Luke 22:36 – He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.
At first glance of Luke 22:36, it is easy to assume that Jesus is telling us to equip ourselves with different things such as money and a sword, before going out to preach the gospel. However, in this scripture, Jesus is referring to items such as a bag, money belt/purse, sword, and cloak, as spiritual items. Jesus did not condone physical violence of any kind, and so there is a deeper meaning behind his instructions. It is an instruction for spiritual preparedness in various ways.
Luke 22:36 Is Not Referring To Money
To gain a better understanding of the true meaning behind Luke 22:36, it’s important to note that it is not referring to money. Let’s turn to another scripture for further insight.
Luke 10:1, 4-5 & 7 – After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go…4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. 5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’…7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
In this passage, Jesus is sending out the seventy-two disciples to go to different towns to preach the gospel. He instructs them not to take a purse, bag, or sandals, and to rely on the hospitality of those they meet. He also tells them that the worker deserves his wages, which implies that they will be taken care of by those who they are preaching to.
We must be careful in the interpretation of these scriptures because our Lord, Jesus, never did secular work during his ministry on earth. Rather, he was provided for through others.
Luke 8:1-3 – After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Furthermore, the Apostles did not do any secular work. Their ministries were provided for by other believers.
Acts 4:32-37 – All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 2:42-47 – They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Why was it then, that the only Apostle who engaged in secular work at times, was Paul? The other apostles in Jerusalem did not. This is because the Jewish people knew it was right to give to ministries, as they were formerly tithing, offering, and paying the Temple tax, along with the costs of sacrifices. However, the Gentiles, whom Paul was mainly dealing with, were not accustomed to these ways. Thus, causing Paul to have to undertake secular work at times.
Acts 18:1-5 – After these events Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, 3and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them, and they worked together, for they were tent-makers by trade. 4And Paul was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
We can see that the Apostle Paul was forced to work because he was preaching amongst Gentiles in Corinth, who were not accustomed to these ways. However, as soon he received provision from the Macedonian church, he once again devoted himself to full-time ministering of the word.
2 Corinthians 11:9 – And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
The Apostle Paul having to work is not a negative reflection of his ministry. It is a reflection of the lack of generosity among the Gentile believers in Corinth. And a lack of understanding that all ministers must be provided for by those who are being preached and ministered to. Just like Jesus’ instructions that a worker deserves his wages, the Apostle Paul repeats this concept.
1 Corinthians 9:3-12 & 18 – My defense to those who examine me is this: 4Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? 8Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. 18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.
It may seem that the Apostle Paul is contradicting this concept in verse 12, but if we dig further into scripture, we will find that the Apostle Paul used the funds that he received from other churches, so he could preach the gospel without charge to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 11:7-9 – Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
This is a reflection on the illiberal outlook of the Corinthian church, it is not a negative connotation of the Apostle Paul’s ministry. The Apostle Paul substantiates Jesus’ commandment that the worker deserves his wages, which Paul mentions numerous times.
1 Corinthians 9:14 – In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
So we can see that in no way is Jesus in Luke 22:36, claiming that the Apostles who preached the gospel, should also engage in secular work, of any kind. We see this directly in the examples of the Apostle Peter and the 12 other Apostles.
Acts 6:2 – And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
Ideally, a preacher of God’s word should devote himself fully to preaching while he is provided for by those he is preaching to. Unfortunately, many times, this is not the case. Thus, causing some men of God, like the Apostle Paul, to have to undertake secular work. This should not have been the case but it is due to the shortcomings of the people who are being ministered to that refuse to offer financial support.
Paul is speaking to the Corinthians, a Gentile church, informing them of this very point. The Apostles, men of God, who preach the doctrine of Jesus, the Christ, are doing the work they are called to do (to preach the word of God). He is explaining that they have the right to receive their living from this gospel work they do. The Jewish people would not have had to be informed of this point, as it was written in the law of Moses.
Deuteronomy 18:1-8 – “Remember that the Levitical priests—that is, the whole of the tribe of Levi—will receive no allotment of land among the other tribes in Israel. Instead, the priests and Levites will eat from the special gifts given to the LORD, for that is their share. 2They will have no land of their own among the Israelites. The LORD himself is their special possession, just as he promised them.
