(More Bible Studies Available @ www.marktabata.com)
To Receive These (And Other) Free Bible Studies And Updates Via Email, Contact Mark Tabata @ 606-216-1757 (Text Message) Or hazardhomecoc@gmail.com (Email)
Luke 22:36-38-Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH THE TRANSGRESSORS.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.” 38 So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”
When I was a student at WVSOP, we often entered lively discussions regarding lots of topics. One of them was the subject of pacifism. For those who may not be familiar with the term, pacifism has reference to the decision of a person not to use force when mistreated, whether in regard to personal self-defense against aggressors, the defense of those being victimized, and/or civil service (as in regards to law enforcement and the Armed Forces). I won’t hash out all the arguments about the subject here, as I believe it is something which each disciple of Christ must examine himself.
However, I do want to think with you about this passage in the Gospel of Luke.
During the night of the Passover (and before He was arrested), Jesus instructed His Apostles to purchase a “sword.” The Greek word translated here as “sword” is maxairan. It was the word used to describe a weapon that travelers kept on their person as they traveled, for the purpose of self-defense from hostile criminals and animals.
“Jesus advised the disciples to buy a sword (Luke 22:36). Here the sword (Greek: maxairan ) is a dagger or short sword that belonged to the Jewish traveler’s equipment as protection against robbers and wild animals. A plain reading of the passage would seem to indicate that Jesus approved of self- defense.” (Ron Rhodes, Commonly Misunderstood Bible Verses: Clear Explanations For The Difficult Passages, 200 (Kindle Edition); Eugene, Oregon; Harvest House Publishers)
Another researcher discusses how the Jewish historian, Josephus, used this word.
“Josephus tells us that when Essenes went on a journey they had no need to take supplies with them, for they knew that their needs would be met by fellow-members of their order; they did, however, carry arms to protect themselves against bandits.’” (F. F. Bruce, Hard Sayings of Jesus, 241 (Kindle Edition): Grand Rapids, MI: IVP Academic)
Many students believe that Jesus here was trying to prepare His followers for how things were going to be changing soon. They had endured persecution at times, but soon they would be facing some very difficult trials indeed when He (the Messiah) would be “numbered with the transgressors.” In other words, even though Jesus had never been convicted of a crime-or even a sin!-He would be regarded as a criminal by some. He would even die the death of a criminal. As a result, His followers would face opposition and hardship as they were viewed as the followers of a criminal. So Jesus is here preparing the Apostles for how things are going to be much more dangerous for them.
A plain reading of the text here seems to suggest that Jesus is authorizing His followers to arm themselves for the purpose of self-defense.
Some may object, “But Jesus commanded Peter to put that sword away later when he used it!”
And He did.
Matthew 26:51-54-And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
Does Jesus contradict Himself by telling Peter to put away his sword, when He had just told the disciples to arm themselves?
Not at all.
“Also, in Luke 22:36-38, Christ says that the one who has no sword should sell his robe and buy one. The apostles responded saying that they had two swords. Jesus responded saying that “it was enough.” In other words, they did not need to get rid of their swords. The Apostle Paul accepted the protection of the Roman army to save his life from unjust aggressors (Acts 23). Indeed, he reminded the Roman Christians that God had given the sword to the king who did not bear it in vain (Rom. 13:1-4). When Jesus returns to earth, He will come with the armies of heaven and will war against the kings of the earth (Rev. 19:11-19). So, from the beginning to the end, the Bible is filled with examples of the justification of war against evil aggressors. What, then, did Jesus mean when He commanded Peter to put away his sword? Peter was making two mistakes in using his sword. First, while the Bible permits the sword by the government for civil purposes (Rom. 13:1-4), it does not endorse its use for spiritual ends. It is to be used by the state, not by the church. Second, Peter’s use was aggressive, not purely defensive. His life was not being unjustly threatened. That is, it was not clearly an act of self-defense (Ex. 22:2). Jesus appears to have endorsed the use of the sword in civil self-defense (Luke 22:36), as did the Apostle Paul (Acts 23).” (Norman L. Geisler & Thomas Howe, The Big Book of Bible Difficulties: Clear and Concise Answers from Genesis to Revelation, 4195-4203 (Kindle Edition): Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books)
Let it be noted clearly here that the sword was not to be used to advance the Gospel and the kingdom of Christ. These passages deal with the subject of defense of oneself and those who are in need of protection from dangerous aggressors, not the promotion of the sword for somehow advancing the Lord’s cause on unbelievers.
Now, what applications can we make from these facts?
First, the subject of pacifism (as noted above) is a personal choice that each disciple must make for himself. Frankly, my mind has at times gone back and forth on the matter over the years. There is a need to honor each other’s conscience in regard to the interpretation of these Scriptures and subjects (Romans 14).
Second, there seem to be good Scriptural reasons allowing a follower of Christ to arm himself for defending himself and others. And the same principle holds true with those who take up arms for civil defense and law enforcement. Followers of Christ promote the Gospel of the kingdom, and look forward to the day when all physical violence will be removed. That begins during the Christian Age, but it has not yet been fully realized. Indeed, it won’t be fully realized until Jesus comes again!
Hebrews 2:6-8-But one testified in a certain place, saying: “WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU ARE MINDFUL OF HIM, OR THE SON OF MAN THAT YOU TAKE CARE OF HIM? 7 YOU HAVE MADE HIM A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR, AND SET HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS. 8 YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.
Finally, while the Bible authorizes God’s people taking up arms for self-defense, the implementation of such weapons should be a very last resort. Paul argued that one reason God created civil government was to provide protection for those who strive to live righteously against evildoers (Romans 12:17-13:7).
Lord, thank You for Your Word that prepares us for all things pertaining to life and godliness. Give us wisdom as we move forward in this world during these difficult times. We look forward to the Day of Your Return. Amen.