Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
2007-12-18 07:14:21 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If you do not know that Christ is teaching about the spiritual warfare that the TRUTH brings, you probably would never understand. That the evil is divided from the good, by definition. This concept is not new. It is also an OT teaching. Especially Micah 3:5-8.
2007-12-18 07:21:40 · answer #1 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
So am I to understand that any use of a weapon is an act of terrorism? (Insert Twilight Zone theme)
Be sure to tell that the cop the next time he pulls you over.
He will love to know that his gun makes him a terrorist.
Or mention it at the next VFW meeting and see what kind of reaction you get. They will be so happy to know you have the opinion of them.
When read Jesus statement in context (that means you read the entire paragraph and not just the handful of words you want to twist) and you will discover that Jesus was not talking about physical weapons or warfare. He was talking about a message that would be so critical that it would shake the world's complacency, with the same kind of "impact" that a war would cause.
2007-12-18 15:26:12 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank YOU for seeing it, and bringing it up.
Indeed, Mt 10:34; Lk 12:51; Jn 7:43 paint a
Jesus picture of "division" rather than peace,
which we're to mark & avoid: Romans 16:17.
POINT: Jesus is different than Christ.
Jesus: "division" and not peace
Christ: "peace" and not divided
Eternal life is "through Jesus-->Christ" ... "in Christ";
not in either of 1st & last Adams: "as in Adam all die".
Reconciliation is via "Christ", not Jesus: 2Cor 5:19.
Reconciliation is by NOT law imputing sin and death.
Be ye reconciled (thru Jesus --> Christ) --->to God.
Grace --> Mercy ---> Peace with you all. Amen.
2007-12-18 15:38:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I came, not to send peace, but a sword. By the "sword" may be meant the Gospel, which is the means of dividing and separating the people of Christ from the men of the world, and from their principles and practices, and one relation from another; as also of divisions, discords, and persecutions arising from it: not that it was the intention and design of Christ, in coming into the world, to foment and encourage such things; but this, through the malice and wickedness of men, was eventually the effect and consequence of his coming; see Luk_12:51 where, instead of a "sword", it is "division"; because the sword divides asunder, as does the sword of the Spirit, the word of God.
2007-12-18 15:20:51 · answer #4 · answered by BrotherMichael 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It means God knows that some will accept the Gospel, and some will not. Rather than watering down the Gospel for the sake of peace, God speaks the truth and allows mankind to accept or reject it... and those who reject it will hate those who accept it, and hence pick up the sword. I've seen many divorces happen when one spouse is converted and the other is not... families can be split apart!
2007-12-18 15:20:30 · answer #5 · answered by Technoman 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Look at the context of the scriptures around it. Christ made it clear to his disciples that they could expect persecution and other difficulties because of their adhering to God’s standards.
True for today also, he warned that because of opposition to true worship, believing members of some families would feel cut off, as if a sword had come between them and the rest of the family. Clearly, living a godly life requires effort.
2007-12-18 15:22:20 · answer #6 · answered by I_B_WHO_I_IS 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is no mention of bombs or suicide. In many passages, the word "sword" is also interpreted as the word of God. The word of God often brings unrest because so many people disagree with it. I think that is what Jesus is referring to in these passages.
2007-12-18 15:26:30 · answer #7 · answered by beattyb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't handle a simple text.
When choosing Jesus you often choose also between your relatives and Jesus because if your relatives are not also Christians, you'll face a terrorizing attitude and an embargo of friendship. Open your eyes and look around you.
2007-12-18 15:20:26 · answer #8 · answered by Even Haazer 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
The entire verse, assuming you are just a bit above brain dead. I guess you arn't.
2007-12-18 15:25:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
why do the "good book" bibliophiles always defend the bible...but never use the context excuse, or raise the issue of speaking metaphorically to defend extremist sounding passages from the Koran?
interesting. perhaps they should examine their own "logic"...in context, of course.
2007-12-18 15:22:13 · answer #10 · answered by Free Radical 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