What does 'Put up thy sword' mean in a Christian context?

The phrase 'Put up thy sword' refers to Peter's misguided attempt to defend Jesus with a weapon during His arrest, reflecting a common tendency to rely on human strength rather than God’s sovereignty. Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God does not advance through violence or human effort, but through faith and reliance on God’s power. Believers are reminded that true victory in spiritual warfare comes from trusting in God’s promises and being obedient to His will, as illustrated in passages such as 2 Corinthians 10:4, which states that 'the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God.' Thus, the call to 'put up thy sword' is a reminder to relinquish self-reliance and entrust all battles to God.