There is a need for balance here, as in many areas.
Jesus both commanded that the disciples arm themselves and a few hours
later rebuked them for inappropriate use of those arms. Paul the Apostle
both stated that authorities don't bear a sword in vain (Romans 13:4) and
clearly stated that our battle isn't against flesh and blood, but against
spiritual wickedness in heavenly places, and prescribed spiritual weapons
and armor (Ephesians 6:10-20).
The warning against killing with the sword is repeated in Revelation 13:10.
Let's take another look at the Scripture quoted below. Jesus told his
disciples at that time (not as a command for all time) to get a sword, even
if they had to sell some clothes to buy it. Jesus never told them to attack
anyone with it, just to have it. Apparently, the sword was for a deterrent
against attack, not something to actually use to maim or kill people with.
The missionary Nate Saint had a loaded pistol when he was speared to death
by the people he came to preach to, but refused to shoot them, even though
they speared him to death. I think he had the idea. The man who speared him
was later saved, and became good friends with the family of the
missionaries he killed. Indeed, Jesus rebuked Peter for cutting off
Malchus' ear, and healed the ear. Note that in the context, Jesus also
commanded his disciples to make sure they had money with them instead of
relying on the supernatural provision He told them to use, before. The time
they were going through was like a dark tunnel, supernaturally, as Jesus
allowed Himself to be crucified, descended to Hell, took the keys of Death,
led captivity captive, rose again, and ascended to our Father. On the day
of Pentecost following this glorious occasion, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit,
and ended this dark tunnel forever. Therefore, I don't believe that Jesus'
command to his disciples to own a sword is binding, today. We can rely on
the supernatural protection and provision of God. On the other hand, there
is certainly nothing wrong with owning a weapon as long as you don't commit
a crime with it or even use it to resist arrest at the wrong time.
Just to keep things in perspective, in the New Testament, there are about
40 references to "sword" and I think more of them refer to the Word of God
than to a physical weapon.
At 14:11 5/23/2000 +0000, Brian Wood wrote:
>Stefan
>
>I did not take the verses out of context. I was aware of the later
>verse but chose to omit it for greater emphasis. Jesus seems to be
>saying to the disciples that a time when they would not be able to
>rely on God's provision and protection was imminent. Even with the
>two swords Jesus did not tell them to get rid of them. I believe that
>the time of Jesus' arrest was different. The disciples were not under
>threat only Jesus himself and he had no intention of resisting (and
>had no need of weapons as, according to John's Gospel, all the
>soldiers fell down when He said, "I am He"). Also, the disciples
>were fighting against the "authorities". I would surmise that Jesus
>was advocating the use of swords against robbers etc.
>
>There are times when we are definitely "commissioned" and times
>when we are left to use our own resources. I have heard that
>preached on more than one occasion and Corrie Ten Boom said
>the same in one of her books.
>
>Anyone else care to comment?
>
>BoW
>
>On 23 May 00, at 10:22, Stefan Fischer wrote:
>
> > Hi Brian,
> >
> >
> > > You are not correct in what you say. Below are two verses from Luke
> > > 22
> > >
> > > 35 And He said to them, When I sent you without purse and wallet
> > > and sandals, did you lack anything? And they said, Nothing. 36 And
> > > He said to them, But now, he who has a purse, let him take it,
> > and
> > > likewise his wallet. And he who has no sword, let him sell his
> > > garment and buy one.
> >
> > Hey but you can't take these two verses out of their context. Verse 38
> > says:
> >
> > 38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And He said to
> > them, It is enough.
> >
> > After that Jesus and the disciples go to Getsemaneh. When the soldiers
> > come and want to arrest Jesus the Bible says:
> >
> > 49 And those around Him seeing what was about to occur, they said to
> > him, Lord, shall we strike with the sword? 50 And one of them struck
> > the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 And
> > Jesus answered and said, Let it go until now. And touching his ear, He
> > healed him.
> >
> > If you read the same story in Matthew 26 (This is the verse Simson
> > quoted from.) it says:
> >
> > 51 And, behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his
> > hand and drew his sword, and he struck a servant of the high priest
> > and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, put up your sword
> > again into its place; for all who take the sword shall perish with a
> > sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He
> > shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?
Michael Paul Johnson
aka Soaring Golden Eagle
PO Box 1151, Longmont CO 80502-1151, USA
Rocky Mountain outpost 207, New Creation Church
Jesus Christ is Lord!
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