Jesus And Swords
By Norman A. Bert

Note: In addition to teaching specialties in playwriting and dramatic analysis, Dr. Bert has a primary interest in the interface of theatre and Christianity, holds a BD degree from the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, and teaches adults at Second Baptist in Lubbock.

In spite of Jesus clear teachings throughout his ministry, as represented in every strand of the NT witness, many Christians—and especially those in American evangelical churches—refuse to accept that he was a pacifist who taught against the use of force and violence. One of the proof-texts used to support the idea that Jesus advocated the bearing and use of weapons is Luke 22:35-38. In this passage, immediately before leaving the upper room to go to Gethsemane, Jesus said, “The one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one.” When the disciples point out that they possess, amongst them, a total of two swords, Jesus replies, “It is enough.”
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