Should I buy a sword?

Wrangler said:

Christ's command to be armed, ready to kill if need be

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Where is that command, exactly? I’ve searched the whole NT and can’t find it.

Gray_Joy said:

It isn't breaking God's laws to defend those under attack by evil.

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Including, especially defending oneself when under attack by evil. The defense must be appropriate to the attack, be it moral seduction or physical. Swinging a sword when Satan is encouraging our hungry Lord to change rocks into bread isn’t an appropriate defense.

Quoting Scripture when Satanists are trying to chop your head off is not appropriate either. Following Christ means sometimes it’s time to get physical, buy a sword, flip over tables at the market, whip at people.

Wrangler said:

Including, especially defending oneself when under attack by evil. The defense must be appropriate to the attack, be it moral seduction or physical. Swinging a sword when Satan is encouraging our hungry Lord to change rocks into bread isn’t an appropriate defense.

Quoting Scripture when Satanists are trying to chop your head off is not appropriate either. Following Christ means sometimes it’s time to get physical, buy a sword, flip over tables at the market, whip at people.

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True.
Jesus commanding his Disciples to buy swords nullifies the implied ideology that God is a pacifist.

If that were ever true he wouldn't have armed his Disciples. And his people in the Old Testament and have commanded them to war in his name.

Acts 5:1-11Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for lying to the holy spirit.

Interesting, Deism upholds a passive God.
Whereas Theism upholds an active one.

Gray_Joy said:

Jesus commanding his Disciples to buy swords nullifies the implied ideology that God is a pacifist.

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It's much more than that. Examine the entirety of the Bible, which has been said to be the most violent book ever written.

God is so pissed, he wipes out humanity except for 8 people. Then, he's so outraged as his "chosen people" he wants to annihilate them; it takes Moses to talk him out of it.

Then there is the 2nd Coming. The first thing Jesus will do is annihilate his enemies with a "sword" coming out of his mouth. Then, he will rule with an iron rod - THE EXACT OPPOSITE of living out a pacifist ideology. Finally, there is Judgement Day. Jesus becomes the greatest killer in history, so hell bend to destroy evil that he will literally resurrect the dead just to annihilate them in the Lake of Fire, known as the 2nd and Eternal Death. Violence is God's plan to ultimately solve the problem of evil. WWJD, except in that way, eh?

And he told us to buy a sword in the meantime.

markalan said:

You misunderstood my comment ... I said it would be a sin not to help (intervene) when someone was being attacked.

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I understood you. I was reiterating your remarks with examples.
I should have worded my post in a more clear manner.

Wrangler said:

It's much more than that. Examine the entirety of the Bible, which has been said to be the most violent book ever written.

God is so pissed, he wipes out humanity except for 8 people. Then, he's so outraged as his "chosen people" he wants to annihilate them; it takes Moses to talk him out of it.

Then there is the 2nd Coming. The first thing Jesus will do is annihilate his enemies with a "sword" coming out of his mouth. Then, he will rule with an iron rod - THE EXACT OPPOSITE of living out a pacifist ideology. Finally, there is Judgement Day. Jesus becomes the greatest killer in history, so hell bend to destroy evil that he will literally resurrect the dead just to annihilate them in the Lake of Fire, known as the 2nd and Eternal Death. Violence is God's plan to ultimately solve the problem of evil. WWJD, except in that way, eh?

And he told us to buy a sword in the meantime.

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You’re presenting a very selective, flattened version of the Bible that ignores context, genre, and the actual arc of Scripture. When you treat every passage as literal, modern, physical violence, you end up with a caricature — not the Bible.

First, the flood narrative isn’t God “pissed off and wiping out humanity.” Genesis frames it as the world filled with corruption and violence, and the story is about preserving creation, not indulging rage. If you’re going to critique it, at least critique what the text actually says.

Second, the “Moses talking God out of annihilating Israel” is covenant language. Ancient Near Eastern treaties used that exact rhetorical structure. It’s not God having a temper tantrum; it’s God forming Israel through a relational, covenantal process. Again — context matters.

Third, Revelation is apocalyptic literature. It uses symbols, not literal descriptions of Jesus swinging a metal sword out of His mouth. The sword is explicitly defined as His word. If you read the genre the way it was meant to be read, the imagery communicates judgment through truth, not physical violence.

Fourth, “ruling with a rod of iron” is a quote from Psalm 2, which is about the Messiah establishing justice, not becoming a tyrant. Iron rod = unbreakable authority, not brutality.

Fifth, the “Lake of Fire” is symbolic imagery drawn from Isaiah, Daniel, and Second Temple Jewish literature. It’s not described as God gleefully annihilating people; it’s the final removal of evil from God’s creation. Even Revelation says “outside are the dogs…” — meaning exclusion, not extermination.

You’re also ignoring the parts where Jesus explicitly rejects violence as the method of His kingdom:

• “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, my servants would fight.”
• “Put your sword back; those who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
• “The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”

And the “buy a sword” line? Jesus immediately tells them two swords are enough — which is His way of saying “this isn’t about arming yourselves.” Then He rebukes Peter for using the sword. If your interpretation contradicts Jesus’ own explanation, it’s probably the wrong interpretation.

