It's a simple plot device to allow for Jesus 'selflessly healing an enemy'.
Why was Simon Peter armed with a sword and other followers of Jesus?
by jam 84 Replies latest members private
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AGuest
Virtually everyone (men and women) carried a sword, knife, or other "equalizer" due to the presence of robbers/bandits on the roads (may you all have peace!). Hence, the details of the account of the Good Samaritan and the Jew who "fell to robbers" and similar situations. My understanding re Peter is that he was in fact a very skilled swordsman as were the others (learning to protect oneself was part of every able-bodied man's early life training, along with their respective trade - both were necessary)... and his strike was intended to show those present that he meant business... but not wound him fatally (because the consequences of killing soldier were greater than minorly wounding him).
Indeed, he would have been a fool to brandish a sword he didn't know how to use... under the circumstances: sanctioned soldiers coming to make an arrest. He was attempting to let those who came to take my Lord away that they could expect a fight, if that's what they wanted.
Thankfully, no fight resulted (they could have ALL been killed right then and there!). This was because my Lord "repaired" the error... so that there was nothing to fight about.
Again, peace to you all!
A slave of Christ,
SA
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notjustyet
I always heard that it was to protect themselves from wild animals.
Cause you know back then wild animals did not run away from humans like they do now. NO,.... They were all rabid and everyone had to carry a sword and be proficient in it to ward off the wild animal attacks cause you never know when a wild animal will come up behind you and attack.
I am also afeered of wild animals and must now carry an equivalent of a ancient sword,. My protection allows me to be a bit further away while taking down the wild animals of today.
NJY
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Band on the Run
Bull. The Garden of Gethsemane was near or in Jerusalem. It was probably a close suburb. There is no mention of any swords, knives, catapults, etc. when Jesus went into the wilderness and was tempted by Satan. Jews are law abiding people. The Romans established the Pax Romana.
If swords were a-ok, why did Jesus use a whip in the Temple?
He said to turn the other cheek. I've read the account recently. It is a radical call. One I am not certain I could follow.
If Peter and others were so adept with swords, the Roman solider would have been beheaded or castrated. It is much harder to cut off an ear than aim at vital organs.
Again, we learn about the details of First Century Middle Eastern life with no reference to any historical work or journal citations. There is no need for this forum. The interchange here is superfluous. Just drop out, turn on, and you will know what 13th century poets in a remote region of China ate for breakfast.
Please.
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Band on the Run
Some of us need to re-do elementary school.
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JeffT
Most translations seem to think it involved some sort of fullfilment of prophecy. I admit I don't get that.
Luke 22:35-37
New International Version (NIV)
35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”
“Nothing,” they answered.
36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’ [a] ; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.
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tec
Hmm. I don't get that either, Jeff.
Peace,
tammy
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Band on the Run
There is a much more powerful sword scripture. I can't recall it now. Pretty famous. Duh.
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tec
The one in Revelation... where Christ comes to fight against 'them' with the sword of his mouth?
That would make more sense... a parable type thing, when Christ says to sell their cloaks and buy a sword. To be armed with... truth.
Peace,
tammy
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rather be in hades
someone had to stay strapped. southside jerusalem was no joke back in the day. murder capitol of the world. worse than cabrini green. wear the wrong colors, look at someone the wrong way and you might get murked.
in all seriousness, it's an odd piece to the story. we're talking the son of god. or god, depending how you view him. to that point, he never needed a sword, he could calm down storms with a whisper, or if he really wanted to, he could go all darth vader and choke a mf-er with the holy spirit.
i don't buy them needing protection.