Good point.
What's more Jesus (in Luke 22:36, if anyone has not yet read it), COMMANDS his followers to buy swords, even selling their outer garment to get the funds necessary to make the purchase.
Later Jesus rebukes Peter for drawing his sword (and cutting off Malchus' ear). Jesus told him to put it away. If Jesus needed protection, He didn't need to carry a sword personally or rely upon His followers, He could ask His Father to send a Legion or two Angels. But that was not His plan. It was necessary for the "Son of Man" to be crucified and be the atonement for sin. The swords were for those who would remain and to fullfil a prophesy, that Jesus would be numbered with transgressors. Were early Christians breaking the law being armed? Was there a black market in swords?
“Were early Christians breaking the law being armed? Was there a black market in swords?”
Apparently not, at that time. Furthermore, these were people living under Roman occupation. How often does a conquering force allow the vanquished to remain armed? Even more amazing, after Peter cut off a Roman’s ear, he is not arrested. A tolerent bunch, those Romans!