So no — the Bible doesn’t teach that violence is God’s ultimate solution to evil. That’s your projection, not the text.

If you want to critique Christianity, critique what it actually teaches, not a metal‑album version of it.

markalan said:

I have heard it said that the word for sword here (machaira) is more like a large knife which is sometimes used for butchering animals. Some have suggested that since Jesus was leaving them He was telling them they would now have to provide for themselves. What do you think of that idea?

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.​

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.​

A large sword was called rhomphaia as in "a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:35)

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short, double-edged, one-handed sword used in close combat — is ξίφος (xiphos) transliteration Xifos was very popular.

The xifos was a straight, double-edged short sword, typically 45–60 cm (18–24 in) long, though Spartans sometimes used shorter blades around 30 cm (12 in). It was a secondary battlefield weapon after the dory or javelin, used for thrusting and cutting in the final stages of combat. The blade was often widest at about two-thirds of its length from the point and ended in a long, sharp tip

MatthewG said:

You’re presenting a very selective, flattened version of the Bible

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No sir! I presented the major arch, aside God loving his chosen people, elected children. Again, the most violent book ever written.

Wrangler said:

It's much more than that. Examine the entirety of the Bible, which has been said to be the most violent book ever written.

God is so pissed, he wipes out humanity except for 8 people. Then, he's so outraged as his "chosen people" he wants to annihilate them; it takes Moses to talk him out of it.

Then there is the 2nd Coming. The first thing Jesus will do is annihilate his enemies with a "sword" coming out of his mouth. Then, he will rule with an iron rod - THE EXACT OPPOSITE of living out a pacifist ideology. Finally, there is Judgement Day. Jesus becomes the greatest killer in history, so hell bend to destroy evil that he will literally resurrect the dead just to annihilate them in the Lake of Fire, known as the 2nd and Eternal Death. Violence is God's plan to ultimately solve the problem of evil. WWJD, except in that way, eh?

And he told us to buy a sword in the meantime.

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Do you ever get the feeling you're not actually talking to those who are in the faith here?

One knows only how to willfully repeatedly sin in using personal attack language and sarcasm. Another calls defense of the actual Gospel heresy.

What's going on?

Wrangler said:

No sir! I presented the major arch, aside God loving his chosen people, elected children. Again, the most violent book ever written.

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I appreciate you sharing your view. I’m gonna step away from the conversation though, because the tone isn’t really for me. Hope you have a good day.

I

markalan said:

Luke 22:36
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip:
and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Mat 26:52
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place:
for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Why did Jesus instruct His disciples to buy a sword?
How should we apply this today?

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What Jesus meant by “buy a sword” (Luke 22:36)​

Short answer: Jesus was not telling them to become violent. He was signaling that a new, dangerous season was beginning and fulfilling prophecy.

1. The context changed — “But now…”​

Jesus contrasts two eras:

• Before: They were sent out with no money, no bag, no weapon — and lacked nothing.
• Now: Hostility is coming. Persecution is coming. The Shepherd will be struck. The disciples will scatter.

“Buy a sword” = be prepared, not “start fighting.”

2. The sword fulfilled prophecy​

Isaiah 53:12 said the Messiah would be:

“numbered with the transgressors.”

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Having swords made the group appear as lawbreakers at His arrest. That’s why two swords were enough (Luke 22:38). Two swords are not enough to fight Rome — but they are enough to fulfill prophecy.

3. Jesus never intended them to use the sword​

If He wanted violence, He would not have stopped Peter. Which leads to the next verse.

What Jesus meant by “put your sword in its place” (Matthew 26:52)​

Short answer: Jesus shuts down the idea of using physical force to advance His kingdom.

When Peter actually uses the sword:

• Jesus rebukes him
• Jesus heals the man
• Jesus says, “all who take the sword will perish with the sword”
• Jesus willingly submits to arrest

This proves the sword was not for fighting.

The sword had a place — but not for violence​

Jesus didn’t say “throw it away.” He said:

“Put your sword in its place.”

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Meaning:

• There is a proper, limited place for a sword (self‑defense, travel dangers, normal life in the ancient world).
• But not for resisting God’s plan
• And not for advancing the gospel

The kingdom is not built by force.

Putting both verses together​

Luke 22:36 — “Have a sword.”​

Symbol of readiness. Fulfillment of prophecy. Acknowledgment of coming persecution.

Matthew 26:52 — “Don’t use the sword to fight.”​

The kingdom is not advanced by violence. Jesus’ arrest was part of God’s plan. Peter’s use of the sword was out of place.

The simple, clean meaning​

Jesus told them to have a sword because danger was coming, but He told them not to use the sword to fight for Him.

The sword was about preparedness, not violence.

MatthewG said:

The simple, clean meaning​

Jesus told them to have a sword because danger was coming, but He told them not to use the sword to fight for Him.

The sword was about preparedness, not violence.

