Luke 12:49

I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it is already kindled?

VI. Warning against divisions due to the word of God.

In the chapter introduction, Luke 12:41-48 were listed as a separate warning against unfaithfulness; but the emphasis on lack of preparedness (Luke 12:47) shows a very close connection, making both warnings, in fact, an exhortation against unpreparedness; for this reason, they were discussed in these notes as a single warning with multiple phases.

This warning deals exclusively with the divisions that should be expected as a result of preaching God's word.

I came to cast fire upon the earth ... And just what is this fire? Barclay identified it as "judgment";[48] Lamar was puzzled over the fact that "Bengel made it `spiritual warmth,' Alfred `the Holy Spirit,' Barnes, `discord and contention,' etc.," and concluded by agreeing that it probably refers to results which would follow the proclamation of the gospel.[49] Dummelow understood it as "the fire of Christian love";[50] Childers said, "It is a fire of conflict";[51] John Wesley interpreted it as "the fire of heavenly love."[52]

In the light of so many scholarly opinions, another can do no harm. The fire is "the word of God." "Is not my word like as a fire?" saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 23:29).

Understanding "fire" here as the word of God, that is, the gospel, gives the key as to why Jesus desired that it already be kindled on earth. Paradoxically, however, the preaching of the gospel would bring pain, sorrow and division, as well as joy, peace and salvation. (2 Corinthians 2:15,16).

[48] William Barclay, op. cit., p. 173.

[49] J. S. Lamar, op. cit., p. 182.

[50] J. R. Dummelow, op. cit., p. 755.

[51] Charles L. Childers, op. cit., p. 531.

[52] John Wesley, op. cit., p. 252.