22:35 Then Jesus said to them, “When I sent you out with no money bag, or traveler’s bag, or sandals, you didn’t lack anything, did you?” They replied, “Nothing.” 22:36 He said to them, “But now, the one who has a money bag must take it, and likewise a traveler’s bag too. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 22:37 For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me is being fulfilled.” 22:38 So they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” Then he told them, “It is enough.” (My emphasis)

Various interpretations have been proposed:

1. Jesus is anticipating, and advocating, armed conflict after the manner of the Jewish zealots.  But

‘attempts to interpret this literally as a Zealot-like call to arms, however, are misguided and come to grief over the saying’s very “strangeness.” Understood as a call to arms, this saying not only does not fit Jesus’ other teachings but radically conflicts with them. Also if two swords are “enough” (22:38), war with the legions of Rome was certainly not envisioned.’ (Stein, NAC)

2. Jesus is referring to the sword as a normal item of the personal equipment of a traveler.  Nolland (WBC) comments:

‘The sword is thought of as part of the equipment required for the self-sufficiency of any traveller in the Roman world. Nothing more than protection of one’s person is in view. Similarly there can be no thought that the swords might be used to make a defense of Jesus or might be for use in an anticipated eschatological armed struggle.’

3. Jesus is calling for a symbolic act so that he can be arrested and tried as a revolutionary.  Paul Ellis finds the secret to the correct interpretation of this passage in v37.  Jesus permitted the carrying of the two swords in order to fulfil the prophecy about his being numbered with the transgressors.  In Ellis’ view, he allowed them to carry the two swords in order for there to be sufficient reason for him to be arrested.

This is also the view of Keener (IVPBBCNT, end ed.):

‘Jesus calls for a temporary and symbolic act—two are sufficient (v. 38)—so he may be charged as a revolutionary and hence “reckoned among transgressors” in accordance with Isaiah 53:12.’

4. Jesus is referring to the sword figuratively (although the disciples think that he is speaking literally).  The is the majority view.

‘Given the time designations marking Jesus’ passion as the turning point (“then … but now”), however, [this saying] probably signifies the hostility with which Jesus’ disciples will be confronted (cf. Mt 10:34–36/Lk 12:51–53; cf. Lampe). On any reading it is clear from 22:49–51 that Jesus did not endorse his disciples’ use of their swords. Armed conflict—so to speak—is permitted only with demonic enemies (Lk 11:21–22). Only in relation to Satan’s kingdom does Jesus come as a divine warrior, leading his followers into battle (Lk 10:17–19; cf. Rom 16:20).’ (DJG)

‘The “sword” is best understood in some metaphorical sense as indicating being spiritually armed and prepared for battle against the spiritual foes.’ (Stein, NAC)

Bock:

‘The disciples take Jesus’ remarks literally and incorrectly. They note that they have two swords, but Jesus cuts off the discussion. Something is not right, but it is too late to discuss it. As the arrest will show, they have misunderstood. They draw swords then, but Jesus stops their defense in its tracks. He is not telling them to buy swords to wield in physical battle. They will have to provide for themselves and fend for themselves, but not through the shedding of blood. They are being drawn into a great cosmic struggle, and they must fight with spiritual swords and resources. The purchase of swords serves only to picture this coming battle. This fight requires special weapons (Eph 6:10–18).’ (IVPNTC)

Morris regards Jesus’ words as figurative of the courage his disciples would need:

‘It is Jesus’ graphic way of bringing it home that the disciples face a situation of grave peril.’  Jesus words, ‘It is enough’ are then to be understood as ‘Enough of that kind of talk’.

For Edwards, too,

‘“Buy a sword” is a metaphor of admonition and preparedness, not a sanction for violence and retaliation, and certainly not a sanction to spread the gospel by violence.’

It is clear from what follows that, whereas the disciples were willing to use their swords to defend their Master, Jesus himself was not willing for them to do so:

22:49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said, “Lord, should we use our swords?” 22:50 Then one of them struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his right ear. 22:51 But Jesus said, “Enough of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

It is clear, too, from v52, that the ‘two swords’ permitted by Jesus would have not been sufficient to defend him against a mob armed with swords and clubs.

Evans adds that if Jesus had been referring directly to swords he would have said, “They are enough”, rather than, “It is enough”.

Garland remarks that nowhere in the Acts or the Epistles is there any indication that Jesus’ followers ever resorted to self-defence.  Garland continues:

‘A metaphorical interpretation here best fits Jesus’ teaching on nonviolence elsewhere in the gospels (6:27–36) and his rebuke of the disciples for lashing out with swords in self-defense at his arrest (22:51). He seeks to convey that the times ahead are going to get rough. The sword represents the opposite of peace (Lev 26:6, 25, 33). They will be targets, but Jesus does not authorize them to retaliate. The command to buy swords is akin to saying: “Keep your powder dry.” It is not intended to be taken literally. It means they will need every resource they have.’

Ryle:

‘The most satisfactory interpretation is that which regards the whole verse as proverbial and symbolical. The words “purse, scrip, and sword,” are not to be pressed too closely. They are parabolic expressions, indicating that a time was drawing near when all human means, of which the “purse,” the “scrip,” and the “sword” are emblems, must be diligently used by the apostles.’

Matthew Poole:

‘Our Saviour doth doubtless speak in a figure, and all that he intendeth amounteth but to this: Hitherto I have been with you, and you have had my special protection; though you went out without a purse or a scrip, yet you have wanted nothing; though you went without a sword, yet none did you any harm. But the time is now come, when the posture of your affairs will be much altered; your friends will be few, your enemies many, therefore you stand concerned to make as good preparation as you can do in those things that are consistent with the general precepts that I have given you.’