus said enough, it was to mean enough of this discussion. He was rapid firing though various important things He was saying to the disciples.
Peter was not acting defensively but offensively and against an official of state. His actions could be seen as insurrection.
The context of the verses makes it crystal clear he was talking about their defense. Jesus compares to the first time He sent them out when they needed nothing. But this time they will need to be prepared and will need to be ready to defend themselves, because the cross is going to change everything. People will rise against them from here on out.
This writer is clearly seeking to preserve the pacifist line that Jesus was a gentle, passive wimp that hates the 2nd amendment. He was clearly not any of those things. He was a man of peace in a world of war. He knows what we are up against, and He does not ask that we bow to evil. Quite the contrary.
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Hi there I ask is anyone in any doubt about what a purse and a bag is used for them let us be in no doubt what a sword is used for its used to defend and attack. The bible says that there is a time to kill in Ecclesiastes 3:3. Also in Romans 13 :4 the authorities bear the sword not without purpose. I think therefore a Christian can join the army and kill his enemies as long as it’s a lawful war .
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Two swords represent two testaments spiritual weapons! Dan.
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Dan, how could you possibly know that? Truly you can’t, so why go down that road?
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(38) Behold, here are two swords.–Peter, we find, had one (John 18:10); we can only conjecture who had the other. Possibly, Andrew; possibly, one of “the sons of thunder.”
It is enough.–Here again there is a touch of grave irony. The “two swords” were enough, and more than enough, for Him who did not mean them to use the swords at all. The word for “enough” may be noted as used far more often by St. Luke than in the other Gospels. The mystical interpretation which sees in the two swords the symbol of the spiritual and temporal authority committed to St. Peter, and to the Pope as his successor, stands on a level with that which finds the relations of the Church and the State foreshadowed in the “two great lights” of Genesis 1:16. Both are simply the dreams of a diseased fancy, and find their fit home at last in the limbo of vanities.
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Replying to Mark Feb 22, 2022
As you quoted from Ellicott:
“It is enough.–Here again there is a touch of grave irony. The “two swords” were enough, and more than enough, for Him who did not mean them to use the swords at all.”
Ellicott seems to be taking an oddly vague approach to this by “mysticizing” the reference to the sword and the word enough. I see no basis for doing this other than trying to wiggle this verse into saying what it does not say. Further I think it is a dangerous thing to start from the position that Jesus did not mean what He said. He literally tells them to sell their valuable outer cloak and purchase a sword. The context tells us why, and that is to protect themselves (not Him) from what will now be a world hostile to them. Using the later section where one of them cuts off a man’s ear to claim He did not want them to use their swords only shows that He did not want them to use their swords to protect Him (Jesus). He made it clear to them His path had been set in the same paragraph. And up to this point Jesus did not need their or anyone else’s protection, because He was protected at all times by His father in heaven and the host of angels who served Him.
A much more common interpretation of Jesus’s “It is enough statement” can be found in Strong’s Concordance of the Greek NT among other places. There it says,
“It is enough, equivalent to enough has been said on this subject.”
Seeing this in context where Jesus is almost rifling through a list of final instructions to His disciples as He knows His hour is fast approaching gives this even more credibility. He says “enough” to mean enough of this subject. It’s like He’s saying I have more to get to, and the clock is ticking. I also find it remarkable how little Jesus said in response to the ear being cut off. He simply said “No more of this,” in Luke and “all who take the sword will perish by the sword,” in Matthew, which is simply a statement of fact. It could be he simply stating the fact that the disciples will be killed right then and there by the sword if they take up swords in the lost cause of stopping God’s plan of Jesus going to the cross. That would have led to disaster. What is clear is that Jesus did not rebuke the one who did this in such a way as to give a definitive lesson on not defending oneself as so many try to claim. It is a patently ridiculous claim. It seems to me that the only one who wins in promoting the no self defense view on this is the evil one who wants us to surrender to him ourselves and all that we love and hold dear. Christians have become professionals in such surrenders to evil whether it is in response to aggression or culture. The apostle Paul makes clear we are to resist and fight evil, and if we read the later words of Jesus in Revelation it is clear we are NOT to be passive cowards cowering in the corner while the forces of evil rage at large. We are to stand up against evil, and that includes defending our lives, family and yes even property against the evil one who comes to steal, kill and destroy.
