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Luke 22:36; And Jesus 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.
How should a Christian view gun control?
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Brother-Paul
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I agree, a sword is a weapon same as a gun, a rifle or a knife
Again I agree totally
I would have to disagree Sue
A gun, a rifle, a sword, they are all weapons which can be used to kill
Brother-Paul
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Ermmm, this is a strange one, it conflicts previous instructions and teaching. More research I think.
Brother-Paul
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Luke 22:35–38
This short passage is difficult to interpret.
The difficulties lie in
(1) the syntax of v. 36 (cf. Notes);
(2) the problem of Jesus’ apparent support for using weapons, which is hard to reconcile with his word to Peter when the latter used the sword (Matt 26:52); and
(3) the seeming reversal of the instructions Jesus gave the Twelve and the seventy-two on their missions (Luke 9:1–3; 10:1–3).
Thus there is a question as to which principle regarding the use of force is normative for the church.
It is common to solve difficulties (2) and (3) by taking Jesus’ words as ironical.
But if that were so, v. 38b—“That is enough”—would be hard to understand; for it would seem to continue the irony when one would have expected a correction of the disciples’ misunderstanding of it. Any approach to a solution must take into account the fact that later, when the disciples were armed with these swords, Jesus opposed their use (vv. 49–51).
Moreover, the tone of v. 52 is nonmilitant.
Verse 36 clearly refers back to Luke 10:4, the sending of the seventy-two; both passages mention the “purse” (ballantion) and the “bag” (pēra).
(See also the sending of the Twelve in Luke 9:1–6, where the bag is mentioned, but not the purse.)
Here in v. 35 there seems to be an affirmation of those principles in the question “Did you lack anything?” Yet a contrast is also clearly intended. That contrast may imply that Jesus’ earlier instructions were a radical statement applicable only to discipleship during his lifetime. On the other hand, however, it more likely indicates, not a reversal of normal rules for the church’s mission, but an exception in a time of crisis (cf. “but now,” alla nyn). Jesus is not being ironic but thoroughly serious. Since he told them not to buy more swords than they had (v. 38), and since two were hardly enough to defend the group, the swords may simply be a vivid symbol of impending crisis, not intended for actual use.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary
If non militant, if not intended for actual use, why have a weapon?
The emphasis here, strange as it seems to other teaching by our Lord, appears to mean a time of crisis. I would love to hear more regarding these scriptures and the intention according to Jesus' instruction.
This short passage is difficult to interpret.
The difficulties lie in
(1) the syntax of v. 36 (cf. Notes);
(2) the problem of Jesus’ apparent support for using weapons, which is hard to reconcile with his word to Peter when the latter used the sword (Matt 26:52); and
(3) the seeming reversal of the instructions Jesus gave the Twelve and the seventy-two on their missions (Luke 9:1–3; 10:1–3).
Thus there is a question as to which principle regarding the use of force is normative for the church.
It is common to solve difficulties (2) and (3) by taking Jesus’ words as ironical.
But if that were so, v. 38b—“That is enough”—would be hard to understand; for it would seem to continue the irony when one would have expected a correction of the disciples’ misunderstanding of it. Any approach to a solution must take into account the fact that later, when the disciples were armed with these swords, Jesus opposed their use (vv. 49–51).
Moreover, the tone of v. 52 is nonmilitant.
Verse 36 clearly refers back to Luke 10:4, the sending of the seventy-two; both passages mention the “purse” (ballantion) and the “bag” (pēra).
(See also the sending of the Twelve in Luke 9:1–6, where the bag is mentioned, but not the purse.)
Here in v. 35 there seems to be an affirmation of those principles in the question “Did you lack anything?” Yet a contrast is also clearly intended. That contrast may imply that Jesus’ earlier instructions were a radical statement applicable only to discipleship during his lifetime. On the other hand, however, it more likely indicates, not a reversal of normal rules for the church’s mission, but an exception in a time of crisis (cf. “but now,” alla nyn). Jesus is not being ironic but thoroughly serious. Since he told them not to buy more swords than they had (v. 38), and since two were hardly enough to defend the group, the swords may simply be a vivid symbol of impending crisis, not intended for actual use.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary
If non militant, if not intended for actual use, why have a weapon?
The emphasis here, strange as it seems to other teaching by our Lord, appears to mean a time of crisis. I would love to hear more regarding these scriptures and the intention according to Jesus' instruction.
Brother-Paul
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Luke 22:35-38
35. Jesus begins his warning by contrasting what is to happen with happier times in earlier days. When he had sent them off to preach their resources had been meagre (Luke 10:4; cf. 9:3), but their needs had been supplied. They agree that they had then lacked Nothing.
36–37. But now (alla nyn) marks an emphatic contrast: perilous and difficult days lie ahead.
There will be need for purse and bag, and even for a sword.
