Why did Jesus say to buy a sword?

[Jackson Cooper]

I've always been confused by these things said by Jesus.

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.39 But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well (Matthew 5:38-40).

Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one (Luke 22:36).

Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword (Matthew 26:52).

The one about buying a sword seems really off compared to the others. Furthermore, John The Baptist was highly praised by Jesus, and he was fine with baptizing soldiers and them remaining soldiers.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I'm not going to offer you a definitive answer because I don't know if this is right. I've wondered too.

I sometimes wonder if Jesus told the disciples to buy swords - so that the event that happened at His arrest could happen. The cutting off of Malchus' ear (I imagine Peter was trying to separate his head from his body or just generally chop him, and had poor aim!) ... and Jesus' healing of the ear, and admonition to put away the sword so as not to die by it. Maybe it was to establish how the Apostles were NOT to act. I'm not sure.


The Church recognizes soldiers that became Saints. Being a soldier is in itself not a sin. But soldiers do get serious wounds to their souls carrying out their duty sometimes. And it's not really an ideal path to take, but one that might be needed sometimes.


This is mostly all just my opinion, except the fact that the Church DOES recognize a number of soldiers as Saints.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

wasn't the right choice for Peter? he had another way to die probably.

 

[Halbhh]

Christ wanted some of the disciples to have swords in the Garden of Gethsemane in order that there would be a pretext to falsely accuse Him of breaking laws at His trial.

To fulfill prophecy--

"He will be numbered among the transgressors"

Get it in full context, this is shortly before His arrest, and read surrounding verses, and you'll see more clearly:

35Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”
“Nothing,” they answered.

36He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”

38The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”
“That’s enough!” he replied.

(see, 2 swords were enough because it was not about fighting at all)
-------------

From Isaiah 53, v 12

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

 

[Jackson Cooper]

I'm not going to offer you a definitive answer because I don't know if this is right. I've wondered too.

I sometimes wonder if Jesus told the disciples to buy swords - so that the event that happened at His arrest could happen. The cutting off of Malchus' ear (I imagine Peter was trying to separate his head from his body or just generally chop him, and had poor aim!) ... and Jesus' healing of the ear, and admonition to put away the sword so as not to die by it. Maybe it was to establish how the Apostles were NOT to act. I'm not sure.


The Church recognizes soldiers that became Saints. Being a soldier is in itself not a sin. But soldiers do get serious wounds to their souls carrying out their duty sometimes. And it's not really an ideal path to take, but one that might be needed sometimes.


This is mostly all just my opinion, except the fact that the Church DOES recognize a number of soldiers as Saints.

I believe Muslim Turks questioned Byzantine soldiers why they fought when Jesus said to turn the other cheek and not resist evil.

 

[Thedictator]

I've always been confused by these things said by Jesus.

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.39 But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well (Matthew 5:38-40).

Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one (Luke 22:36).

Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword (Matthew 26:52).

The one about buying a sword seems really off compared to the others. Furthermore, John The Baptist was highly praised by Jesus, and he was fine with baptizing soldiers and them remaining soldiers.

All of these verses have context and they must not be taken out of context to understand their meaning.

The First verse is about being insulted, a slap in the face in any culture is an insult, as Christians we are not to repay that insult with another insult. Insults only hurt our pride.

The second Verse is about self-defense of our life and anyone else that we are to protect in our care. Nowhere in the Bible did Jesus say we are to be pacifist, that is a man made religious concept
that is not Biblical.

The 3rd Verse is about fulfilling prophecy and the will of God, Jesus was to die on the Cross before time ever began. I also believe it is talking about rebellion against authority.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I believe Muslim Turks questioned Byzantine soldiers why they fought when Jesus said to turn the other cheek and not resist evil.

Everything needs to be understood in context.

 

[Kenny'sID]

Not sure if this touches on what you are asking...just disregard it if it doesn't... but having a sword doesn't mean living by the sword. I can have a gun for protection, but I'm not a, say, gang, thief or even someone that tends to grab the gun way to quickly, or whatever, that lives the type life that calls for using a gun often (living by the sword).

