Luke 22:37Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore, take heart, as you will encounter hunger and a need for sustenance, alluded to by ‘suma,’ and be courageous, for you will face many dangers, as indicated by ‘sword.’ He speaks of swords not to encourage them to bear arms, but rather, to prepare them for the forthcoming conflicts and adversities, making them ready for all that lies ahead. To ensure that future generations do not believe that the apostles achieved holiness solely through divine intervention, the Lord asserts that it should not be so. He does not intend to use His disciples as lifeless instruments; rather, He desires that they contribute what they can on their own. In fact, it is evident that the apostles, particularly Paul, succeeded in many practical skills (Acts 18:3; Acts 20:34), provided that they were not devoid of divine assistance. This was also beneficial for the apostles' humility. If they had expected everything from God without taking initiative, they might have grown arrogant, believing they had inherited something beyond human experience. Furthermore, humanity would have become stagnant and corrupt if they had not engaged their own creativity, assuming everything would simply be provided. Hence, the Lord instructs them: from now on, carry ‘bags’—that is, settle down and take care of yourselves, as those who will experience hunger, and acquire ‘swords’—that is, take precautions as those who will confront dangers and conflicts. Some interpret this instruction to purchase swords differently, suggesting it references the impending assault against Him, highlighting how He will be seized by those intent on violence. Given their previous disputes over status, the Lord indicates that this is not the time for such debates, as they now face peril and the threat of death. Even I, your Teacher, am destined for a death of disgrace. Yet this will fulfill the prophecy concerning Me: ‘And I was counted among evildoers’ (Isaiah 53:12). By mentioning the sword, He intends to forewarn about the coming attack without revealing too much that would incite fear, nor does He completely obscure it so that they might not be taken by surprise later. This foresight is significant, as, in reflection, they will be astonished by His prophetic knowledge and realize how He willingly surrendered for humanity’s salvation, not fleeing even from diseases in His mission to deliver others. I believe the Lord speaks in this manner so that, upon later reflection, they might gain profound understanding and benefit from these insights.

However, following His crucifixion, all efforts were rendered futile, “for the enemy had no advantage over Him, and the son of the wicked could no longer harm Him.” Indeed, He emerged victorious, conquering death; He ascended to heaven, took His seat at the right hand of God the Father, and will return, but not in a state of humiliation as before, nor limited by human frailty, but in the splendor of the Father, accompanied by the holy angels as His retinue. He will sit on the throne of His glory, “judging the world in righteousness,” as it is written. Then, as the prophet foretold, “they will look upon Him whom they pierced,” and those who so tragically derided Him while He hung on the sacred cross will see Him crowned in divine splendor, and, as fitting retribution for their wickedness, they will descend into destruction. “Therefore,” He declares, “what concerns Me has an end,” pertaining to the suffering of My mortal death. And in that moment, what was foretold by the holy prophets of old shall come to pass for those who took His life. The Lord, in prophesying these events, spoke of what was destined to occur in the land of the Jews.

He recognized that among the Jews there existed a desire for violence, exemplified by two disciples (James and John) (Luke 9:54). Aware of the hidden wrath of their ancestors within them, He took this moment to reveal their concealed anger and cleanse their hearts. As His ministry in Judea came to an end, He set His sights on Jerusalem, dismissing those two wrathful disciples, much like the warning He gave to Judas Iscariot: “Woe to that man” (Mark 14:21). Had Judas repented like Simon Peter did and embraced the exhortations like those two did, he might have inherited a place of honor once liberated from his curse. Therefore, from the Lord's remarks about swords, let His followers comprehend that He knows the precise hour of His impending sacrifice. Let His friends cultivate humility, and let His foes recognize their own aggression. By observing Christ’s voluntary submission to death, may His disciples learn to emulate His humility, while His adversaries are unveiled in their violence.

Many perceive the events as unjust, yet the Lord is impartial. He could have avenged Himself upon His tormentors but chose to offer Himself instead. To accept the spiritual sword requires relinquishing worldly possessions in exchange for the Word, which serves as the soul's essential garment (see Hebrews 4:12). To embrace the sword of suffering necessitates shedding the physical body; by sacrificing the armor of flesh, one is adorned with the crown of holy martyrdom. This principle is articulated in the beatitudes, which promise the greatest reward to those who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake (see Matt. 5:10-12; Luke 6:22-23).

In order to convey the reality of His impending sufferings without overwhelming the hearts of His disciples, He elucidates through His actions: “This written thing must be fulfilled upon me also: and I am numbered with the wicked” (Luke 22:37). The presence of the two swords demonstrated by the disciples may signify the swords of both the Old and New Testaments, which equip us against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11). The Lord’s response of “Enough” (Luke 22:38) implies that one who is fortified with the lessons of both Testaments lacks nothing.

