What does Luke 22:35-38 mean?

[fisherman_carl]

22:36–38. Jesus announces his passion by applying to himself the Isaiah prophecy about the Servant of Yahweh (Is 53:12)—“he was numbered with the transgressors”—and pointing out that all the other prophecies about the sufferings of the Redeemer will find fulfilment in him. The testing-time is imminent and our Lord is speaking symbolically when he talks about making provision and buying weapons to put up a fight. The apostles take him literally, and this leads him to express a certain indulgent understanding: “It is enough.” “Just in the same way as we,” Theophylact says, “when we are speaking to someone and see that he does not understand, say: ‘Very well, leave it’*” (Enarratio in Evangelium Lucae, in loc.).

Navarre Catholic Commentary

 

[BenRosa]

In the scenario, in the USA, if the State has proper warrant information, then the Catholic Faith would obey the order of the warrant.

Yea, that is what I thought…we’d have to let them in and take us away…in this situation, to be martyrs. Not the same as scenario A where a criminal is breaking-in…we can defend ourselves.

Thanks all for the clarification.

 

[BenRosa]

Navarre Catholic Commentary

Carl: Yes, I’ve seen the portion of this scripture to support the purchase of weapons (read: firearms in this case), but our Lord meant the spiritual weapons our faith provides (prayer, fasting, penance, good works, etc.). Our Lord appeared exasperated with His chosen few because they were still thinking in worldly terms.

I did still, however, exercise my 2nd Amendment right over the Independence holiday so as to protect my family & myself from unlawful intruders entering our “safe space” (read: home).

Thank you all for the feedback.

 

[thistle]

Yea, that is what I thought…we’d have to let them in and take us away…in this situation, to be martyrs. Not the same as scenario A where a criminal is breaking-in…we can defend ourselves.

Thanks all for the clarification.

Why would that make you a martyr???

Being arrested by the police or FBI under a warrant does not make anyone a martyr.

 

[Jeanne1184]

newadvent.org/bible/luk022.htm

“Each of you, sell your clothes and buy a sword.”
“We already have two swords.”
“Alright, that’s enough.”

What?

Well, I’ve looked at the commentaries on BibleHub:

biblehub.com/commentaries/luke/22-36.htm

Bengel’s Gnomen was interesting (as others, trying to make sword = money).

However, I’m strongly inclined to think that the passage was adulterated to include ‘sword’ references in order to explain how Peter had a sword to cut off Malchus’ ear.

Luke 22:35 - And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse (balantion), and scrip (perEn), and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

G905 – balantion – money-bag
G4082 - pera/peras – scrip; knapsack to carry provisions.

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, let him sell his garment and let him buy! [sword - added?]

37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords (purse and scrip?). And he said unto them, It is enough.

To me, Jesus was saying that He would no longer be able to provide materially for them once He was gone – and if they had no money for provisions, then they must sell their coats – and not become beggars.

I don’t know where Peter got his sword, but it seems highly unlikely that Jesus promoted taking up the sword. Plus, they were to ‘lay low’ until the Holy Spirit came to them.

In addition: What sense would it make for Jesus to promote swords – only to tell them in the garden, “…for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” (Matt. 26:52 where it recounts the same incident).

It’s possible that Peter hid a sword under his cloak when fearful of facing what was coming. In an attempt to justify Peter’s rash behavior, adjustments may have been made.

 

[Nelka]

Ver. 36. That hath not, &c. Whilst the apostles are contending for prerogative, he reminds them that now is the time of danger and slaughter; for I, your Master, (says he) shall be led to a dishonourable death, and reputed among the wicked: as all which hath been foretold of me shall have their end; that is, be fulfilled. Wishing also to insinuate the violence of the assaults they themselves will have to sustain, he mentions a sword; but does not reveal all, lest they should be too much alarmed; nor does he entirely suppress the mention of it, lest sudden attacks might overpower them, had they not been forewarned. (Theophylactus)

Ver. 38. Behold here are two swords, &c. The disciples not understanding the hidden meaning of the words in the preceding verse, and thinking they should have need of swords against the attack of the traitor Judas, say, behold here two swords. (St. Cyril) — But if he had wished them to rely upon human aid, not even a hundred swords would have sufficed; but, if the power of man was unnecessary in their regard, even two swords are sufficient, and more than are wanted. (St. Chrysostom) — Even two swords are sufficient testimony of our Saviour’s having suffered spontaneously. One to shew that the apostles had courage to contend for their Master, and that their Lord had the power of healing the servant, Malchus, who was maimed; the other, which was not drawn from its scabbard, shews that the apostles were withheld from doing in his defence as much as they could have done. (Ven. Bede)