Courageous witness
Luke 12:1–12FocusHypocrisy and fear
Connection to the wholeJesus warns the disciples about hypocrisy and fear of people, directing their confidence toward God's knowledge and care.
interpretation Luke 12:51
KJVSuppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Read it in context
Recognizing the time
Start reading at Luke 12:49 (Luke 12:49 to Luke 12:59).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The closing warnings call hearers to discern the present situation and settle matters urgently rather than assuming delay is harmless.
- 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
- 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
- 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
- 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
- 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
- 12:54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
- 12:55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
- 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
- 12:57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
- 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
- 12:59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 12:1–12:59): Jesus speaks first to His disciples amid a large crowd, answers a man's request concerning inheritance, and continues teaching about readiness and responsibility. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Recognizing the time. Read Luke 12:49 through Luke 12:59 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The closing warnings call hearers to discern the present situation and settle matters urgently rather than assuming delay is harmless. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Recognizing the time (Luke 12:49 to Luke 12:59). Start reading at Luke 12:49. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 12:49, Luke 12:59, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 12
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
Possessions and anxiety
Luke 12:13–34FocusRich toward God
Connection to the wholeThe inheritance dispute and rich fool lead into teaching on trust, the kingdom, and treasure that reveals the heart's allegiance.
interpretation Ready and faithful servants
Luke 12:35–48FocusAccountability for entrusted responsibility
Connection to the wholeJesus connects watchfulness with faithful service, stressing that greater knowledge and responsibility bring greater accountability.
interpretation FocusDivision and urgent response
Connection to the wholeThe closing warnings call hearers to discern the present situation and settle matters urgently rather than assuming delay is harmless.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.