robert: Jesus does not contradict himself.
Yes, I'm aware of that, to some it
seems that way, for example:
Use a sword for self defense...or.... turn the other cheek
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
robert: Your best move was to prove that the verse that I cited did not advocate self-defense. I am not going to reveal to you my other verses,....
You don't have any other verses, if you did, you would produce them and reinforce an already widely misunderstood verse. Opposing opinions already agree it is a difficult area regardless of stance.
Since you want me to debate with dead theologians, I'll humor both of us.
Luke 22:36
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 sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
The Theory
Barnes: It altogether refers to their future life. They were going into the midst of dangers. The country was infested with robbers and wild beasts. It was customary to go armed. He tells them of those dangers - of the necessity of being prepared in the usual way to meet them. This, then, is not to be considered as a specific, positive "command" to procure a sword, but an intimation that great dangers were before them; that their manner of life would be changed, and that they would need the provisions "appropriate to that kind of life."
Danger in the future ...robbers and wild beasts
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Did Mr Barnes know that Jesus has all the power, and would always be with them?
"If God is with me, who can stand against me?" Did Barnes know that Jesus taught His followers that love casts out all fear?
In His final instructions to the disciples, and to all future believers, Jesus gave what we call The Great Commission. Very important words and the last He would speak before going up in the clouds. It's strange that Jesus did not remind them(and us) to take swords because there would be robbers and wild beasts. After all, if He gave us the okay to kill in self defence, you'd think He would mention it again since it is opposite of all His other teachings, to avoid confusion. God is not the author of confusion, did Mr Barnes know that?
Did anyone tell Paul he needed to buy a sword to defend himself?
Ephesians 6
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Believers Spread the Gospel
Paul took beatings continually....did not use a sword
Stephen stoned to death...did not use a sword
Peter crucified...no record of sword fights
John exiled to an island.....didn't fight his way back to civilization, with a sword
Wonder if this sword business means something else
Romans 12
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
2Corinthians 10
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
Wonder why Paul did not give instructions to the church about killing in self defence, seems like a very important teaching that should be clearly layed out in more than one verse
robert:Now again, prove to me that the explanation by Barnes, a notable theologian studied by several Christians in several Christian seminaries is not what it means
I will continue with Clark, could you give your other New Testament scriptures?