3“These are the parts the priests may claim as their share from the cattle, sheep, and goats that the people bring as offerings: the shoulder, the cheeks, and the stomach. 4You must also give to the priests the first share of the grain, the new wine, the olive oil, and the wool at shearing time. 5For the LORD your God chose the tribe of Levi out of all your tribes to minister in the LORD’s name forever.
6“Suppose a Levite chooses to move from his town in Israel, wherever he is living, to the place the LORD chooses for worship. 7He may minister there in the name of the LORD his God, just like all his fellow Levites who are serving the LORD there. 8He may eat his share of the sacrifices and offerings, even if he also receives support from his family.
Numbers 18:23-24 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting, 22 so that the people of Israel do not come near the tent of meeting, lest they bear sin and die. 23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tent of meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations, and among the people of Israel they shall have no inheritance. 24 For the tithe of the people of Israel, which they present as a contribution to the Lord, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have no inheritance among the people of Israel.”
It has always been that a priest/teacher of God’s word is provided for by those he is ministering to, even as far back as the time of Abraham.
Genesis 14:18-20 – And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Throughout history, this has been the established practice, a law guided by God’s principles. Jesus, being born under the law, adhered to and upheld the law without contradicting it. He followed the law and did not speak against it.
Galatians 4:4 – But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Jesus is not contradicting the law in any way but rather, he is confirming it.
Luke 22:35-36 – And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.
Jesus is affirming that during his earthly presence, he provided for the disciples. He is now assuring them that God will undertake this responsibility, and he is explaining the spiritual methods by which God will care for them, primarily through the provision offered by those they preached to. Additionally, this protection extends to safeguarding the disciples’ comprehension of the true word of God, shielding them from distortion and misinterpretation instigated by the adversary and his followers. This style of teaching is a recurring theme in Jesus’ messages.
John 17:11-12 – And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
Once more, Jesus emphasizes that his protection was not against physical harm but rather against the spiritual violence of manipulating scripture. This is evident in Jesus’ prayer: “Holy Father, protect them by Your name” and his statement, “I protected and preserved them by Your name.” These declarations highlight the spiritual guardianship and preservation that Jesus sought for his followers, shielding them against misinterpretation or distortion of God’s teachings.
Examining The Spiritual Meaning Behind Physical Items
Jesus is not referring to physical weapons or money in Luke 22:36. He is speaking of spiritual weapons and the spiritual battle that his followers will face. Jesus assures his disciples that their needs will be met as they preach the gospel, and that they will be rewarded for their labor in spreading the message.
Let’s examine the scripture again. In Luke 22:35-36, Jesus states:
Luke 22:35-36 – And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no money bag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.
If Jesus was speaking literally, then he seems to be contradicting himself in the following scriptures, where he said that God would provide for them:
Luke 12:22-33 – Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
Matthew 6:19-21 & 25-34 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
However, this is not the case. Jesus reassures his followers that God will provide for their needs and advises them to instead, seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This shows that Jesus’ teachings were not focused on physical provisions but on spiritual ones, and that he encouraged his followers to put their trust in God for all their needs. By preaching the gospel and seeking righteousness, the man of God is doing the work of God and shall be provided for by God through his ministry by the people he ministers to. This further supports the idea that Jesus was speaking about spiritual preparedness in Luke 22:36 rather than physical provisions.
The Greek term used for ‘bag’ in Luke 22:36 denotes a small container for holding money, such as a wallet. The King James version translates it as ‘purse and scrip’, which both refer to the same item. Essentially, it can be understood as a modern-day money bag or wallet.
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.
It is the same when you look at the Aramaic Bible in plain english:
Luke 22:36 – He said to them, “From this hour, whoever has a money bag should take it and thus also a wallet, and whoever lacks a sword, let him sell his tunic and buy a sword for himself.
As we analyze Luke 22:36, we can observe that Jesus mentions a wallet, which he uses symbolically to communicate a spiritual message.
Luke 12:33 – Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
Other translations say:
Luke 12:33 (ESV) – Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Luke 12:33 (ISV) – Sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor. Make yourselves wallets that don’t wear out—a dependable treasure in heaven, where no thief can get close and no moth can destroy anything.
The King James translation simply says ‘bag’.
Luke 12:33 – Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Other Old Testament scriptures mention this as well.
Haggai 1:6 – You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.
It is evident that in Luke 22:36, Jesus refers to a spiritual bag or wallet, not a literal one. This spiritual wallet signifies relying on God’s provision and prioritizing the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness over earthly provision (secular employment).
