Wednesday, June 3, 2009

More from Tuesday - the Two Swords?

Jesus saying to purchase the sword in Luke 22:36 - and the disciples bringing out two in Luke 22:38 - confused me. I'm not alone in that. Ambrose in his Exposition on the Gospel of Luke wrote, "Why do you who forbid me to wield a sword now command me to buy one? Why do you command me to have what you forbid me to draw?"

Art Just seems to suggest not taking this literally, but to make provisions in general for long life as a minister. He also references those who say that - after Jesus has preached peace so much - the disciples show themselves not yet understanding Him because they have swords in their possession. This proves they are transgressors, which then ties in to Luke 22:47. Thus the prayer of the day included in TDP.

Ambrose gives a few options. Have the sword, to show that you could fight back when struck, but willingly turn the other cheek even as our Lord could have taken revenge, could have called down legions of angels, but willingly went to lay down His life. Ambrose also notes the spiritual sword, that is, the Word of God, the two swords being the New and Old Testaments - "Then the Lord says, 'It is enough,' as if nothing is lacking to him whom the teaching of each Testament has strengthened" against the deceits of the devil.

Cyril of Alexandria suggests the sword reference goes back to the Fall of Jerusalem prediction of Luke 21:20-24. He writes:

For this reason they say, "Lord, behold, here are two swords." And what is the Saviour's reply? "It is enough." Observe how, so to say, He even ridicules their speech, well knowing that the disciples not having understood the force of what was said, thought that swords were required, because of the attack about to be made upon Himself. Fixing His look therefore upon those things which happened to the Jews because of their wicked conduct towards Him, the Saviour, as I said, ridicules their speech, and says, "It is enough:" yes, forsooth, two swords are enough to bear the brunt of the war about to come upon them, to meet which many thousand swords were of no avail. For a mighty resistance was made by the pride of the Jews against the forces of Augustus Caesar: but they availed nothing; for they were besieged with overpowering might, and suffered all misery. For as the prophet Isaiah says, "That which the holy God purposes, who shall bring to nought? and His hand, when lifted up, who shall turn aside?" Let us beware therefore of provoking God to anger: for it is a fearful thing to fall into His hands. But to those who believe in Christ He is merciful; even to those who praise Him; who call Him their Redeemer and Deliverer; who minister to Him with spiritual service, and by all virtuous conduct: for if so we act and speak, Christ will make us His own; by Whom and with Whom to God the Father be praise and dominion, with the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever, Amen.

1 comment:

  1. I found out recently that the Prayers of the Day for TDP were written by Art Just, so little wonder that it would be in line with his commentary!

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