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Is God violent in the Old Testament, or is He just? ​

​

(Anyone telling people that God and Jesus are violent (and that because they say so they have the right to be violent too! - should be weary!)​

Short answer:
God is not violent in the human sense. His actions flow from justice, holiness, and covenant love — never cruelty or rage. Calling God or Jesus ‘violent’ is a misreading of the entire biblical story.

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Here is something interesting concerning Jesus striking Jezebel's children dead.

What Jesus means by “I will strike her children dead” (Revelation 2:23)​

Short answer: He is not talking about biological children. He is talking about followers, disciples, spiritual offspring of a false teacher.

This is standard prophetic language.

1. “Children” = followers, not literal kids​

In Scripture, “children” often means:

• “children of Abraham” → those who share Abraham’s faith
• “children of the devil” → those who imitate the devil’s works
• “children of wisdom” → those who live by wisdom
• “sons of Belial” → wicked people

So in Revelation 2, “Jezebel” is not a literal woman named Jezebel. It’s a symbolic name for a false teacher in Thyatira.

Her “children” = the people who follow her corrupt teaching.

Jesus is not threatening minors. He is warning adults who are spiritually aligned with her.

2. “Strike dead” = covenant judgment, not literal sword violence​

Revelation uses prophetic, symbolic language, the same style as:

• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Ezekiel
• Hosea

When God says He will “kill” or “slay,” it often means:

• remove
• judge
• cut off
• bring to an end
• expose
• destroy influence

It’s covenant‑judgment language, not a physical execution scene.

3. The purpose is purification, not cruelty​

Jesus says:

“Then all the churches will know that I am He who searches minds and hearts.”
Meaning:

• This judgment is about purifying the church, not harming people.
• It’s about removing false teaching that destroys lives.
• It’s about protecting His people from spiritual corruption.

This is the same pattern throughout Scripture: God removes what is poisonous so His people can live.

4. Revelation is symbolic from start to finish​

If someone reads Revelation literally, they will misunderstand everything.

The book opens by saying it is written in signs (Rev. 1:1 — “signified”). That means:

• Jezebel is symbolic
• Her children are symbolic
• The judgment is symbolic
• The imagery is symbolic

Jesus is not threatening to physically kill children. He is warning that false teaching produces spiritual death, and He will put an end to it.

The simple, accurate meaning​

Jesus is saying He will put an end to the influence and followers of a corrupt teacher, not harm literal children.

It’s about spiritual consequences, not physical violence.

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Gray_Joy said:

Do you ever get the feeling you're not actually talking to those who are in the faith here?

One knows only how to willfully repeatedly sin in using personal attack language and sarcasm. Another calls defense of the actual Gospel heresy.

What's going on?

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IDOLATRY. They have the form but not the Spirit. They think they do but when the feel their IDOL is threatened, their nasty spirit is revealed.

I’m grateful that you noticed.

Wrangler said:

IDOLATRY. They have the form but not the Spirit. They think they do but when the feel their IDOL is threatened, their nasty spirit is revealed.

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James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

1John 3:6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.

Wrangler said:

I’m grateful that you noticed.

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I think it would be impossible to miss it.

When I post,I imagine what he would think of it were Jesus to read my words.

I read those who say they're Christian on their profile with the same thoughts in mind. What would he say if Jesus could read this person's post?

Have you noticed,no matter what we encounter in life,there's wisdom from God in his word that tells us what's going on and how to deal with it.

Gray_Joy said:

Do you ever get the feeling you're not actually talking to those who are in the faith here?

One knows only how to willfully repeatedly sin in using personal attack language and sarcasm. Another calls defense of the actual Gospel heresy.

What's going on?

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Do you realize that you’re asking this of someone who denies the deity of Jesus and very often engages in personal attacks and sarcasm?

Gray_Joy said:

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

1John 3:6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.

I think it would be impossible to miss it.

When I post,I imagine what he would think of it were Jesus to read my words.

I read those who say they're Christian on their profile with the same thoughts in mind. What would he say if Jesus could read this person's post?

Have you noticed,no matter what we encounter in life,there's wisdom from God in his word that tells us what's going on and how to deal with it.

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Jesus wouldn’t ignore people like you have. That’s very disingenuous and disrespectful.

Justified said:

Jesus wouldn’t ignore people like you have. That’s very disingenuous and disrespectful.

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To the contrary.
It is Bible.

2 Timothy 2:23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

Proverbs 14:7 Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Gray_Joy said:

To the contrary.
It is Bible.

2 Timothy 2:23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

Proverbs 14:7 Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

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If you consider ignoring others who point out your misuse of scripture, by taking verses completely out of context to support your beliefs, as “foolish, ignorant controversies,” and as being in the presence of a fool, then you simply have proven what I said.

It’s a shame and a disgrace to the name of Christ that several people in these forums are so dishonest and disrespectful in their posts to others, displaying enormous spiritual pride and self-righteousness, even misusing scripture in doing so.

I use the ignore feature for people on the forums that I don’t want to engage with anymore. It’s honestly a really helpful tool for anyone. You’ve got to be careful and mindful about who you listen to or engage with online. I say this for my own sanity, but also for others — it’s not about avoiding people, it’s about having healthy boundaries.

That’s why it’s there.