In Luke 22:36, Jesus uses the word “wallet” to convey a spiritual message to his disciples. While a physical wallet represents the need to provide for oneself, a spiritual wallet represents something entirely different. It symbolizes the trust in God’s provision as one goes forth to preach the gospel and live according to His righteousness. In other words, a spiritual wallet means that as we seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, all our needs will be added unto us. By using this metaphor, Jesus emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s provision rather than our own efforts.
Luke 12:33 (ISV) – “Sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor. Make yourselves wallets that don’t wear out—a dependable treasure in heaven, where no thief can get close and no moth can destroy anything.
In Luke 22:35-36, Jesus is using symbolic language to refer to spiritual concepts. Rather than contradicting his earlier statement that God will provide for his followers, Jesus is instead emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparation in the face of adversity, as opposed to relying solely on physical provisions.
Luke 22:35-36 – And he said to them, “When I sent you without a money bag and without wallet and shoes, did you lack anything? And they were saying to him, “Nothing!” 36He said to them, “From this hour, whoever has a money bag should take it and thus also a wallet, and whoever lacks a sword, let him sell his tunic and buy a sword for himself.
So we can see that Jesus is essentially advising the disciples to do the same thing as before. Earlier, he tells them not to take a physical wallet:
Luke 10:4 – You shall not take for yourselves moneybags, nor wallets, nor sandals and do not greet a man on the road.
Then later on, he tells them to take along a spiritual wallet:
Luke 22:35-36 – And he said to them, “When I sent you without a money bag and without wallet and shoes, did you lack anything? And they were saying to him, “Nothing!” 36He said to them, “From this hour, whoever has a money bag should take it and thus also a wallet, and whoever lacks a sword, let him sell his tunic and buy a sword for himself.
Luke 12:33 – Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
Jesus gives all of his disciples, including us today, the same message:
Luke 14:33 – So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.
We can see then that there is no contradiction in Jesus’ message. This essentially amounts to the same instruction. We can see evidence of this with Peter.
Acts 3:5-6 – So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
And the first century church:
Acts 4:34-37 – There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet
Acts 2:44-45 – And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
This coincides with Jesus first instruction:
Matthew 10:7-10 – As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 9 “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.
Mark 6:8 – and He instructed them that they were to take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt—
Luke 9:3 – And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.
The Spiritual Meaning Of Bag & Wallet
There are some who may insist that the terms ‘bag’ and ‘wallet’ refer to two separate items. However, there is another alternative explanation for the spiritual bag that Jesus is referring to. Let’s examine the evidence of the meaning behind a ‘bag’ in Luke 22:35-36:
Luke 22:36 – He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.
Jesus is speaking of spiritual items in this scripture. A spiritual bag:
Job 14:17 – my transgression would be sealed up in a bag, and you would cover over my iniquity.
This is corroborated by the very scripture we are speaking of:
Luke 22:37 – For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”
People constantly tried to curse Jesus by declaring him as a false prophet and sinner because of his uncompromising interpretation of God’s word. They even tried to curse him at his death.
Deuteronomy 21:22-23 – If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.
This is why the Jewish people asked the Romans to crucify Jesus.
Acts 5:30 – The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.
Acts 3:14 – You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.
Acts 13:28-29 – And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.
Matthew 27:21-23 – Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. 22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” 23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
John 19:4-7, 12-14 & 16 – Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” 5 So Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.”
John 18:38-40 – What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. 39 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” 40 They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.
John 18:29-32 – So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” 30 “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. 32 This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die.
John 10:31-33 – Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” 33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
Galatians 3:13 – Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”
Acts 7:54-60 – When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
John 8:59 – At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
John 11:8 – But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”
John 5:18 – For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
John 8:3-6 – The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
2 Corinthians 5:21 – God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
This means that those who disagree with Jesus’ interpretation of God’s word will label him and his followers as transgressors, and they will require God’s protection to defend against these accusations.
2 Chronicles 36:15-16 – The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. 16 But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.
Acts 7:52 – Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—
1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 – For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
Jesus cautions us that we will undergo the same persecution he did.
John 15:18-20 – If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
John 16:1-4 – I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.
Matthew 24:9 – Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.
And no matter how much the people try to curse Jesus and his followers, God will continue to bless them.
Isaiah 51:7-8 – Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment, And the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, And My salvation from generation to generation.”
Numbers 23:3 – How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?