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Does it not say in the bible as one of the 10 commandments “thou shall not kill”? I never read or heard were it says or states after “thou shall not kill”, “but with the exception of…” war, revenge, self defense etc.
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More properly it is “shall not murder.” This can be verified by a Hebrew word study https://biblehub.com/text/exodus/20-13.htm. Thus the “exceptions” that you cite would not be murder as they are sanctioned by law in certain circumstances. Self defense is a natural and absolute right that Jesus clearly and directly endorsed Luke 22:36. To conclude as you have is to lift the command from the scripture and then discard all the rest of it, which is just further proof that understanding scripture requires studying all of it not just the parts that might be manipulated to agree with one’s agenda. Doing that is a severe failing and should be guarding with all one’s being.
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I think you’re on to the point, but are stopping a little short.
My interpretation has been that the point of bringing the swords is to demonstrate the difference between how many thought Jesus would bring the Kingdom of God and how He actually would.
Many thought the Messiah would lead a political/earthly revolution by strength/force, whereas Jesus’ entire ministry and life was pointing them to the coming of a Kingdom through His deliberate choice to surrender His deity and power to defend Himself from being put to death.
What’s absolutely radical about Christianity is that the King we worship was enthroned not by his demonstration of power by becoming King by earthly means, but by setting side His ability to do so, willfully going to die on the cross, and showing His power over death by rising from it.
I believe the sense of urgency from Jesus for His disciples to be armed with swords, only to rebuke their use of using them when the time of his arrest came, was a perfect illustration of His entire journey – demonstrating the capability they had to respond with violence and defend Jesus/themselves by valuing their own lives over those coming to condemn Him, and emphasizing His choice to surrender in spite of that capability and willingly go to the cross, knowing that was the means of his enthronement.
It’s powerful, powerful stuff.
As far as the second amendment stuff – I don’t believe God’s revealed enough to me at this time to hold any belief too strongly, but it is pretty obvious to me that there are many Christians, particularly here in the United States, who hold beliefs with regard to guns that seem to come from their own thinking/desires, rather than from God and His Word.
I will say, that in my opinion, there is almost certainly no reason to take the events in this passage as support for gun rights. If anything, it’s the exact opposite – even when they had the ability to do so, Jesus rebuked their efforts to.
At this time, I still wouldn’t go so far as to say that is an all-encompassing disapproval from God/Jesus for anyone at any time to use lethal means to defend themselves or others, but to say it’s proactively advocating for your right to do so is missing the target by a much wider margin, and I would strongly urge anyone who finds themselves believing it is to spend time honestly reflecting on this with the Lord.
It’s important to do so, as with all things, with a willingness to surrender the thoughts or beliefs you hold to Him, trusting Him with the decision for what is best for you and the rest of His creation.
That’s what it means for Him to be your Lord.
He may convict you to abandon your beliefs; He may not. I don’t know.
What I do know is if you come to Him with your foremost desire being to know Him and His desires for you, He will free you from the beliefs that contribute to the brokenness of this world, and our separation from Him, and further transform you into an instrument of blessing to others and the coming of His kingdom.
What a blessing we have in the opportunity to know and be loved by the Creator of all.
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David, you are taking the verse in Luke 22 completely out of context and reading your own predilections into them that have nothing to do with any rational reading of scripture and especially of Jesus’s words therein.
In Luke 22 the context is Jesus reminding the disciples of the first time he sent them out and how they had no need of anything and that they were well accepted by those they encountered. He is warning them now that the situation is going to radically change with His arrest and crucifixion. He is warning them that everything will change and in the future they must be fully prepared even with a sword, because they are going to be attacked for going forth in His name. To change this into some kind of anti 2nd amendment rant is to reveal how the major church denominations in the US aren’t churches anymore but simply arms of the democratic party carrying their demonic ideology of lies, envy, theft, murder, infidelity, destruction of our heritage and hatred of God (10 commandments inverted) to the masses. The wrath of God that awaits their malfeasance shall be unlike any other for their manipulation. What may have once been a Church of God has become the church of Satan.
