Dr Paul Allen

Got Questions Website Quote: "Carrying a weapon for self-defence is never condemned in the Bible. In fact, it was mentioned in a positive light by Jesus Himself on one occasion (Luke 22:35-38).” Question to Got Questions: Why should these verses be used literally as in your article? Is Jesus not saying you face an uncertain future? Answered by: John from Got Questions Scripture quotations are taken from The New American Standard Bible. Thank you for your question. Jesus issued instructions on two different occasions. "These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, `Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.` (Matthew 10:5a,9-10) `And He said to them, `When I sent you out without purse and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?` And they said, `No, nothing.` And He said to them, `But now, let h...

Luke 22:35-38 says: 35 [Jesus] asked them [the eleven apostles], "When I sent you out without a purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "No, not a thing." 36 He said to them, "But now the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled." 38 They [the disciples] said, "See, Lord, here are two swords." "It is enough," he replied. (NRSV) The textual context reveals at least two truths. First, Jesus contrasts his ministry before his arrival in Jerusalem with the tense few days in Jerusalem when spies and the authorities themselves were seeking to trap him. Does the tension play a part in understanding why he told his disciples to go out and buy swords? This is answered, below. Second, he says that he ...