For I tell you, the Scripture must now be fulfilled in Me: 'And He was numbered with the transgressors.'” The teaching of the Master, indicating that the disciples would soon need to rely on their own resources for a time, was not entirely understood by some. They interpreted His counsel as a directive to arm themselves for impending danger. In the midst of these thoughts, one disciple mentioned that they had two swords. The Lord’s response did not align with their interpretation, as He had deeper intentions; yet possessing two swords was not illogical for the disciples, who were to be scattered during the dark hours in Jerusalem’s vicinity. Thus, He responded, as if in acknowledgment, “That is enough” (Luke 22:35-38). He added, rather than providing clarifications and examples, “All of you will be tempted to fear Me this night; for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' But after My Resurrection, I will see you in Galilee.” Peter, forgetting the prior lesson due to his deep affection for the Lord, declared, “Even if all are led astray, I will not be!” Jesus replied, “Indeed, truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter, perceiving such a fall as impossible given his loyalty, insisted, “Even if I must die with You, I will never deny You.” Likewise, all the other disciples echoed this sentiment (Matthew 26:31-35).

The Lord declared, I say unto you, that this scripture must be fulfilled in Me: I am numbered with the transgressors. The prophecy concerning Me reaches its conclusion. The disciples were perplexed by this discourse, and the Savior chose to halt it. He turned to another subject to prepare His disciples for what lay ahead, equipping them to withstand the impending trials.

The directive to 'Sell your garments and buy a sword' should be understood metaphorically. Christ did not commission His apostles to propagate His message through force, but rather through preaching and their examples. He had earlier instructed them not to counter evil with evil, advocating for overcoming it with goodness—He had prohibited using violence to defend Him on that fateful night and cautioned that those who live by the sword will die by the sword (Matthew 26:52). Thus, He could not now offer a new command that contradicted His established teachings. Consequently, His mention of the sword should be viewed as a symbol. He equipped the apostles with gentleness and wisdom when sending them to the Israelites, the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:6), to announce the joyous news of the anticipated Savior, the Messiah; hence, they were not to carry provisions, extra garments, money, or shoes, as they would find hospitality among those to whom they proclaimed this message.

However, the circumstances have changed; they are now to reach out to the Gentiles, who, lacking anticipation of the Messiah's arrival, cannot find joy in His coming. They will require sustenance for their journey; thus, if someone lacks food, they should part with their spare clothing to obtain provisions, recognizing this necessity for traversing unfamiliar regions. Furthermore, alongside wisdom and gentleness, they must equip themselves with determination and endurance to withstand all forms of persecution, a steadfastness comparable in essence to the strength of a sword. It is clear that the Lord did not intend a literal sword, as illustrated by His response to the apostles regarding the two swords in their possession, declaring, "Enough!" This response indicates not that two swords sufficed for their defense but rather, a call to cease such discussions, for there were deeper truths He wished to convey, but they were not yet ready to receive them. When the Spirit of truth arrives (John 16:12, 13), He will instruct them in all matters (John 14:26).

- ‘That which is about Me,’ meaning written by the prophets, ‘comes to an end,’ or rather, comes to pass, is fulfilled; within the context of this discussion: what the prophets prophesied concerning the sufferings of the Messiah and His death is brought to completion, for I am soon to endure all the predicted sufferings and experience death.

He recalled the time He had previously sent them out to proclaim the message (Matthew 10:10) and highlighted the contrast with their current situation: “When I sent you without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They replied, “Nothing.” The Lord continued, “But now, let the one who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag; and let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” They would soon be without the visible presence and guidance of their Master and, as they ventured to spread the Gospel, they must prepare for the challenges and bold endurance needed in the face of various adversities and persecution. By allowing them to take their bags and purses, the Lord signaled that hunger and hardships awaited them (2 Cor. 6:4-5). As St. John Chrysostom pointed out, during their initial mission, He did not let them experience any deprivation, being always present to protect and provide abundantly. However, as it became necessary for them to demonstrate their own bravery, He somewhat lessened His grace, commanding them to achieve many things through their own effort. So, when they left without shoes, belts, staffs, or money, they lacked for nothing. Yet, when He instructed them to take bags, cloaks, and swords, they found themselves hungry, thirsty, and exposed. “When we hear of the sword,” the holy father continued, “we should understand that He is not ordering them to acquire swords literally, but that swords symbolize the threats and intrigues they would face, and He would endure the same sufferings He foretold, as shown in His subsequent words: ‘I tell you, what is written about me must be fulfilled: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors’ (Isaiah 53:12) – this was fulfilled when Christ was crucified between two criminals (Mark 15:27-28). The bewildered disciples, failing to grasp the full meaning of the Lord’s message, mistakenly believed He was instructing them to defend themselves with weapons, eagerly declaring, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” One of these swords belonged to Peter (John 18:10), who likely took pride in his caution and later wielded it, receiving a gentle correction from the Master. If the disciples had taken a moment to reflect on their response, they might have realized how insignificant their two swords were compared to the dark forces of hell, Satan, and all those who sought to bring harm to the Divine Master! The Lord recognized their confusion and, choosing to leave their understanding for a later time, concluded the discussion with a simple statement: “It is enough.”