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QUESTION 66
Please explain the meaning of Matthew 10:34, I'm confused.

ANSWER:
The verse reads: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34. A verse must always be viewed in its context. In Matthew 10:32, Jesus speaks of "confessing Him before men." In Matthew 10:35-36, He speaks of homes being divided, and a man's foes shall be they of his own household. Putting this all together, Matthew 10:34 simply means, if a person gets saved and truly confesses Christ as Lord and Saviour, they will be persecuted for it. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. It will bring a reproach, even from one's own family. This would be more so in Jesus' day, because the Jews did not accept Him. For a family member to accept Him as their long awaited Messiah, they would be disowned by other members of their family. Hence, there would be division and no peace in the household. Not that the Lord would want it that way, but it is just the ongoing results of man's sinful rebellion against God and His people.

Dear reader, are you saved? We would not be honest with you if we did not tell you that you would likely lose some friends if you did get saved, and your family might not like it either. But, you will be the winner. Peace and fulfillment now, and eternity with Him. How about it? You must repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). Do it and be saved today.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen