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https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A36-38&version=AKJV

Luke 22:36-38 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

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.

37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

Scholars should seek the truth in scripture, not dig for support backing their preferred answers. I find the Bible most useful when its guidance goes against my instincts. It’s reassuring when God’s word tells me I’m okay, but it’s far more important when scripture sets me back on the right track. I read for truth, not for an echo chamber.

I checked a lot of translations in several languages, including old versions and scholarly commentaries, before purchasing my first gun. I just reread many versions to refresh my memory. None of them struck me as irony or sarcasm. None sounded like a call to arm ourselves like monks in a Chinese monastery. All sounded like the words of a scholar who understood a much older passage about balance:

Ecclesiastes 3 King James Version (KJV)

3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

My personal opinion is that Jesus commanded us to take responsibility for defending ourselves and our faith against thugs and criminals. Defense against Rome (government)? No, at least not when it was hopeless.

He knew two of his disciples had swords, but He brought that topic up for the purpose of guiding us. He did not want us to exclusively and blindly follow the “turn the other cheek” passage. This was a case of “To every thing there is a season . . . .” He gave permission for us to arm ourselves, and He modified that with a caution that arms should not take center stage in our lives or in our faith. Swords? Yes . . . but in moderation, as with so much else in our lives.

Our responsibility to feed the poor and care for the sick includes (as just one facet) a responsibility to defend the weak against predators, and that may require a sword. It also requires that we not spend all of our time, money, and energy on weapons, but actually get out there and help those in need.