These early Christians didn’t flee out of fear, but they didn’t actively seek to be martyred either. When Paul’s life was sought by the governor of Damascus, he took steps to defend himself by escaping through a basket in the wall of the city. When Saul of Tarsus was ravaging the church, the early Christians fled Jerusalem for safety. When King Herod sought to kill Jesus as a child, Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt to keep Him safe. There are several New Testament examples of self-defense. But as long as we maintain faithful obedience to God, there is nothing wrong with taking steps to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe in the face of imminent danger. Doing good to our enemies is more important than safety. Loving our enemies is more important than safety. Faithfulness is always more important than safety. There is nothing wrong with self-defense, unless of course our method of defending ourselves requires us to deny Christ or His teachings. How should this text be applied by Christians today? Should we all be getting our concealed carry permits? Should we all start arming ourselves when we go to worship? What steps should Christians take to protect themselves against imminent threats of danger? What should loving our enemies look like in light of this verse? Loving Our Enemies Does Not (Always) Contradict Self-Defense For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” – Luke 22.35-38ĭid Jesus instruct us to arm ourselves? How did Jesus anticipate His disciples to understand this request in light of His other non-violent and enemy loving commandments? And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. Notice that Jesus’s approach towards enemies includes doing good to them, lest anyone should mistakenly conclude that they can love their enemy in their heart, while doing them harm.īut what about Luke 22.36? Did Jesus give His approval of preparing to use force against evil? Here is the verse in context:Īnd he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. Jesus’ teachings about how Christians should treat their enemies are clear, and stand in stark contrast to the “common sense” approach typically shown by people in the world. He taught us to follow His example of taking up a cross, even though He could have crushed His enemies with force (Mt. He taught us to love our enemies, pray for them, and bless them (Mt. He taught His disciples not to resist evil people (Mt. He taught that Christians should live with attitudes that are antithetical to violence (Mt. Jesus did not teach that Christians should use violence to protect themselves from their enemies.
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