Simon Peter & The Sword

[RickH]

When witnessing to people about nonresistance, sometimes it is asked that if Jesus truly taught nonresistance why did his followers carry weapons? For example, John 18:10 states that Peter used his sword to cut off the ear of the high priest's slave. I know that Jesus told him to put it away, but it does not really sound like an admonishment. It sounds to me as if Jesus was saying to put it away because the plan had to be fulfilled..
The only reason that I can come up with is hunting etc., but that still does not explain why Peter drew it and used it without hesitation, as if it was almost second nature.
Any thoughts?
God bless,
Rick

 

[Danfrey]

First, notice that in Luke 22:38 the apostles have two swords for 12 men. This is not a real good equation if they are going to use them for self defense.

Also notice that in Matthew 26:52 Jesus says that all who take the sword will perish by the sword. This is a pretty strong admonishment against the use of the sword against another man.

Something that is also important is that the early church was non-resistant for a couple hundred years before the idea came up that it was ok for a Christian to use the sword as an agent of the state.

 

[RickH]

Thank you Danfrey, very good observations! I knew about the first few centuries after Christ but did not make the connections with the scriptures you cited.
Do you, or any others, agree with my thinking that they may have used them for things such as skinning animals, cutting fishing nets and the like?
Rick

 

[Danfrey]

I would agree that they were probably a mulitpurpose tool, but I don't know enough about the history to make a statement on it. I had an interesting discussion about some of these issues with an Air Force chaplain when I was applying for my CO status.

 

[MrJim]

A sword, if we are talking SWORDS are typically not very useful for anything other than hacking off others limbs. A dagger would be more useful for skinning and general cutting chores.

There is an OT passage that I've heard (when this question comes up) used to explain--something about Jesus being numbered among the transgressors [I'd have to look it up]--that it was to fulfill prophecy. Remember there was a zealot or two in there, and that they didn't get the full message of what Christ was teaching shouldn't come as a surprise...most of us still don't get it either (mea magna culpa).

Honestly, unless someone knows more about the culture of that day, a sword is a killing weapon with no other real use. To try to justify if for anything else I believe would not be true to the scripture. (my two cents)

 

[RickH]

There is an OT passage that I've heard (when this question comes up) used to explain--something about Jesus being numbered among the transgressors [I'd have to look it up]--that it was to fulfill prophecy. Remember there was a zealot or two in there, and that they didn't get the full message of what Christ was teaching shouldn't come as a surprise...most of us still don't get it either (mea magna culpa).

Don't go through any big trouble but if it comes to you, I would surely be interested. This question is a sticking point for me. I had to think quick when it was asked and that was the first thing that came to mind. I just don't understand why Jesus would allow something that was used to kill others among him. As you said, there were a couple of people in his presence that were like us and did not fully understand everything.... Oh my, I am rambling again. Sorry
Rick

 

[brother daniel]

When witnessing to people about nonresistance, sometimes it is asked that if Jesus truly taught nonresistance why did his followers carry weapons? For example, John 18:10 states that Peter used his sword to cut off the ear of the high priest's slave. I know that Jesus told him to put it away, but it does not really sound like an admonishment. It sounds to me as if Jesus was saying to put it away because the plan had to be fulfilled..
The only reason that I can come up with is hunting etc., but that still does not explain why Peter drew it and used it without hesitation, as if it was almost second nature.
Any thoughts?
God bless,
Rick

I feel its a major lesson in meekness. To be meek is not to be weak. Peters reaction was second nature as it would be with myself or any man without the Holy Ghost.

There are circumstances when we automaticly defend with deadly force, woman, children or someone being bullied and robbed by someone that is stronger.

If we have the boldness to fearlessly, unarmed confront a wicked person committing evil against another that is because we have the Holy Ghost and we are willing to die in the flesh that another might live.

Its all according to your faith. I have born arms and for the sake of the gospel I have laid them down. I can not justify taking up arms for defense of religion politics or nationality.

My enemy is not flesh and blood.

With love in Christ
brother daniel

 

[RickH]

Thank you for your thoughts!
God bless you,
Rick

 

[ZiSunka]

I think when Jesus said to love your enemies, he meant we shouldn't take up weapons against them. Isn't that enough evidence that we are to be non-violent?

 

[MrJim]

Don't go through any big trouble but if it comes to you, I would surely be interested. This question is a sticking point for me. I had to think quick when it was asked and that was the first thing that came to mind. I just don't understand why Jesus would allow something that was used to kill others among him. As you said, there were a couple of people in his presence that were like us and did not fully understand everything.... Oh my, I am rambling again. Sorry
Rick

Isaiah 53:7-12
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

The whole of Isaiah 53 is considered a prophetic passage about the coming Messiah...

 

[RickH]

Thanks again Menno!