The Sword in Christianity

“So that it may be fulfilled, that I was surrounded by transgressors.” And then Peter said, “We have two swords,” and Christ said, “It’s enough.” And when Peter used it, Christ said, “If I willed it, I could command twelve legions of angels to come to my defense.” And when Peter struck the man’s ear off, Jesus healed him.

I don’t think that’s what that means, is that we need to go around like the wild West, initiating combat with people. The point being, the Apostles were sinners, and were called while being themselves chief transgressors. It was a testament for our salvation, that Christ was called to the transgressor, and those who’ve sinned, not to the self righteous. It’s not a call to sin. That’s a bad interpretation. Christ does not say that we’re allowed to sin, nor does He want unlawful combat. He also says, “If you slay with the sword, you must die by the sword. If you lead into captivity, you must be led into captivity.” Christ is clear, we’re not to kill with the sword. Rather, those who He surrounded Himself with, were all sinners, thieves, robbers, liars and scoundrels. Those are who he called, to be made righteous, and repent, and to cleave to Him.