Thanks for the dialog, but I am moving on. My research and experience is such that fighting against others is fruitless and not what Jesus taught. If you see otherwise, so be it, no condemnation from me.
Best, sschu
So you are admitting you have no clear way of allowing for the obvious meaning of Luke 22:36 in your interpretation?
It seems painfully obvious to me you are conflating what Jesus was telling his disciples to do in preparation to “switch gears” in light of his coming absence from them with the circumstances leading to that absence.
So you are left with a simple choice, admit your interpretation is flawed, or ignore an inconvenient verse of Holy Scripture.
What is so difficult about “protect oneself” (and family)
that you object too? Yes, sword can have multiple meanings. Don’t get stuck on just one or the other.
I had a pastor once who chastised me a bit for buying a little extra ammo. He said he would probably let them shoot him. I asked, what about your family and grand kids? He said he hadn’t thought about that..........................