What does Luke 22:35 mean?

During the last evening with the disciples, Jesus gives new instructions for their future journeys. Luke is the only gospel writer to include this section. This is fitting, as the Book of Acts, recording how the disciples travel and spread the gospel, is the sequel to the gospel of Luke.

Jesus introduces the instructions by referring to when He sent them out with no supplies. In Luke 9:1–6, He instructed the Twelve, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics" (Luke 9:3). In Luke 10:1–12, He told seventy-two disciples, "Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals" (Luke 10:4). The instruction to carry "no sandals" is interpreted to mean they were not to take a backup pair. Both groups found their needs met.

After Jesus' ascension, however, their travel will be longer. At least at the beginning, welcoming friends will be fewer and farther between. Jesus tells them to take money and a knapsack. He also makes a curious comment about taking a sword that scholars still argue about (Luke 22:36).

God still provided for the early church. Initially, in Jerusalem, people in the new church supported each other by sharing what they had and selling property (Acts 2:44–47; 4:32–37). Later, particularly during a famine, the planted churches supported their mother church (Acts 11:27–30). Sometimes, however, leaders ministered where the people weren't prepared to support them. In Corinth, Paul found it easier to share the gospel when his audience didn't have to worry about paying him (2 Corinthians 11:9).

Instead of "knapsack," The King James Version uses the term "scrip". This was a handwritten note saying the bearer had a right to receive something, like money. The "scrip" may refer to what would have been inside the knapsack.