| Geneva Study Bible {13} I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? (13) The gospel is the only reason of peace between the godly, and so it is the occasion of great trouble among the wicked. People's New Testament 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth. Conflict and persecution. This was the effect of preaching the gospel. It aroused opposition. See notes on Mt 10:34-37. If it is already kindled. The conflict had already begun. The enemies were seeking his death. Wesley's Notes 12:49 I am come to send fire - To spread the fire of heavenly love over all the earth. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 49-53. to send-cast. fire-"the higher spiritual element of life which Jesus came to introduce into this earth (compare Mt 3:11), with reference to its mighty effects in quickening all that is akin to it and destroying all that is opposed. To cause this element of life to take up its abode on earth, and wholly to pervade human hearts with its warmth, was the lofty destiny of the Redeemer" [Olshausen: so Calvin, Stier, Alford, &c.]. what will I, &c.-an obscure expression, uttered under deep and half-smothered emotion. In its general import all are agreed; but the nearest to the precise meaning seems to be, "And what should I have to desire if it were once already kindled?" [Bengel and Bloomfield]. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 12:41-53 All are to take to themselves what Christ says in his word, and to inquire concerning it. No one is left so ignorant as not to know many things to be wrong which he does, and many things to be right which he neglects; therefore all are without excuse in their sin. The bringing in the gospel dispensation would occasion desolations. Not that this would be the tendency of Christ's religion, which is pure, peaceable, and loving; but the effect of its being contrary to men's pride and lusts. There was to be a wide publication of the gospel. But before that took place, Christ had a baptism to be baptized with, far different from that of water and the Holy Spirit. He must endure sufferings and death. It agreed not with his plan to preach the gospel more widely, till this baptism was completed. We should be zealous in making known the truth, for though divisions will be stirred up, and a man's own household may be his foes, yet sinners will be converted, and God will be glorified. | 
