What does Luke 22:36 mean?
Jesus is updating His instructions for the disciples' future travel. In the past, He told them to take only absolute essentials; those with whom they shared the gospel would provide what they needed (Luke 9:1–6; 10:1–12). Before, they weren't supposed to take an extra tunic or pair of sandals or a bag, but now they are. They will be going through places that will not be as hospitable as they are used to.Paul certainly experienced this. He strongly insisted that church leaders should be financially compensated by those to whom they minister (1 Timothy 5:17–18). Yet he also recognized that financial concerns sometimes got in the way of ministry. When he arrived—alone—in Corinth, he realized that the people needed his teaching more than the discipline of supporting him. He found the tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and worked with them to support his needs. Once Timothy and Silas arrived, they found work so Paul could concentrate on preaching (Acts 18:1–5).
Luke is the only gospel writer to include this section and the only one to comment on the swords. Literary analysis sees this as an example of the "Chekhov's gun" principle. This means that if an item—such as a gun or sword—is specifically mentioned in an early part of a story, it must reappear before the end. Luke is foreshadowing the sword that Peter will later use to slice off the ear of the high priest's servant (Luke 22:49–51; John 18:10–11).
Scholars debate over why Jesus tells them to bring a sword. Some say it's for protection from the bandits they'll meet on the road. Jesus later condemns Peter's inappropriate use of the sword. Notably, reaction to violence against the early church is largely passive (Acts 4:25–31; 8:1–3; 9:1–2; 12:1–5). Others say this is a metaphor for the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12–13) or for readiness to face a hostile world. It's possible that when the Sanhedrin tells Pilate that Jesus is leading an insurrection, they're noting that His followers carry swords and attacked a servant (Luke 22:49–50; 23:5).