Genesis 12:3 – I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
The Meaning Of A Spiritual Sword
The passage in Luke 22:36 indicates that Jesus was also referring to a spiritual sword. This concept is further supported by other verses in the Bible, including:
Ephesians 6:17 – Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Isaiah 49:2 – He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.
Revelation 1:16 – In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
The Apostle Paul frequently refers to spiritual weapons in his writings.
Ephesians 6:10-17 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Paul is quoting from the Old Testament.
Isaiah 59:17 – He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.
While Paul doesn’t explicitly use the term ‘cloak of zeal,’ he does elaborate on the concept that Isaiah mentions.
Ephesians 6:18-20 – praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul approaches the topics of weaponry and clothing from a spiritual perspective in all his references to them.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 – For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 6:3-10 – We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
Romans 13:12 – The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
1 Thessalonians 5:7-9 – For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
The spiritual context of clothing is once again mentioned in the Old Testament.
Job 29:14 – Everything I did was honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban.
Returning back to Luke 22:36, Jesus encourages his disciples to use their zeal and righteousness to understand the word of God, as he instructs them to sell their garments or cloaks and purchase a sword. He is referring to swords and moneybags in a spiritual context.
Luke 22:36 (ESV) – He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.
Luke 22:36 (KJV) – 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.
Luke 22:36 (Aramaic Bible in Plain English)- He said to them, “From this hour, whoever has a money bag should take it and thus also a wallet, and whoever lacks a sword, let him sell his tunic and buy a sword for himself.
Jesus would not be advising the disciples to carry weapons when he clearly rebuked Peter for using a weapon in self defence.
Luke 22:49-51 – When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
Matthew 26:51-52 – With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Jesus clearly stated ALL those who take up the sword will die by the sword. This was not meant for Peter only but for EVERYONE. Self defense is violence in the eyes of God.
Revelation 13:10 – He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
If Jesus meant literal swords in Luke 22:36, then when the guards came to arrest him, he would not have asked why he is being treated like someone who is inciting violence:
Luke 22:52 NIV – Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?
NASB – And Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a man inciting a revolt?
NLT – Then Jesus spoke to the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him. “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,” he asked, “that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?
Matthew 26:55 NIV – In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.
NLT – Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day.
NASB – At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a man inciting a revolt? Every day I used to sit within the temple grounds teaching, and you did not arrest Me.
Jesus is clearly stating that he is being treated as one who incites violence and insurrection. Obviously, Jesus was not speaking about literal swords in Luke 22:36
So then, it is obvious that Jesus is not condoning violence, nor is he speaking of a physical sword. Jesus is speaking of a spiritual sword in Luke 22:36, which is the word of God.
This is why Jesus stated:
Matthew 10:34 – “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Luke says it this way:
Luke 12:51 – Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.
As we can see, Jesus was speaking of a spiritual sword and not a literal one. The word of God is like a sword that causes division.
Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
This is why when the disciples responded and pointed out two literal physical swords, Jesus rebuked them for missing the point. Unfortunately, people are still missing the point today.
Luke 22:38 NIV – The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.
Luke 22:38 CEV – The disciples said, “Lord, here are two swords!” “Enough of that!” Jesus replied.
Due to Jesus’ lack of explanation on this subject, Peter did not understand that he was referring to a spiritual sword at the time. And so, we find Peter carrying a sword, and ready to use it in self defense, until Jesus explains matters further to him, in the Garden of Gethsemane:
Matthew 26:51-52 – With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
If Jesus truly instructed his disciples to carry a sword while preaching the gospel, then as Christians, we would be obligated to do the same as it was a directive from the Lord, and we are called to follow all his teachings/commandments. This would be similar to the practice of carrying a kirpan in the Sikh religion.
Matthew 28:18-20 – Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In conclusion, Luke 22:36 has been a subject of debate among scholars and theologians, with some interpreting it literally and others spiritually. However, a closer analysis of the context, language, and historical context suggests that Jesus is using metaphors and symbolism to convey a deeper message to his disciples. The passage is not a call to violence or self-defense but a call to spiritual preparedness and the need to rely on God’s provision and protection. If you are ministering to those who do not understand the biblical practice of supporting ministers of God’s word, it may be necessary at times, to undertake secular work, in order for the work of the Kingdom of Heaven to continue advancing. By delving deeper and considering the context and original language of the passage, we can better understand Jesus’ message and its spiritual implications for his followers.
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