Topical Bible: Sword used by Peter

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The sword used by Peter is a significant element in the New Testament narrative, particularly in the context of the arrest of Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, with varying details that contribute to a fuller understanding of the incident and its implications.

Biblical Account

The most detailed account of Peter's use of the sword is found in the Gospel of John. In John 18:10-11 , it is written: "Then Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 'Put your sword back in its sheath!' Jesus said to Peter. 'Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?'"

The Synoptic Gospels also recount this event. In Matthew 26:51-52 , it states: "At that moment, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it, and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 'Put your sword back in its place,' Jesus said to him. 'For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.'"

Mark 14:47 and Luke 22:49-51 provide similar accounts, with Luke adding the detail that Jesus healed the servant's ear: "But Jesus answered, 'No more of this!' And He touched the man’s ear and healed him."

Symbolism and Interpretation

The sword wielded by Peter symbolizes human impulsiveness and the temptation to resort to violence in the face of conflict. Peter's action reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of His kingdom, which is not advanced through physical force but through spiritual means and sacrificial love.

Jesus' rebuke of Peter serves as a profound teaching moment, emphasizing the principle of non-violence and the fulfillment of divine purpose. By instructing Peter to sheath his sword, Jesus underscores the futility of violence and the necessity of submission to God's will, even in the face of suffering and injustice.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Peter's use of the sword and Jesus' subsequent response highlight the contrast between worldly and divine approaches to power and authority. Jesus' healing of Malchus' ear further demonstrates His compassion and commitment to peace, even towards those who come to arrest Him.

This incident also prefigures the nature of Christian discipleship, which calls for trust in God's plan and a rejection of worldly methods of achieving justice. The narrative invites believers to consider the ways in which they might be tempted to rely on their own strength rather than on God's providence.

Historical Context

In the first-century Jewish context, carrying a sword was not uncommon, especially given the political tensions and the presence of Roman occupation. The disciples, including Peter, may have carried swords for protection against potential threats during their travels.

The mention of the sword in this narrative also reflects the broader socio-political climate of the time, where messianic expectations often included the hope of a military deliverer. Jesus' response to Peter's action serves to redefine these expectations, pointing to a kingdom not of this world.

Conclusion

The account of Peter's use of the sword is a rich narrative that offers insights into the nature of Jesus' mission, the call to non-violence, and the transformative power of divine love. It challenges believers to align their actions with the teachings of Christ, trusting in His ultimate authority and purpose.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 26:51
And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
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John 18:10
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
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Library

Of the Accounts which are Given by all the Four Evangelists in ...
... is also not in the form, "Jesus answered Peter thus, Put ... said Jesus unto him, Put
up thy sword;" from which ... is contained, again, in the phraseology used by Luke ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter v of the accounts which.htm

Jesus Betrayed, Arrested, and Forsaken.
... [By the healing of Malchus' ear and the words spoken to Peter, Jesus shows that
the sword is not to be used either to defend the truth or to advance his kingdom ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxiv jesus betrayed arrested and.htm

Peter of Chelcic, 1419-1450.
... Thus Peter, belonging to none of the sects, found grievous faults in them
all. ... He condemned the Utraquists because they used the sword. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv peter of chelcic.htm

'The Sword of the Spirit'
... as the word of God, even as Peter in his ... them tested; but the engrafted word, faithfully
used and submitted to ... to our manner of fighting with the sword, but to ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the sword of the spirit.htm

Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold.
... a company, two or three bowls would be used for convenience ... accusations of our Lord
and protestations of Peter were taken ... sell his cloak, and buy a sword.37 For ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxix judas betrayal and peters.htm

St. Peter of Alcantara Comforts the Saint. Great Temptations and ...
... the place where I was that blessed friar, Peter of Alcantara. ... in the same way as
much as he used to do ... God as bringing upon everything fire and sword; it dwells ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxx st peter of.htm

The Peter of History and the Peter of Fiction.
... love for secular glory, his carnal zeal, his use of the sword, his sleepiness ... 1864);
the Acta Pauli, used by Origen and Eusebius; the Acts of Peter and Paul ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 26 the peter of.htm

The Sword of the Spirit
... Moses, for David, for Isaiah, for Paul, for Peter, for John ... flourished in the air;
but it is issued to be used. Nor are we to push this sword into a sheath, as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the sword of the spirit.htm

The Persecution under Nero in which Paul and Peter were Honored at ...
... we should expect him to meet death by the sword. ... the tradition reported by Origen,
that Peter was crucified ... He used gegonos, therefore, as to indicate that at ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxv the persecution under nero.htm

The Trial of Peter's Love to Christ.
... These though commonly used, after they were given him, were ... he was honored with the
name of Peter"an honorable ... had singly dared to draw his sword against the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiii the trial of.htm