Did Jesus Really Say Buy SWORDS? (Edn 2)

Edged blades as weapons were commonplace in the era of Jesus. The sword was a vital part of the soldier's equipment.

Jesus referred more than once to the sword. A striking earlier moment is connected with Jesus sending out his disciples to represent him in the land. He told them that they were to go "softly" and accept what they were given. If they were rejected, then they were rejected, and were to move on. His message was not universally welcome nor was Jesus universally loved. So he said:

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace but a sword (Matthew 10:34 NRSVUE). There would be resistance and division. (There is division and  resistance, even amongst those who bear the correct label.)

Sword, not peace. Luke's comparable report includes fire and a baptism, the division and conflict.

It is really important to read this prediction of strife and conflict carefully and in context.  “I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already ablaze! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided:

father against son

    and son against father,

mother against daughter

    and daughter against mother,

mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law

    and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:49-53 NRSVUE). Luke does not have the sword illustration of conflict, but disagreement fire lies ahead. There would be no "steady as she goes". Jesus uses "baptised" as an illustration, for he was referring to his forthcoming trial and execution. See also, at another moment: But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” (Mark 10:38 NLT)

It is sadly true that division does occur. However, that does not mean the disciple is to seek to be divided from others. Nor does Jesus endorse taking a violent path to compel "agreement".

They are strong statements, better read in their larger contexts. Jesus had warned his followers of growing rejection. The sword. Family breakdown. Already Jesus was encountering opposition. See the powerful picture Jesus paints: There will be anger, wrath, fury, antagonism and violence - deadly opposition - so sad.

Much earlier than that, Mary, at the Temple with baby Jesus, had been told: As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul” (Luke 2:35 NLT). In that case the text has a word for a large sword (Luke 2:35). Again we see the use of "sword" in a symbolic sense, a powerful metaphor, conveying serious suffering inflicted by others.

  

Considerably later, Jesus spoke about purchasing edged blades (ie, swords). They might be weapons - for defence? It sounds like arms dealing! Luke also reports this "sword" conversation on the night of the "Last Supper", when Jesus had gathered his band together in Jerusalem for the Passover observance. Here it is:

Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”

“Nothing,” they answered.

He 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. It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’[a]; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”

The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”

“That’s enough!” he replied (Luke 22:35-38 NIV).

The betrayal was under way and Jesus had just previously been speaking to Peter about the very tough times threatening just ahead. Peter, like others, maintained he was "solid". Then we have the above. So yes, Jesus DID say it! What did Jesus mean?

Clearly Jesus was saying a turning point had been reached, even though there were some hours yet to run. This was hard stuff for a band of followers who had joyfully followed their apparent king-to-be on his triumphant (servant) entry to the city not so long before. So, they grasp there is to be physical danger - they must need weapons?  That must be what Jesus was saying?

Surely not. Can you imagine the cloak-less follower going forth wielding a sword in the name of Jesus? Jesus' words struck home but they could not yet discern the truth in them.

So, literally, buy swords? We already have two, they said. "That's enough" said Jesus. Two swords for 11 followers? This "direction" is part of the warning of change and the reality of threat ahead.

"That's enough".

Consider this translation of Luke 22:38, which I think makes the point clear:

The disciples said, “Lord, here are two swords!” “Enough of that!” Jesus replied (CEV). They needed to be prepared, not for warfare, but for antagonism; the same antagonism then so clear in response to Jesus. Again "sword" was used as a metaphor.

I do not know exactly what understanding the disciples took with them into the following events of that night but the actual arrest of Jesus in the garden does indicate their minds, or some of them, were not aligned with Jesus' intention. Not yet. 

Did they get it wrong, do you think?

Now, it is of course true, that the weapon is not the problem but it is the person wielding the weapon.

In the garden arrest scene, a blade was produced and used offensively in defence - all the Gospels agree. We can see it in these parallel but independent accounts.

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.	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.	Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.	But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.	Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
Matthew 26:50-52  NIV	Luke 22:49-51  NIV	John 18: 10-11  NIV

Peter was one who had a sword. His action was surely bold and hopeless (an armed mob!). Maybe we can call him brave in that moment.

Notice again Jesus' rejection of force on his behalf. If they were unclear earlier on, do you think there was(is) no room left for doubt about the power of the sword being unacceptable to Jesus? As you read on in the account of the "spreading flame" (the book called Acts) you will see no suggestion of violence done by Jesus' people in his name. So also in the "letters" of the New Testament. Violence there was - but the servants of Jesus received it; they did not dish it out.

Note the instant instinctive but futile armed resistance the followers (companions) wanted to offer the arresting mob. So soon after that, once it was clear Jesus was being taken, they broke and fled - all Jesus' disciples left him and ran away (Matthew 26:56 CEV). It's a wonder there was no reaction to Peter's sword use. Or, was there a violent reaction - did some response give impetus to seeing the 11 flee away? (BTW - Interesting I think that John's account is so close to Matthew's.)

The word used for the weapon conveys a smaller, sharp blade, probably easily concealed. This is not the Roman army weapon illustrated above. However, the word is consistently translated as "sword". Matthew (and Mark) say that the arresting party were carrying clubs and swords (same word). John had said the arresting party were carrying "arms" or "weapons" (using a particular inclusive word).

Jesus surely rejected the use of force. He did not send forth warmongers. He refused to fight or to have others fight.  Historically and tragically, Jesus' name has been invoked in just the opposite way.

Swords are still drawn. "Swords" are drawn endlessly.

The ancient prophet foresaw a bright prospect of the end of "gunboat diplomacy" and weapons stocks.

God will judge between the nations,

    and settle disputes of mighty nations.

Then they will beat their swords into iron plows

    and their spears into pruning tools.

Nation will not take up sword against nation;

    they will no longer learn how to make war (Isaiah 2:4 CSB).

In the (less ancient) vividly symbolic book we call Revelation, there is a lot of violence. The violence of humanity is ended as part of God's judgement of us. So, we read:

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in[a] blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule[b] them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16 ESV). Quite an image, isn't it? No doubt about the outcome.

Before the document called Revelation, Jesus had spoken to his disciples about the end times, reassuring them of God's rule and purpose.

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:6-14 NIV). Testimony - yes; force - no.

What does this say to a power-wielder who can blast people and things into oblivion? Jesus does not address the rulers of this present age and gives no implied endorsement to any. Jesus addressed his disciples. He addresses his followers who are true followers. It is for the disciple to serve Jesus in life to the best of their ability in whatever place they may be. The state is not regulated by God's word, but by its own legislation. You, like me, may have some small, vital (citizen) role in that? A matter of privilege and obligation. We certainly all can pray. Paul's advice to Timothy comes down to us, today: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and acceptable before God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NRSVUE).

We can see what Jesus said in the "Sermon on the Mount", as recorded in Matthew, chapters 5-7. For example:

Blessed are the merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:7-10 NIV). 

For us who follow, the apostle Paul spelled it out: So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[a] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[b] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4: 25-32 NLT). Not easy? Impossible, without God's strength. God dwells within by God's Holy Spirit.

May you be blessed by God

Allen Hampton

https://jesussaviour4unme.blogspot.com/2019/11/peace.html

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Image courtesy of Holylandphotos.org. The representation of Roman armour, including the sword, is on a limestone block located in the theatre at Perga, next to seating. (Has it been moved from an original location?)

The British Museum has a surviving example of a Roman sword, found in the Thames, image their copyright!  https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1883-0407-1

AL 27/07/25