“…and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.”

-Jesus of Nazareth

What does The Word say?

Looking across the Testament of Old, we see in numerous places throughout that the nation of Israel was at war. There were many battles with numerous victories. These victories had one common denominator- The Father was with them. He even held back the Sun (Joshua 10:13). Midnight was not even allowed to stifle Victory. In many instances He guided them before battle, weaponizing common men. May we also not forget the threats upon Israel as they rebuilt Jerusalem with one hand, and armed the other (Nehemiah 4). What was the purpose in The Father going before Israel in war? What reason did He have in directing them to rebuild in such a fashion? The preservation of His people through protection. By means of defense. Self-defense.

But what about the Testament of New? Do we find war amongst The Redeemed? Do we see the sword coming from its sheath? With the exception of Peter living by the sword, we do not. What we find are Disciples being beaten within an inch of their life. Does this, however, justify the laying down of arms? Did The Father change His mind, or does He remain the same? If so, does that mean that He and The Son are in constant dispute over the matter? Can you imagine The Father and The Son arguing in Heaven over such matters? Would The Spirit play referee? Foolish is the thought.

One does not see defense after the arrival of The Way not because of disapproval by omission of words. It is simply because the opportunity had never arisen. Israel was not at war. No one was invading. The closest thing that we see is martyrdom. This is where the gray area begins. It is truly a black and white issue.

First, there is a very thick line dividing the fate of the Apostles and disciples, and that of someone that falls victim to Violence. If it and murder happens upon you because you have brought The Good News to wicked ears and untouched people, it is because the message has stirred the demons within them. They do not understand, or are simply enraged by your words. You brought a message in the name of Love, Forgiveness, and Grace. To kill them for attacking your message defeats the purpose. This is when your hands should be void of the means of self-preservation. You made the choice to lay down your life that others may live. This is the understanding of all missionaries and street preachers.

However, if you are simply walking down the street or sitting with your family at home, and Violence finds you, it isn’t because of your message. It is because you are at the wrong place at the wrong time. And so are they.

Second, did The Son really tell us not to defend ourselves when He said to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:38-39)? In Biblical times to slap someone on the cheek was tantamount to an insult. In this passage He is expounding on the previous passages, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” and “do not resist an evil person”. Through context this passage is speaking on vengeance. What He is telling us is that when someone hurts you, to move on (“offer the other cheek”). One could go as far as to say “walk away” if someone is threatening you. However, if someone happens upon you with deadly force, He is not telling you to lay down and let them beat or murder you. He did not tell us to allow people to attack us and our family. There is a difference between arranging a street fight to avenge and putting down a knife wielding madman seeking your grave. 

Later He told His Disciples “‘When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?’ So they said, ‘Nothing.’

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: 35-36). One would be perplexed as to why Our Savior would command the owning of a sword. Even to the point of selling one’s robe as surety to obtain one. The reason can be found in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In that all familiar tale we see a man fall victim to thieves as he traveled the road. This was actually common. The needed sword would be used to protect oneself from attack. Later in the passage by Luke, the Disciples’ response was “‘Lord,’ they said, ‘look, here are two swords.’ ‘That is enough!’ he told them.”(v.38). “Enough” is the Greek word hikanos, which essentially means “sufficient”, despite what one reknown Bible teacher once said- that what Christ meant by “That is enough” was “that is enough talk about fighting” (I paraphrase).

To understand the idea of the “God given right” to defend oneself, one needs to take a step back and set their eyes upon The Word as a whole. The Father called His people to defend themselves. Even to the point of His own involvement. The Son called His followers to carry a sword. The Spirit remained silent when directing Paul, Peter, John, and James. However, they are all the same. One God in three. They must agree. Otherwise we have contradiction in The Word, and arguing in the halls of Heaven. 

A God that calls his people to defend themselves against foreign invaders. A God that goes before his people in war. A God that calls his people to defense as they rebuild their home. A God that tells his followers to buy and carry a sword. He simply asks that we seek not vengeance. Because that is His cup to bear.

As a father and husband I could not fathom watching Evil come upon my wife and attack her, or kidnap my daughter, or butcher my sons all while I repeat “turn the other cheek” in my mind. I imagine that my friend would probably let go of his pacifist convictions in the heat of the fire if such a situation came upon his family. There is nothing in The Word that tells us to lay down and allow Violence to take our life or our loved ones. Outside of martyrdom for the sake of The Gospel, of course. There is nothing in The Word that permits Evil to come into our homes to destroy, rape, and kill our loved ones as we sit idly by and watch in horror. There is, however, something in The Word that permits us, commands us even, to defend ourselves and those that we love. To protect us from Evil. To preserve our lives to see a new day.