If we took your conclusions, then God would have had allied soldiers surrender to the Nazi storm troopers committing mass murder and allow the slaughter to continue. Of course this is what the left ultimately argued should be done in light of the communists who murdered many millions more than the fascists. In the end, you are arguing that Jesus took the position that men should not just surrender to evil, but they should enable it and reward it and serve it. Every once of scripture refutes any such position entirely though it is often proclaimed by cowards in ministry garb posing as servants of God. I can only fear for your soul should this be the hill you have chosen to die on. Please tell me you are a newbie who has yet to fully study the Lord as revealed in ALL the scriptures. Not accepting what some demented priest or preacher has bewitched his congregation into believing but the scriptures themselves.
There clearly is work to do, so I hope and pray that you will do it so that you will not end up as one of those who claims he served the Lord only to hear these words,
‘Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.’ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name? ‘Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.’ ‘
Matthew 7:21-23
https://my.bible.com/bible/2016/MAT.7.21-23
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When Jesus said He had come to send a sword. He meant that He had also come to give a sword to each person that chose His side rather than choosing the adversary’s side. For Jesus did not come to send a sword to those on the adversary’s side. For instead, he wants to disarm those who are not on His side. For as Jesus said, those who are not for me are against me. Therefore, since we know that Jesus does not want those who are against Him and His Family of Believers to have a sword, we now understand that Jesus was sending the sword only to His Family of Believers, being why He told them to sell their cloak and buy a “Sword!” For they would needed it as self defense for themselves, Families, and the Kingdom! For the adversary, and those choosing the adversary’s side were not nice and always wanted to steal from and hurt people. But Jesus also wanted to get as many as possible saved, and convert as many as possible who might have even gone so far as get on the adversary’s side if Jesus and the Family of Believers could do that. That is why Jesus said, do not always use your sword in every single situation, but when you can try to win over your enemies in addition, by showing them love when you can, and even turning the other cheek with slight offenses if it is possible, and as much as is in you to do so! That is the “Real Truth” Everyone. And the Old Testament Scriptures also verify this as being the “Real Truth,” and you know what I mean here! It is very difficult to understand these scriptural teachings and put them in proper context I admit; however, there is a time and season for everything. And when our Trinity God appears to one or more believers and tells them to fight with their sword in a particular situation, they better do it!
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Mr. Mike David Ledbetter
07/02/2022 AT 5:08 PM
All the above having been said by me in my previous post as the real reason as to why Jesus told His Believers to each get a Sword, therefore, please know the following in addition. That Mr. Grenholm in his original question and post is inaccurate, and it is not good that he did not help us there better by rightly dividing the word of the truth with the “Sword of the Spirit” and properly and correctly interpreting both the Old Testatment and New Testament, together, in all the scriptural passages found within both to arrive at the true meaning that it is okay for believers to defend themselves, families, and country with a sword. And it is especially okay for any government founded upon our Creator, our Trinity God’s New Covenant of Christianity to alway have and bear swords. For if you remember both God The Father and Jesus’s command and words there about their Civil Magistrate servants, “They beareth not the sword in vain.” In other words, not only will our Trinity God’s Civil Magistrate use the sword for self defense of its People and Country, but also in offensive ways, and retributive ways to punish those who do wrong, and you know what I mean here. And those who do wrong will not always get the sword, do not misinterpret me here. For they might get lucky and just get probation or a small amount of jail time, or be ordered to pay a fine. Even so, they beareth not the “Sword” in vain, so those who try to do wrong committing very serious crimes like kidnapping, torture, murder, and other serious crimes, that person may very well get the “Sword” in addition, whether physically, literally, or symbolically by the Civil Magistrate, and you know what I mean here. I hope everyone now understands the true meaning of all our scriptures words on the right for both individuals and governments to defend themselves, when they are on our Trinity God’s side! Have a good day everyone, and do not forget your sword, or something just as good as it for defense if necessary! For in this sometimes dangerous world, you will need it at times!
