Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
This passage of scripture teaches us that as Christians on the move, we need not worry, nor be overly concerned with the necessities of life, for in fulfilling the great commission given us by Christ, every need will be supplied. What is worthy of note, is that in their preparations and the provisions to be made for their journeys, no bread and no money was to be taken, not even an extra set of clothes were to be brought along, for as stated before, in doing God's will, all that we will ever need will be certain to come our way, once we step out in faith. The only extra item they were allowed to take with them was a staff, which was not used in self-defense, for we read nowhere in the Bible where anyone defended themselves from robbers or other ill-willed folk, using a staff.
When David went up against the philistine, Goliath, he also carried with him a staff, but this was not used in the battle, for it would be a poor choice as a weapon, against the many different types of swords that were then available. Instead, David used a sling and five smooth stones, which were commonly used in battle. Thus, the disciples were to make no provision for their protection whilst doing God's work, for the staff was intended for them to appear as the common, ordinary folk who were farmers, fishermen and peasants.
Their mission was not to be diverted by anything that would draw the attention of the people away from the gospel, nor was their dress and attire to be of such as to awaken curiosity or uneasiness. It is worthy of observation, that in their journeying, the disciples of Christ were cautioned that they would sometimes run into stiff opposition by those who hated the divine precepts, and whenever or wherever this should occur, they were instructed to shake off the dust of that city before leaving for more friendly territory, but not once were they ever told to defend themselves from the enemies of righteousness. Let's read:
Mark 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
The same is true of Christians in our day who are on the move, taking the gospel of salvation to a dying world, for even though, like the disciples we may run into very serious opposition from foes without and within, yet we are never to resort to bearing arms, or making provision for defending ourselves, if for any reason we are brought into conflict with the powers of darkness. The word of God, which is the sword of The Spirit, is to be used both defensively and offensively in the promulgation of the truth, for it's not a literal war against flesh and blood that is being waged, but rather a spiritual war, against wickedness and evil spirits in high places, hence the reason why any type of literal weaponry for the Christian will be ill-advised.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which teaches us the real preparation which should be made in assaying to present the gospel in a hostile environment, and it is the will of God that all Christians be now clad, from the crown of our heads to the soles of our feet, so that we may be enabled by God to press the battle to the very gates of hell, for we are given the assurance by Christ, that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Let's read:
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!