Luke 22:36

Previously they had not equipped themselves for their ministry but had trusted other people to provide for them. However they were not to trust in other people now. They were to fortify themselves for the conflict that lay ahead shortly, namely, Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Probably Jesus used the purse, bag, and sword metaphorically rather than literally to symbolize the disciples’ personal resources. Apparently Jesus wanted His disciples to arm themselves with personal preparedness including dependence on God and His Word for the impending crisis. He was calling them to be ready for hardship and self-sacrifice. [Note: Marshall, The Gospel . . ., p. 825; Creed, p. 270; Luce, pp. 335-36; et al.]

Some commentators took Jesus’ command literally. [Note: E.g., Plummer, p. 505; Liefeld, "Luke," p. 1029-30; and Easton, p. 329.] The purse and bag may indicate that they should provide for their own subsistence since no one else would. However this was not the case in the early days of the church or even during Jesus’ passion. There were still other believers who looked out for one another (e.g., Acts 1:3; Acts 1:15; Acts 2:44-47). Some take the command to sell one’s outer garment to purchase a sword literally as well. However, Jesus later rebuked Peter for using a sword to defend himself (Matthew 26:52). Furthermore Jesus never taught His disciples to arm themselves so they could defend themselves much less take active aggression against those who might oppose them (cf. Luke 6:35-36; Luke 22:52; et al.).