The more we "take up the sword" the better our chances someone will take up theirs against us, but having one is a good idea in case one takes theirs up against us when we gave them no good reason. Better to have a fighting chance. and maybe die by the sword, than definitely dying by the sword without a defense.

 

[ArmyMatt]

according to Bl Theophylact, the sword was not a literal blade, but to stand firm like a warrior when the persecutions arise.

 

[Halbhh]

While post #4 explains fully Luke 22:36, you still will wonder about the separate question of how a Christian should defend physically.

Here's how:

"So in everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets."

Meaning you don't ever use force in a particular way (like more than needed) you would not want someone to do to you if you yourself were in the other person's position.

 

[Kristos]

according to Bl Theophylact, the sword was not a literal blade, but to stand firm like a warrior when the persecutions arise.

Yes, this is how I understand it.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

My hope is that buy a sword was the first century AD version of recommending buying firearms.

 

[Daniel Marsh]

I've always been confused by these things said by Jesus.

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.39 But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well (Matthew 5:38-40).

Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one (Luke 22:36).

Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword (Matthew 26:52).

The one about buying a sword seems really off compared to the others. Furthermore, John The Baptist was highly praised by Jesus, and he was fine with baptizing soldiers and them remaining soldiers.

The sword was for protection. Peter was being an aggressor when he drew the sword. It was his Fathers will that Jesus be arrested and die for us. Something that comes out in a Hebrew translation of the text is most people back then like today were right handed. Hitting one on the right side of their face means they were backhanded as an insult. It is a blessing to be insulted for Jesus.

Exodus 22 "“If a thief is killed while trying to break into a house at night, then no one will be guilty for killing him. But if this happens during the day, the one who killed him will be guilty of murder."

 

[Daniel Marsh]

Christ wanted some of the disciples to have swords in the Garden of Gethsemane in order that there would be a pretext to falsely accuse Him of breaking laws at His trial.

To fulfill prophecy--

"He will be numbered among the transgressors"

Get it in full context, this is shortly before His arrest, and read surrounding verses, and you'll see more clearly:

35Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”
“Nothing,” they answered.

36He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”

38The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”
“That’s enough!” he replied.

(see, 2 swords were enough because it was not about fighting at all)
-------------

From Isaiah 53, v 12

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

7 He was treated badly, but he never protested. He said nothing, like a lamb being led away to be killed. He was like a sheep that makes no sound as its wool is being cut off. He never opened his mouth to defend himself. 8 He was taken away by force and judged unfairly. The people of his time did not even notice that he was killed. But he was put to death for the sins of his people. 9 He had done no wrong to anyone. He had never even told a lie. But he was buried among the wicked. His tomb was with the rich.

10 But the Lord was pleased with this humble servant who suffered such pain. Even after giving himself as an offering for sin, he will see his descendants and enjoy a long life. He will succeed in doing what the Lord wanted. 11 After his suffering he will see the light, and he will be satisfied with what he experienced.

The Lord says, “My servant, who always does what is right, will make his people right with me; he will take away their sins. 12 For this reason, I will treat him as one of my great people. I will give him the rewards of one who wins in battle, and he will share them with his powerful ones. I will do this because he gave his life for the people. He was considered a criminal, but the truth is, he carried away the sins of many. Now he will stand before me and speak for those who have sinned.”


When part of a verse is quoted in the NT, people back then had the whole context of where it came from in mind. As one can see from the context above Jesus the Messiah was considered to be a criminal from his trail and being buried among the wicked --- not because they had two swords.

How did Jesus fulfill "he will see his descendants and enjoy a long life."?

 

[HARK!]

I hope that I'm not breaking the rules by posting this. If so, please let me know and I'll leave. I saw this thread title from the "New Posts" menu; and it has been a long time subject of interest to me.

To fulfill prophecy--

So you feel that Yahshua had to play act certain parts, and to force random acts; so that the Prophets would be right? Wouldn't the Prophets have been able to see that Yahshua would be forced to play act these parts? Why would YHWH give the Prophets visions that he knew that Yahshua would have to play act in order to fulfill?

