Does Jesus Command Us To Carry A Sword?

Does Jesus Command Us To Carry A Sword?

Author: Jerry Robinson October 24, 2019 Duration: 1:15:37
View the full video teaching online at https://truerichesradio.com/does-jesus-command-disciples-to-carry-a-sword/

The concept of preserving one’s own life, and especially the lives of our families, by preemptively killing a violent oppressor is commonly held today. In fact, any other reaction aside from preemptive killing of one’s mortal enemies is considered unthinkable by many Christians today.

The most common scriptural defense of the right of Christian “self-defense” of one’s life, property or country is rooted in an interesting comment made by Jesus on the final night of his life.

In an unusual phrase, Jesus urges his disciples:

“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)

At first glance, this verse does indeed appear to suggest that Jesus wanted his disciples to take up arms by saying to sell your cloak and buy a sword.

In this teaching, we examine this seemingly difficult passage.

Was Jesus calling his disciples to a life of violence and bloodshed after spending his entire ministry calling them to non-violence?

Did Jesus instruct His disciples to buy a sword for use in self-defense? From who? From robbers? The Jews? The Roman Empire?

Did Jesus want His disciples to lead a violent revolt with these swords? If so, how could only two swords be enough to protect 12 men?

And if Jesus does want His followers to kill or maim with these swords? And does He still want us to love our enemies and to turn the other cheek?

If Jesus wanted His disciples to carry and sword and use it in self-defense, why didn’t His disciples ever use those swords beyond the Garden of Gethsemane?

What is the truth about this verse?

The Gospel of Peace with Jerry Robinson

Rediscover the life, teachings, and nonviolent way of Jesus. Explore articles, courses, reader questions, and book updates at TrueRichesAcademy.com.

The Gospel of Peace: Rediscovering the Nonviolent Way of Jesus releases November 30, 2026.

Hosted by the True Riches Academy, The Gospel Of Peace offers a space for deep conversation about a Christianity centered on radical, nonviolent love. This isn't about rehearsing familiar doctrines; it's an invitation to grapple with the challenging teachings of Jesus, particularly around violence, conflict, and what it means to truly love an enemy. Each episode, whether a teaching, a personal reflection, or a guest interview, pushes against conventional views on war and power, proposing a transformative path rooted in the peace of Christ. The dialogue is for anyone-believer, skeptic, or simply the curious-who feels that faith must offer more than passive agreement or cultural endorsement. By engaging with scripture and its practical implications in a broken world, this podcast seeks to reframe discipleship as an active, courageous pursuit of reconciliation. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that don't shy away from complexity, aiming to equip and inspire a more faithful, peaceful way of living.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 46

The Gospel of Peace with Jerry Robinson
Podcast Episodes
The Cross Unmasked: How Jesus Overcame Evil with Good [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:55
What if the cross of Jesus wasn’t about appeasing a wrathful God, but about exposing the futility of violence and revealing the unstoppable power of love?In this episode of The Gospel of Peace podcast, we explore how Jes…
Reading the Old Testament in Light of Christ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:48
In this third episode of the Gospel of Peace podcast, entitled “Reading the Old Testament in Light of Christ,” unpack the idea that the Old Testament can only be truly understood when viewed through the lens of Jesus Chr…
The God Who Forgives: How Jesus Transforms Our Understanding of Mercy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:43
In this second episode of the Gospel of Peace podcast, titled “The God Who Forgives: How Jesus Transformed Our Understanding of Mercy,” we dive deep into one of the most powerful—and sometimes challenging—aspects of the…
God Looks Like Jesus: The Good News We’ve Been Waiting For [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:20
In this inaugural episode of The Gospel of Peace, Jerry Robinson dives into a foundational and transformative truth: God looks like Jesus. For centuries, humanity has wrestled with questions about God’s true nature. Is H…
God & Guns (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:32
In this episode of the True Riches podcast, Jerry Robinson continues the crucial discussion on the intersection of faith and firearms.Drawing from profound stories of nonviolent resistance during World War II, Jerry chal…
God & Guns (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:33
Welcome friends, to another episode of the True Riches podcast. In this episode, we begin a crucial and timely series titled 'God and Guns.'In this first part, we'll delve into the complex and often controversial topic o…
Love Your Enemies (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
Whether you're grappling with questions about the nature of God, seeking to deepen your understanding of nonviolence, or looking for ways to actively embody the teachings of Jesus in your daily life, this new teaching of…
Love Your Enemies (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:52
In this pivotal session, we delve into one of Jesus' most radical teachings: "Love Your Enemies."We explore the transformative power of responding to hostility with compassion and forgiveness, reflecting the boundless lo…
The Foundation of Nonviolence (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:53
In a world rife with violence and conflict, our new "The Gospel of Peace" teaching series serves as a light in the present darkness that can lead us back to the heart of Jesus's teachings on nonviolence.Jerry Robinson, a…
The Foundation of Nonviolence (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:07
In a world rife with violence and conflict, our new "The Gospel of Peace" teaching series serves as a light in the present darkness that can lead us back to the heart of Jesus's teachings on nonviolence.Jerry Robinson, a…