Luke 9:1-5 :
He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them forth to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey—neither staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece. Into whatever house you enter, stay there, and depart from there. As many as don’t receive you, when you depart from that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony against them.”
Notice that Jesus told his disciples to wander from house to house without money and either bless or curse cities. Have you notice that we don’t do this today? I think that there’s a good reason for it, even though I have yet to ask my pastor about it. What I read in Luke is that these instructions were temporary and only applied to his disciples. I believe that the meaning underneath their actions is still true today, but I believe that the Bible is clear that God’s specific instructions to us today are different.
The fact is, even Jesus’ instructions to these same disciples was changed later. Listen to what told them before He died:
Luke 22:35-38 :
He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?”
They said, “Nothing.”
Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword. For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me has an end.”
They said, “Lord, behold, here are two swords.”
He said to them, “That is enough.”
The Bible clearly explains what has changed here. Not only are we supposed to have extra money but we need to make sure and buy weapons! It appears that Jesus knew that a time of abuse was coming upon those who belong to God. He was going to leave and bad people were going to have a little more freedom until their final end. This study shows how very important it is that we not take things out of context. This passage should remind U.S. Christians as to why they need to defend their right to bear arms. It is pretty clear, here, that it is not wrong for Christians to have weapons and to defend themselves. It is pretty clear that these weapons are to be used for self-defense, not to wage war. Clearly, Jesus wasn’t advocating a stockpiling of weapons.
These were instructions to Christians, not to unbelievers. It’s easy to see that the rules about weapons, set up in the United States work properly when the majority of the citizens are Christians. Weapons in the hands of unbelievers are prone to be used for waging war. This way of life is not going to last forever.
Eventually, when Jesus returns, no weapons will be necessary because there will be perfect peace and we will be able to rely completely on His government on earth.