The sword may have been meant literally (so Ellis, Lenski), but it is difficult to see this in view of Jesus’ general teaching and his refusal to let Peter use his sword (Luke 22:51).
Such considerations lead others to think the words are ironical (so Tinsley), but it is more likely that they are figurative.
It is Jesus’ graphic way of bringing it home that the disciples face a situation of grave peril. ‘Because He was not thinking of their weapons, the disciples require that courage which regards a sword as more necessary than an upper garment and surrenders even its last possession, but cannot give up the struggle’ (Schlatter, cited in Geldenhuys). Jesus goes on to inform the disciples that the words of Isaiah 53:12 are about to be fulfilled. This is noteworthy as one of the few places in the New Testament in which that chapter is explicitly applied to Jesus. Jesus sees his death as one in which he will be one with sinners. This surely points to that death as substitutionary: Jesus will take the place of sinful people. Since he is in such a plight the disciples are also in danger. Rieu brings out something of the danger to both the disciples and Jesus with his rendering: ‘Indeed for me the course is run.’
Isaiah 53:12
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.
38. The disciples did not understand; they spoke in terms of this world’s arms and said they could muster only two swords.
Jesus’ response, It is enough, means not ‘Two will be sufficient’ but rather, ‘Enough of this kind of talk!’ He dismisses a subject in which the disciples were so hopelessly astray.
Luke: an introduction and commentary.
2 swords! That is enough says Jesus. That is enough of this talk, NOT 2 swords are enough.
35. Jesus begins his warning by contrasting what is to happen with happier times in earlier days. When he had sent them off to preach their resources had been meagre (Luke 10:4; cf. 9:3), but their needs had been supplied. They agree that they had then lacked Nothing.
36–37. But now (alla nyn) marks an emphatic contrast: perilous and difficult days lie ahead.
There will be need for purse and bag, and even for a sword.
The sword may have been meant literally (so Ellis, Lenski), but it is difficult to see this in view of Jesus’ general teaching and his refusal to let Peter use his sword (Luke 22:51).
Such considerations lead others to think the words are ironical (so Tinsley), but it is more likely that they are figurative.
It is Jesus’ graphic way of bringing it home that the disciples face a situation of grave peril. ‘Because He was not thinking of their weapons, the disciples require that courage which regards a sword as more necessary than an upper garment and surrenders even its last possession, but cannot give up the struggle’ (Schlatter, cited in Geldenhuys). Jesus goes on to inform the disciples that the words of Isaiah 53:12 are about to be fulfilled. This is noteworthy as one of the few places in the New Testament in which that chapter is explicitly applied to Jesus. Jesus sees his death as one in which he will be one with sinners. This surely points to that death as substitutionary: Jesus will take the place of sinful people. Since he is in such a plight the disciples are also in danger. Rieu brings out something of the danger to both the disciples and Jesus with his rendering: ‘Indeed for me the course is run.’
Isaiah 53:12
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.
38. The disciples did not understand; they spoke in terms of this world’s arms and said they could muster only two swords.
Jesus’ response, It is enough, means not ‘Two will be sufficient’ but rather, ‘Enough of this kind of talk!’ He dismisses a subject in which the disciples were so hopelessly astray.
Luke: an introduction and commentary.
2 swords! That is enough says Jesus. That is enough of this talk, NOT 2 swords are enough.
Brother-Paul
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Luke 22:35-38
Jesus pointed out to His disciples that they had never lacked anything while they were with Him and were sent out to minister for Him (cf. Luke 9:3).
However, now that He was to be taken away from them, they would have to make preparations for their ministries including a purse … a bag, and … a sword for personal protection.
Jesus was about to die and be numbered with the transgressors, a quotation from Isaiah 53:12.
When the disciples responded that they had two swords, Jesus replied, That is enough. This response has been interpreted in at least four ways:
(1) Some understand the words as a rebuke to the disciples. If that were the case, then Jesus was saying, “Enough of this kind of talk!” (Leon Morris, The Gospel according to St. Luke: An Introduction and Commentary, p. 310)
(2) Others understand the words to denote the fact that even two swords are enough to show human inadequacy at stopping God’s plan for the death of Christ. Swords could not stop God’s purpose and plan.
(3) Jesus may simply have been saying that two swords were adequate for the 12 of them.
(4) Others see the clause in conjunction with the quotation from Isaiah and understand Jesus to mean that by possessing two swords they would be classified by others as transgressors or criminals. This fourth view seems preferable.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
The statement, 'That is enough', I feel is meant to be, that is enough of that talk. Possession of two swords amongst them all seems very unlikely to be enough if they were to use them against the Temple guard, they would be out numbered, it seems therefore that Jesus was saying 'That is enough' to mean that is enough of that talk.
Note, this was before the Temple guards and Judas came for Jesus, and when it happened we read...
