Q&A: Jesus's swords passage — 'have a sword but don't use it' and the principle of Christian self-defense

Mike addresses the apparent contradiction: Jesus tells the disciples to take swords (Luke 22:36), yet rebukes Peter for using one in Gethsemane (John 18:10-11). Mike's interpretation: Jesus was not advocating pacifism in the garden rebuke. Rather, His words 'he who lives by the sword dies by the sword' were a practical warning — Peter was outnumbered and Jesus was being taken according to God's sovereign will; fighting would only get Peter killed. Mike distinguishes the general principle (it is legitimate to have and use a sword for self-defense) from the specific case (do not resist God's ordained will, including martyrdom). He also notes that Jesus Himself fled from hostile situations on multiple occasions. He plans a full video on Christian violence and self-defense.