Luke 12:49

49 I am come to cast fire into the earth; and what do I desire, except that it be kindled?

Luke 12:49 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 12:49

I am come to send fire on the earth
Meaning either the Gospel, which is as fire, that gives both light and heat, warms the hearts of God's people, and causes them to burn within them; though very distressing and torturing to wicked men; so the word of God is compared to fire, in ( Jeremiah 20:9 ) ( 23:29 ) . Or else zeal for it, and which would be opposed with sharp contentions by others; or rather persecution for the sake of the Gospel, called sometimes the fiery trial; which tries men, as gold is tried in the fire, what they are, and what their principles and profession be; unless the Holy Ghost, and baptizing with him, and with fire, should be meant; since Christ in the next verse, speaks of the baptism of his sufferings, which that was to follow:

and what will I?
what shall I say concerning this fire? what shall I wish and pray for? what would be pleasing and agreeable to me? even this,

if it be already kindled;
or "that it were already kindled", or "O that it were already kindled"; meaning either that the Gospel was warmly preached by his disciples, and zealously defended by them, as it was after his death and resurrection; or that hot persecution was raised against it which was now beginning, since the advantage of it would be far greater than the evil in it: or that the Holy Ghost was come down in cloven tongues, like as of fire.

Luke 12:49 In-Context

47 And that slave who knew his lord’s will and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

48 But he that knew not and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and to whom much was committed, more will be asked of him.

49 I am come to cast fire into the earth; and what do I desire, except that it be kindled?

50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how I am anguished until it is accomplished!

51 Think ye that I am come to the earth to give peace? No, I tell you, but rather division;