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When Jesus said He had come to send a sword. He meant that He had also come to give a sword to each person that chose His side rather than choosing the adversary’s side. For Jesus did not come to send a sword to those on the adversary’s side. For instead, he wants to disarm those who are not on His side. For as Jesus said, those who are not for me are against me. Therefore, since we know that Jesus does not want those who are against Him and His Family of Believers to have a sword, we now understand that Jesus was sending the sword only to His Family of Believers, being why He told them to sell their cloak and buy a “Sword!” For they would need it as self-defense for themselves, Families, and the Kingdom! For the adversary, and those choosing the adversary’s side were not nice and always wanted to steal from and hurt people. But Jesus also wanted to get as many as possible saved, and convert as many as possible who might have even gone so far as get on the adversary’s side if Jesus and the Family of Believers could do that. That is why Jesus said, do not always use your sword in every single situation, but when you can try to win over your enemies in addition, by showing them love when you can, and even turning the other cheek with slight offenses if it is possible, and as much as is in you to do so! That is the “Real Truth” Everyone. And the Old Testament Scriptures also verify this as being the “Real Truth,” and you know what I mean here! It is very difficult to understand these scriptural teachings and put them in proper context I admit; however, there is a time and season for everything. And when our Trinity God appears to one or more believers and tells them to fight with their sword in a particular situation, they better do it!
All the above having been said by me above as the real reason as to why Jesus told His Believers to each get a Sword, therefore, please know the following in addition. That Mr. Grenholm in his original question and post is inaccurate, and it is not good that he did not help us there better by rightly dividing the word of the truth with the “Sword of the Spirit” and properly and correctly interpreting both the Old Testament and New Testament, together, in all the scriptural passages found within both to arrive at the true meaning that it is okay for believers to defend themselves, families, and country with a sword. And it is especially okay for any government founded upon our Creator, our Trinity God’s New Covenant of Christianity to always have and bear swords. For if you remember both God The Father and Jesus’s command and words there about their Civil Magistrate servants, also spoken through one or more Apostles: “They beareth not the sword in vain.” In other words, not only will our Trinity God’s Civil Magistrate use the sword for self-defense of its People and Country, but also in offensive ways, and retributive ways to punish those who do wrong, and you know what I mean here. And those who do wrong will not always get the sword, do not misinterpret me here. For they might get lucky and just get probation or a small amount of jail time, or be ordered to pay a fine. Even so, they beareth not the “Sword” in vain, so those who try to do wrong committing very serious crimes like kidnapping, torture, murder, and other serious crimes, that person may very well get the “Sword” in addition, whether physically, literally, or symbolically by the Civil Magistrate, and you know what I mean here. I hope everyone now understands the true meaning of all our scriptures words on the right for both individuals and governments to defend themselves, when they are on our Trinity God’s side! Have a good day everyone, and do not forget your sword, or something just as good as it for defense if necessary! For in this sometimes dangerous world, you will need it at times!
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What started as something carnal came to a spiritual outcome. The sword sliced the ear of Malchus. Israel and the leaders had not been listening. Peter who would stand up in the book of Acts and use another sword was just putting things in perspective of the real need, your ears have come off but Jesus can heal them. But the outcome is really Peter being his old self and trying to get things in favor of Jesus, this one act could have cost the loss of the entire church if the Lord would have reached different than healing the ear.
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That seems a massive attempt at over spiritualizing and eisegeting the text to meet your own understanding. The sword reference was about a physical sword, and the context with Jesus referring back to the first time He sent them out makes it all clear. He is simply saying that unlike the first time they were sent out, this time they will be facing massive opposition and threats and they should be prepared to face them defensively. The sword suggestion is consistent with the fact that Jesus never suggested we capitulate to evil or sacrifice our lives for no purpose.
People are going way too far in trying to read some kind of fundamental teaching of passivity in the incident with Peter. Peter clearly acted wrongly with the slicing of the ear, buy why? He was taking the offense where it would not have been appropriate in any circumstance especially this one. He was literally attacking a civil authority offensively. The sword story in Luke 22 is about being prepared to defend one’s self. The lesson I see for Christians today is that we are not called to bow to evil, but to fight against evil and to stand our ground. If we were to do so boldly it could set the stage for a new awakening.
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Thomas Jefferson, when he assembled the words he believed he could attribute to Jesus (crediting all other words to others) left the part out about buying a sword, but he included the part about telling Peter to put his sword back in its place.
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Are you saying the authority of Thomas Jefferson is supreme in deciding what the canon of scripture should contain?
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