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.
In the following passages, these specific ways and means are clearly outlined in clear, concise terms, because the dispensation of shedding of blood by the Christian church, the dispensation of violence or retribution, as had taken place before the cross, is now forever behind us, as Christians. They were armed to the tooth, and in those days, it was open-carry, very similar to laws in our day. They were bent on treating Christ unjustly, and they were prepared for a fight if it came to that.
But they were not the only ones armed to the tooth. Peter was also armed to the tooth, for as far as he was concerned, if things were to take a turn for the worse, he would fight fire with fire. Thus, you had a very volatile situation brewing, and who knows, the enemies of Christ, and His own disciples may just have to duke it out in public. Then, much to the chagrin of all the disciples, they watch in amazement and disappointment as Jesus allows Himself to be handcuffed by the mob.
And instead of bringing down fire and brimstone on His accusers, He allows Himself to be arrested. At this point, Peter could not brook the injustice he is seeing anymore and he decides he has to fight fire with fire. And as he does, Jesus utters timely words of instruction that would echo down through the ages, even to 2026, where Christians are witnessing cruelties, and injustices across the entire globe.
Matthew 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!