New International Version
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.
Thank you for pointing that out too... apparently self defense is okay in the context.
Theologically, what is the context. This is prior to the Cross and the promises that it made possible. Jesus was leaving, the Holy Spirit had not yet come.
Can we really believe that God will wage war for us? Well if the bible is true... yes God will. It is for us to stand in His protection.
Red, was the sword a real sword, or was the sword His Word?