And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
Jesus warns of family betrayal: 'the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death' (παραδωσει δε αδελφος αδελφον εις θανατον και πατηρ τεκνον και επαναστησονται τεκνα επι γονεις και θανατωσουσιν αυτους). This horrifying prediction describes family members betraying one another to death because of Christian faith. Jesus' coming brings 'not peace but a sword' (10:34), dividing families. Faith loyalty supersedes family loyalty, creating conflict when family opposes Christ. This isn't ideal but reality: gospel demands allegiance that threatens those who reject it. Family persecution is particularly painful—betrayal by those closest—yet Jesus predicts it to prepare disciples.
Historical Context
Ancient cultures were intensely family-centered. Honor and shame were collective, not individual. One family member's religious deviance brought shame on the entire family. Jewish families considered Christian faith apostasy warranting disownment. Roman families faced similar dynamics when members converted. Early Christian martyrologies record family betrayals: relatives turning Christians over to authorities to preserve family honor. Pliny's letters to Trajan describe children informing on Christian parents. Jesus' prediction proved tragically accurate.
Questions for Reflection
How do we maintain Christian faithfulness when family opposes our faith?
What does this passage teach about the relationship between family loyalty and Christ loyalty?
How can we love family members while prioritizing allegiance to Christ?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus warns of family betrayal: 'the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death' (παραδωσει δε αδελφος αδελφον εις θανατον και πατηρ τεκνον και επαναστησονται τεκνα επι γονεις και θανατωσουσιν αυτους). This horrifying prediction describes family members betraying one another to death because of Christian faith. Jesus' coming brings 'not peace but a sword' (10:34), dividing families. Faith loyalty supersedes family loyalty, creating conflict when family opposes Christ. This isn't ideal but reality: gospel demands allegiance that threatens those who reject it. Family persecution is particularly painful—betrayal by those closest—yet Jesus predicts it to prepare disciples.