I read all of the NT Jack.
Here are the two verses:
Yours:
Matthew 26:4-52
Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest
47While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” 49Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.
51And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.
Here is my verse to support my position that we are allowed, morally, to protect ourselves from any attack:
Luke 22:35-36
35And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.” 36And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.
Jesus had aleady sent out the 12 in Matthew 10 to witness and teach the Jews.
He would send them out again in Matthew 28:19 before He ascended.
There was no particular danger in the mission they were on in Matthew 10.
But after Jesus was going to be killed, ascended, and testified to, danger would follow them.
Which indeed it did - not only in the book of Acts but throughtout the history of the early church.
So they were to be ready when needed.
But Jesus also did not mean for Peter to use the sword to stop His arrest....which had to happen.
Matthew 26:54
54“How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”
There is no conflict in scripture.
Jesus would not tell the apostles not to use the sword one time,
and then tell them to use the sword another time.
We must reconcile all scripture.
It is morally correct to protect youself if you are being attacked.