Matthew 26:52Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Who is this individual who severed the ear? The Apostle John identifies him as Peter (Jn. 18:10). This act was a reflection of his eagerness. However, it warrants further exploration—what reason did Jesus’ disciples have for carrying swords? Their possession of swords is clear not only from this situation but also from their reply acknowledging they had two swords. So, why did Christ permit them to bear arms?

The Lord asserts the principle of the law which mandates that a murderer must face death, as it is written, “they that take the knife shall also perish by the knife.” This signifies that the Jews who wielded the sword against Him would ultimately meet their end by the sword of the Romans.

Those who engage in mutual violence against robbers outside of the church services should be excluded from partaking in the Holy Mysteries. If the individuals involved are clerics, they should be stripped of their ecclesiastical rank. For it is written, "Every one that receiveth the sword shall perish by the sword" (Matt. 26:52). Valsamon explains that the saint's 13th rule advises those who commit murder in wartime to refrain from the Sacraments for three years. In this case, laymen who oppose robbers and kill them are to be denied holy Communion, while clerics face potential removal from their positions. This decision is based on the Scripture stating, "Whosoever receiveth the sword by the sword shall perish" (Matt. 26:52). The terms sword and perdition refer to the removal from the community and the loss of Sacraments, which, for those who have good intentions, represent a significant spiritual penalty.

Simon severed one of their ears, yet in His boundless compassion, the Lord graciously took Simon and restored him to his former standing, resembling the man who, through his transgressions, had descended into despair. “Return thy sword to its former place.” In Him, whose utterance is akin to a sword, there is no necessity for a blade, for He reattached the severed ear and is capable of liberating the captive limbs. However, to demonstrate the extent of His divine power, He made manifest His strength not just to one, but also to the others when they recoiled and collapsed to the ground (John 18:6).

If the bearer of the sword does so with purpose, meant to enact God’s justice against those who commit wrong, then why would one who merely wields the sword face destruction by it? And what sword is this? It is the fiery sword that guards the way to Eden (Gen 3:24) and the spiritual sword mentioned in the full armor of God (Eph 6:11-17).

He admonished him, demonstrating that it was unnecessary to wield the sword in God's defense; this serves to prohibit all forms of weaponry. "All that take the sword" signifies a prophecy regarding the downfall of the Jews who confronted Him. John recounts (John 18:11) that Jesus Christ declared, "the cup which the Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?" indicating that these events occur not by their power, but by the Father's allowance, and that He maintained His obedience to the Father until His death.

The 55th Rule of Basil the Great states that those who engage in mutual violence against robbers, excommunicate the faithful for three years, akin to those who have taken lives in battle, and expel clergy; for everyone who draws the sword will also face death (Matt. 26:52). This rule condemns expulsion and deprivation of sacraments as a form of execution and spiritual destruction, rendering it a grave consequence for those with good intentions. Some viewed this as an unjust measure, arguing that instead of receiving commendations for risking their lives to rescue others and rid places of robbers, they were instead subjected to penalties.

There was a time when the words of the Savior, “Thou shalt return thy knife,” were interpreted as a basis for granting the authority of the sword to the Roman high priest, seen as the supposed heir to Peter's authority. However, the Savior does not endorse the use of the sword for Peter, any of the shepherds of the Church, in that era, or in future times, as a means to defend His spiritual reign. Peter’s action caused profound sorrow to the Lord. It stood in stark opposition to the Lord's submission to the will of His Father in heaven, a truth He had reiterated to His disciples. Did not the Master chide Peter sharply for defying this divine will, saying to him, “Follow me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23)?

He contemplated opposing the Lord not just through words but also through actions. Consequently, he received a fresh rebuke from the Lord: Then JESUS said unto him, Return thy sword to its place, to its sheath; for ALL THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN THE SWORD (all who raise the sword against rightful authority, in any form) shall perish by the sword.

Addressing the Apostle Peter, Jesus instructed him to sheath the sword, declaring that those who resort to the sword will themselves succumb to it (John 18:11). This signifies that all who oppose the revelation of wickedness through violent means will ultimately meet a similar fate through that very same violence.

"Those who wield the sword will meet their demise by the sword." This saying can be interpreted in various ways: one interpretation suggests that those who violently oppose the commands of rightful authority, in this instance the Sanhedrin, will face consequences, highlighting the peril of resisting authority with force; another view is that the Roman soldiers and the Jews accompanying them will be held accountable for their violation against the Innocent, with God avenging Him using their own instruments; or perhaps it warns against the folly of confronting heavily armed adversaries, which could lead to one’s own demise. This concept is thought to be a well-known adage, rooted in the ancient commandment of God regarding the sanctity of life, articulated as far back as the time of Noah (Gen. 9:6).