Matthew 26:50-52
50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”
Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
This reprimand sums up the fact that Jesus had been saying previously, that is enough of that talk, when the disciples said they had 2 swords.
No way do I see the use of weapons, in a crisis or any other time in scripture.
Weapons in our day and age can be swords, knives, guns, rifles, missiles, bombs and more. We are instructed by our Lord not to take up weapons, is we do we will probably die,
Matthew 26:52
Jesus then said, ‘Put your sword back, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Shalom
Jesus pointed out to His disciples that they had never lacked anything while they were with Him and were sent out to minister for Him (cf. Luke 9:3).
However, now that He was to be taken away from them, they would have to make preparations for their ministries including a purse … a bag, and … a sword for personal protection.
Jesus was about to die and be numbered with the transgressors, a quotation from Isaiah 53:12.
When the disciples responded that they had two swords, Jesus replied, That is enough. This response has been interpreted in at least four ways:
(1) Some understand the words as a rebuke to the disciples. If that were the case, then Jesus was saying, “Enough of this kind of talk!” (Leon Morris, The Gospel according to St. Luke: An Introduction and Commentary, p. 310)
(2) Others understand the words to denote the fact that even two swords are enough to show human inadequacy at stopping God’s plan for the death of Christ. Swords could not stop God’s purpose and plan.
(3) Jesus may simply have been saying that two swords were adequate for the 12 of them.
(4) Others see the clause in conjunction with the quotation from Isaiah and understand Jesus to mean that by possessing two swords they would be classified by others as transgressors or criminals. This fourth view seems preferable.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
The statement, 'That is enough', I feel is meant to be, that is enough of that talk. Possession of two swords amongst them all seems very unlikely to be enough if they were to use them against the Temple guard, they would be out numbered, it seems therefore that Jesus was saying 'That is enough' to mean that is enough of that talk.
Note, this was before the Temple guards and Judas came for Jesus, and when it happened we read...
Matthew 26:50-52
50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”
Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
This reprimand sums up the fact that Jesus had been saying previously, that is enough of that talk, when the disciples said they had 2 swords.
No way do I see the use of weapons, in a crisis or any other time in scripture.
Weapons in our day and age can be swords, knives, guns, rifles, missiles, bombs and more. We are instructed by our Lord not to take up weapons, is we do we will probably die,
Matthew 26:52
Jesus then said, ‘Put your sword back, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Shalom
Brother-Paul
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Sadly Sue, I feel this will be a never ending debate, why?
America has always had guns they find it hard to be without them. FEAR!
America's police department appear corrupt, (not just America), civilians will not want to give up guns if the police still have them and the police are not going to do that. FEAR
Police across the world are increasing the use of guns, they say to protect themselves form terrorists, and gun holders, FEAR, it will increase not decrease, because the world is increasing in wickedness.
Matt 26:52
Jesus then said, ‘Put your sword back, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Jesus condemns weapons.
JerryfromMass
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Brother,
I read Jesus's statement "That is enough" to mean: don't argue over what I say, just do it: get a sword each one of you. You are going out from me and will be hated because of me. Protect yourselves. Just do as I say and get a sword, each of you. For I will return to bless you.
Jesus was going to the Cross and the apostles were going to be without HIM. They were going to face severe persecution and without Jesus to protect them from murdering bands until Jesus rose from the grave and blessed them.
As to what Jesus told Peter during HIS arrest, can you imagine HIS tone? In all the commotion, Jesus must have had to scream at the top of his lungs at Peter. Jesus was scolding Peter in the same manner and tone as HE did the money changers' when HE tossed their tables. Jesus was preparing to be the unblemished sacrificial atonement for the sins of the world and Peter's attempt to stop the arrest was a frustration to that purpose. Just as when Jesus tossed the tables so as to show the money changers that they were frustrating the purposes of God's house.
JerryfromMass
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Brother,
USA NRA life member here and I don't find it hard at all to be without a firearm. I'm quite comfy not having a firearm with me wherever I go. I was a law enforcement officer for three plus decades and possessed firearms daily. True, there are many Americans that aren't as comfortable as I am, but not everyone has the comfort of the Holy Spirit living in them, either. I still believe that if one is able to use necessary force to prevent evil from occurring or continuing, and deadly force is the only force suitable under the circumstances, then Christian brothers and sisters qualified in the use of firearms are not prohibited by scripture from killing a bad guy who is about to commit murder.
Blessings
Brother-Paul
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We have to agree to disagree my friend
I read Jesus was reprimanding them for saying they had two swords, enough of that!
Same as when the Temple guards came for Jesus and the ear of a guard was cut off, Jesus picked it up and reprimanded the user of the sword, warning those who fight with the weapon will die with the weapon.
Shalom
Downunder
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Au contraire the Word of God is always applicable to us as disciples of Christ Jesus.
