There is as much difference among the Gospels in that "sword" account as there is, e.g., in the earlier instructions about whether or not they should take staffs.
I really don't think Scripture is remotely definitive on the issue of whether or not Christians are permitted to use weapons or other forms of violence in self-defense.
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Is gun culture compatible with Christianity?
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Originally posted by Darth Executor View Post
The important detail is that the apostles were armed as a matter of habit, which makes the idea that Jesus was a pacifist untenable. I agree that Peter's skill as a warrior is not that important but hey, it was a fun discussion.
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Originally posted by Darth Executor View Post
The important detail is that the apostles were armed as a matter of habit, which makes the idea that Jesus was a pacifist untenable. I agree that Peter's skill as a warrior is not that important but hey, it was a fun discussion.
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Originally posted by Sparko View Post
You guys are hilarious, arguing about something with little or no detailed information. It could have been on purpose or it could have been an accidental wild swing. There is no way to know. And it isn't important. The important take-away is that Peter tried to defend Jesus when the guards came but Jesus didn't want him to and stopped the fighting and went away with the guards.
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Originally posted by Darth Executor View Post
Cutting a head (or more likely, slitting the throat), requires a horizontal slash. And the shoulder is an odd target for a vertical sword slash (esp the shorter ones they were likely using). If he was flailing about cutting the ear is possible but cutting the ear off is highly improbable.
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Originally posted by rogue06 View PostYou are suggesting that was his intended goal rather than cleaving a head or shoulder.
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Originally posted by Thoughtful Monk View Post
Personally, I'm suspicious of any position that relies on a single verse. Even more so if that verse has to come from a specific translation.
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Originally posted by KingsGambit View PostI'm reluctant to read that much into Jesus telling his followers to buy swords as contextually, it seems likely this was just to prompt his arrest as the time was correct. The most we could conclude is that possessing weapons is not inherently wrong, which isn't really the point here.
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I'm reluctant to read that much into Jesus telling his followers to buy swords as contextually, it seems likely this was just to prompt his arrest as the time was correct. The most we could conclude is that possessing weapons is not inherently wrong, which isn't really the point here.
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Originally posted by tabibito View Post
The text says that Peter cut, or cut off, an ear. There are many who will create different back stories to support one precept or another, but I prefer to confine evaluations to what is available from the text.
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Originally posted by rogue06 View PostYou are suggesting that was his intended goal rather than cleaving a head or shoulder.
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Originally posted by Darth Executor View Post
Think about the mechanics of cutting an ear off. You have very little margin of error between the ear and hitting the man in the head, and you need to stop the blade before you slice the shoulder (or, if on the upswing, avoid it altogether). It's a show of skill.
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Originally posted by rogue06 View PostIt's also an indication of someone swinging wildly with a weapon he wasn't all that familiar with.
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Originally posted by Darth Executor View Post
1. Again, Luke said he was healed.
2. the word says take away/remove. Even if koine does not have a word for partial detachment I'm sure it has a word for cut or wound that would be more appropriate.
3. Whether it completely detached or not is not relevant. My scenario might even work better if it's not completely detached.
As a warning/display of prowess? Sure.
No, they would have been focused on all of them. Especially since multiple disciples asked if they should attack before Peter acted on his own.
It's a good way to show off skill and intimidate without killing somebody.
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