Part 2: The Biblical Case for Defending Your Family—Including Pastors
The previous article made it clear that the Bible values human life and also recognizes that we live in a world where evil is real. So, instead of asking whether violence exists—it obviously does—the real question is whether the Bible allows believers to use force to protect innocent people when they face immediate danger.
This article explains the biblical reasons some Christians believe it is right to defend others. Remember, this is just one side of a larger conversation among believers. The next article will look at the biblical reasons for Christian nonviolence.
Protection Is a God-Given Responsibility
Throughout Scripture, God entrusts people with the care of others.
Parents are responsible for their children.
Husbands are called to love and protect their wives.
Leaders are responsible for those under their care.
Shepherds guard their sheep.
The Bible does not portray protection as optional; it is part of faithful stewardship.
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:8:
“But if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Paul was talking about financial support, but the bigger idea is that believers should care for those given to them. This means it would not make sense to provide for your family’s needs but refuse to protect them from immediate danger.
Nehemiah: Prayer and Preparation
One of the clearest biblical examples comes during the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
The people of Israel faced credible threats from surrounding enemies who planned to attack them while they worked.
How did Nehemiah respond?
He did not tell the people to abandon the project.
He did not tell them simply to pray and hope for the best.
Instead, he showed that faith and responsibility go hand in hand. Trusting God and taking action belong together.
Nehemiah 4:13–14 says:
“So I stationed people behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them with their families, swords, spears, and bows… Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes.”
Notice the order.
First, remember the Lord.
Second, trust Him completely.
Third, defend those He has entrusted to your care.
The people prayed, but they also stood watch.
They trusted God, but they also prepared.
Faith never became an excuse for irresponsibility.
David: A Shepherd Who Protected
Before David ever became king, he was a shepherd.
When a lion or bear attacked the flock, David did not simply watch.
He fought.
In 1 Samuel 17:34–37, David tells Saul that he rescued lambs from predators, striking the attacking animals to protect the sheep.
David saw protecting the helpless as part of his calling.
Jesus later identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
A faithful shepherd protects.
Even though how we protect others may look different today, the idea of guarding those in our care is still a strong biblical principle. David’s example shows that protecting others is an important duty.
Psalm 144: God Trains for Battle
David writes:
“Blessed be the Lord, my rock who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.”
This verse does not glorify violence.
Rather, it recognizes that there are times when God’s servants must confront evil in order to protect His people.
Throughout Israel’s history, God repeatedly commanded defensive warfare against those who sought their destruction.
These events were part of a special relationship between God and Israel and do not always apply directly to the church. Still, they show that using force is not always wrong if it fits with God’s purposes.
What About Jesus Telling the Disciples to Buy Swords?
One of the most discussed passages is Luke 22:35–38, where Jesus says, “The one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one.” Christians understand these words in different ways. Some think Jesus meant for His disciples to carry weapons for protection. Others believe He was speaking symbolically to prepare them for hard times. Some say He was fulfilling prophecy by being counted among criminals. No matter which view you take, there are a few important things to notice.
Jesus tells His disciples:
“The one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one.”
Christians have interpreted these words in different ways.
Some believe Jesus literally instructed His disciples to carry weapons for protection during the dangerous days ahead.
Others believe He spoke symbolically to prepare them for increasing opposition.
Still others argue He was fulfilling prophecy by allowing Himself to be counted among those associated with criminals.
Whatever interpretation one adopts, several observations are important for the question of defensive force.
Jesus did not condemn the existence of the swords, though Christians disagree on whether His words were a literal command, a symbolic warning, or a fulfillment of prophecy.
The disciples already possessed two swords.
Jesus acknowledged them without rebuke.
At the same time, when Peter later used his sword to prevent Jesus’ arrest, Jesus commanded him to stop.
Why?
Because Jesus was willingly fulfilling the Father’s redemptive plan.
Peter’s violence would have opposed God’s purpose in that unique moment.
Jesus was not saying that all use of force is always wrong. In that moment, He was stopping Peter from interfering with God’s plan for the cross.
The Difference Between Defense and Revenge
The Bible consistently distinguishes defensive action from personal vengeance.
Romans 12:19 says:
“Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath.”
That principle matters here.
Protecting innocent life is different from seeking revenge.
A believer may restrain evil without acting from hatred.
The goal is not punishment.
The goal is preservation of life.
Once the threat ends, the justification for force ends as well.
Christians who believe in self-defense generally emphasize this distinction.
Can a Pastor Carry or Defend His Family?
This question has become increasingly common as churches face threats of violence.
Scripture never explicitly commands pastors to carry weapons.
Neither does it explicitly forbid them.
Pastors are first disciples of Christ.
They are also husbands, fathers, and shepherds.
A shepherd protects the flock.
A husband protects his wife.
A father protects his children.
Many pastors conclude that defending innocent lives during an active attack is consistent with these biblical responsibilities.
Others believe pastoral ministry requires embracing nonviolence regardless of personal cost.
Since the Bible does not give a direct answer to this modern question, faithful pastors have come to different conclusions.
No matter what choice a pastor makes, it should come from love, not fear; from humility, not pride; and from wisdom, not politics.
Defensive Force Must Meet Biblical Principles
Those who believe Scripture permits self-defense generally agree on several important limitations.
Force should never be used because of anger.
It should never be used to settle arguments.
It should never be motivated by revenge.
It should never be used when peaceful alternatives remain available.
It should always be proportionate to the threat.
Its purpose is to stop evil—not to satisfy hatred.
Christians are never called to become aggressors.
They are called to be peacemakers whenever peace is possible.
Conclusion
The biblical argument for defending your family is based on the belief that God gives believers the responsibility to care for innocent people. In the Bible, faithful people prayed, trusted God, and sometimes took action to protect others. Because of this, many believe that using force to defend others, when done with restraint, humility, and love, can fit with biblical faith.
But this is not the only way faithful Christians read the Bible. Many devoted followers of Jesus believe His teachings call believers to reject violence completely, even for self-defense.
In the next article, we will look closely at this view. We’ll explore why many Christians have chosen nonviolence and what biblical reasons support their choice.
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 