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Brent-

As for the swords, the text itself does not tell us what their purpose is. People seem happy to see these as defensive weapons, but the text does not say that. For all we know, Jesus intended them to be used to cut firewood (like a machete). Where the text is silent, we should exercise caution lest confuse our rational understanding with what the text is saying.



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Jesus Betrayed by Judas
47While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him.
48But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

49When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"

50And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

51But Jesus answered and said, "Stop! No more of this." And He touched his ear and healed him.

52Then 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 robber?

53"While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours."

In the very next versus we read that one of the disciples cuts off a mans ear with his sword. Then Jesus makes mention of swords and clubs in the context of weapons.

I do not believe I'm taking the text out of context. But I also stated that we would all have different opinions and I know this will always be so. Yes I affirm that Jesus taught peace and forgiveness. I know that our Lord is love and compassion. But I also see where people needed to protect themselves by means of force in the old testament.

Maybe I just have too much Tex'n in me, but if someone breaks into my home (trespassing) which I still consider an act of extreme unlawful behavior (as some don't anymore) I will do everything in my power to protect my daughter and wife.

I know what wicked people can do to innocent people, (Christians included... Columbine)and I don't intend to allow my family to be tortured and die in agony if I can help it.

It's a hard topic. Maybe I'm still at the beginning of my sanctification, the Lord might bring me along in the area of passivity in the future, I don't know.

Dave.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. - Galatians 2:16