Your assertion just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[~Anastasia~]

My hope is that buy a sword was the first century AD version of recommending buying firearms.

You would.


(We love you, brother, lol)

 

[~Anastasia~]

As far as the rules, I will say for everyone's benefit, when posting in any congregational forum (not just TAW) ...

It is against the rules to teach against that forum's belief. So anyone who doesn't know what that group believes (or isn't a member) could be on thin ice for giving their opinions in a manner that is as though they are teaching something.

(We do try to be tolerant here in TAW btw. And have a forum set up just for debate - St. Justin Martyr's - because we in fact want to invite discussion even if folks disagree with us. )

But your post, IMO, was asking a question. And actually you were asking another visitor, not disagreeing with an Orthodox poster.

In my opinion, you are safe to do so.

Now as to your point ... I'm not sure. It sounds reasonable. Approaching from the other point of view, it makes sense that God would be purposeful in the prophecies He gives to be uttered. Not only would be thing He intended Christ to fulfill, but they would have purpose in each case as well.

I think that's essentially what you are saying.

Though I'm not sure the other poster meant to imply anything like Christ was necessarily jumping through hoops in order to check off prophecies that must be fulfilled.

I hope that I'm not breaking the rules by posting this. If so, please let me know and I'll leave. I saw this thread title from the "New Posts" menu; and it has been a long time subject of interest to me.




So you feel that Yahshua had to play act certain parts, and to force random acts; so that the Prophets would be right? Wouldn't the Prophets have been able to see that Yahshua would be forced to play act these parts? Why would YHWH give the Prophets visions that he knew that Yahshua would have to play act in order to fulfill?

Your assertion just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[Halbhh]

7 He was treated badly, but he never protested. He said nothing, like a lamb being led away to be killed. He was like a sheep that makes no sound as its wool is being cut off. He never opened his mouth to defend himself. 8 He was taken away by force and judged unfairly. The people of his time did not even notice that he was killed. But he was put to death for the sins of his people. 9 He had done no wrong to anyone. He had never even told a lie. But he was buried among the wicked. His tomb was with the rich.

10 But the Lord was pleased with this humble servant who suffered such pain. Even after giving himself as an offering for sin, he will see his descendants and enjoy a long life. He will succeed in doing what the Lord wanted. 11 After his suffering he will see the light, and he will be satisfied with what he experienced.

The Lord says, “My servant, who always does what is right, will make his people right with me; he will take away their sins. 12 For this reason, I will treat him as one of my great people. I will give him the rewards of one who wins in battle, and he will share them with his powerful ones. I will do this because he gave his life for the people. He was considered a criminal, but the truth is, he carried away the sins of many. Now he will stand before me and speak for those who have sinned.”


When part of a verse is quoted in the NT, people back then had the whole context of where it came from in mind. As one can see from the context above Jesus the Messiah was considered to be a criminal from his trail and being buried among the wicked --- not because they had two swords.

How did Jesus fulfill "he will see his descendants and enjoy a long life."?

Indeed, these familiar verses we love so much. I was so moved by then only a few months ago. Thanks for posting them. I really enjoyed them tonight.. We who believe in Him have become ourselves children of God. We are all Christ's descendents now.

 

[Halbhh]

So you feel that Yahshua had to play act certain parts, and to force random acts

No. Just read more carefully and/or fully. There could be a different assumption. I see Christ as able to fulfill prophecy, not just have it happen to Him without agency. This is in accord with the full text of the gospels as you see reading fully through.

 

[HARK!]

No. Just read more carefully and/or fully. There could be a different assumption. I see Christ as able to fulfill prophecy, not just have it happen to Him without agency. This is in accord with the full text of the gospels as you see reading fully through.

...Or maybe he just told them to get some swords to defend themselves from the vigil antes. If you read the full text of the gospels fully through; you'll find that Yahshua wasn't charged with brandishing swords. He was convicted of being king of the Jews; and his accusers were already headed his way; when he told his disciples to buy swords.