Matthew 10:36Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

How then did He enjoin them, that when they should entor any house they should say, Peace be to this house, as also the Angels sung, Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace to men. (Luke 2:14.) That is the most perfect peace when that which is diseased is lopped off, when that which introduces strife is taken away, for so only is it possible that heaven should be joined to earth. For so does the physician save the rest of the body, namely by cutting off that which cannot be healed. So it came to pass at the tower of Babel; a happy discord broke up their bad union. So also Paul divided those who were conspired together against him. For concord is not in all cases good; for there is honour among thieves. And this combat is not of His setting before them, but of the plots of the world.

Otherwise; I am come to set a man against his father; for he renounces the Devil, who was his son; the daughter against her mother, that is, the people of God against the city of the world, that is, the wicked society of mankind, which is spoken of in Scripture under the names of Babylon, Egypt, Sodom, and other names. The daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, that is, the Church against the Synagogue, which according to the flesh, brought forth Christ the spouse of the Church. They are severed by the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And a man’s foes are they of his household, those, that is, with whom he before lived as intimates.

When the sensibilities of sight become dulled by indulgence, and the allure of what is visible begins to take hold of the heart, the inner ruler of thought—one devoid of bravery, yet ensconced in comfort—finds itself besieged. Numerous adversaries from the array of thoughts surround the observer. These adversaries echo the words of the Lord: "the enemies of man are his household," emerging from within the heart and corrupting the individual, as can be distinctly understood from the Gospel (Matthew 15:18-19).

He had before said, What I say to you in darkness, that speak ye in the light; He now tells them what will follow upon that preaching, saying, Think not that I am come to send peace upon earth; I am not come to send peace, but a sword.

This prophetic statement was previously directed toward the Jews when they were in conflict with one another; however, Christ now relates it to the topic He is addressing, illustrating that all those in the household of the one who believes will turn into his adversaries.

Mystically; A sword is the sharpest of all weapons, and thence it is the emblem of the right of authority, the impartiality of justice, the correction of offenders. The word of God, we may remember, is likened to a sword; (Eph. 6:17. Heb. 4:12.) so here the sword that is sent upon the earth is His preaching poured into the heart of man. The five inhabiting one house, whom He divides three against two, and two against three, we may explain thus; The three are the three parts of man, the body, the soul, and the will; for as the soul is bestowed in the body, so the will has power of using both in any way it chooses; and thence when a law is given it is given to the will. But this is only found in those who were first formed by God.

For the subtle enemy when he sees himself driven out of the hearts of the good, seeks out those who most love them, and speaking by the mouth of those who are dearest, endeavours while the heart is penetrated by love, that the sword of conviction may pierce to the inmost bulwarks of virtue.

For no other mutual rights can be preserved between those who are at war in their creeds.

He mentions here once more a prophecy that, while not directly stated in this context, illustrates the same principle: "And the enemies of the man that believeth in Me are his household, who believe not in Me." By expressing this, He reveals the significance and intensity of the love He requires. Just as He loved us deeply, He desires that we reciprocate that love. Such statements also elevated the apostles' spirits: "If your disciples, as the Lord might say, abandon their relatives, children, and parents, reflect on what your role as teachers must entail." Whatever the opinions of others may be, pay heed only to God's voice and safeguard your conscience; boldly proclaim your sacred faith and its directives, even if you are ridiculed for it or faced with various forms of malice.

The instances when the apostles and all believers are called to openly affirm their faith in Christ will be countless. It is a misleading perception among the Jews to believe that the Messiah would usher in peace and prosperity. He cannot find harmony or communion with the old, sinful world; rather, He has come to bring a sword, instigating conflict. As a result, there will be a profound struggle between faith and disbelief in the world, leading to betrayals where a father will turn against his son and a son against his father.

When we profess our faith in Christ, our love for Him must surpass every other bond, including that with our parents. We are called to prioritize His desires, as manifested through His commandments, over any human influence. While we are to honor and care for our parents, especially in their later years, we must resist any pressure to compromise our obedience to His commands. If your love for your father leads you to forsake My commandments in order to seek his approval, you are not worthy of Me. Furthermore, if you become a follower yet find yourself unable to endure the hardships and tribulations that God intends for you, failing to take up your cross and follow Me, you are not worthy of Me.

They were dispatched into a realm of conflict and hostility, which would intensify even more due to the society that spurned them. Those closest and most beloved to them would also turn against them, aligning with the ways of the world.

A genuine preacher and disciple of Jesus Christ only earns his Master’s approval when he is filled with a selfless love that transcends all earthly attachments, as the Lord later revealed to His followers. There exists a conflict between the old and the new, pitting natural desires against the divine calling. St. John Chrysostom notes that this discord stemmed not from Christ’s intention but from the human condition: Christ hoped for unity in the pursuit of righteousness, yet humanity remained divided, resulting in strife.