Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 12:51

"Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:" — Luke 12:51 (ASV)

Although the Messiah was to bring peace (cf. 2:14), this was not his only mission, nor, in the political sense, his immediate one. Isaiah 11:1–9 shows that even in the final period of peace, the Messiah, enabled by the Spirit, will exercise judgment. Already in his earthly ministry, there is a division. The expression “from now on” stresses the element of crisis, both immediately and at the Lord’s return. During this time his disciples must be prepared for a break in their family relationships if others do not concur with their decision to follow Christ (vv.52–53; cf. 14:26). The wording of v.53 is probably from Mic 7:6).