Jesus Christ On Self-Defense - Luke 22:36

  
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.” - Luke 22:36

    There is a great deal of controversy over the above text. So let us place it in context. It was after Christ had instituted the Lord’s Supper. Christ had just finished revealing to Peter that he would deny Him three times that night. Jesus then poses the question : And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” - Luke 22:35. It was a pointedly direct and literal question. No one would ever deny this unless they were purposely trying to twist Christ’s words. The Apostles responded to Him with a resounding, “No.” It is then that our Lord commands them to take personal control of their expenses (purse), and to carry with them what they would need (knapsack) on their journeys. Now comes the controversy - He then commands them to purchase a weapon if they did not have one. In this case, during the First Century AD the most common form of weapon was a sword. Not only did He command them to obtain a weapon, He told them to do so at the expense of their cloaks. This is an extremely important reference when attempting to interpret this verse.
    A man’s cloak in those times was described as an outer garment, robe, or mantle. It held a special value among the First Century people. Considered nearly irreplaceable, it served both its obvious purpose but also as a blanket at night. In Christ’s day the cloak was considered a necessary and valuable garment. “If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” - Matt 5:40. The mere idea that one would sue another over their clothing attests to the value of such items.
    The value of a cloak is also mentioned in regard to the crucifixion of Christ. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. - Luke 23:11. Finally, And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take. - Mark 15:24. The objection that we don’t know for certain if Herod’s robe was among the clothing cast for is moot. The idea I’m trying to convey here is the perceived value of such an item of clothing. It was of such value that Christ commanded His disciples to sell theirs in order to purchase a sword.
    Many prominent church leaders today will be quick to suggest that the term “sword” should not be taken literally; however, proper bible exegesis insists that we read it literally when it is obvious that there is no allegory being presented. Here in Luke 22:36 there is no allegory. Jesus is speaking in literal terms to His disciples. The only explanation I can give you as to why so many pastors insist that the word sword is to be taken figuratively is that the crux of Christ’s message is love. Many pastors believe that such a command as given in Luke 22 doesn’t jibe with Christ’s overall message and as such may be taken out of context and be used to excuse or mitigate aggression. But the words of Jesus in the said verse clearly indicate that He was informing the Apostles that, in His absence, there might be times they would have to defend themselves.
    In one final verse from scripture I will try to bolster my position with Christ’s response to Peter’s defense of Him in the Garden of Gethsemane - But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” - Matt 26:52. “Put your sword in its place!” Christ didn’t order Peter to get rid of his sword, to throw it away, or to sell it off - He told him to put it in its place. There’s no allegory or figurative speech there. Jesus was letting all of us know that even a sword or weapon of choice has its place in our lives. It is up to us as Christians to see to it that we never use such weapons in aggression but only in defense of life. May God grant us all the discernment to know the difference.