The sword brought by Jesus does not contradict the good news that Jesus saves sinners (John 3:14; 1 Timothy 1:15). Matthew 10:34 is not about this purpose of Jesus’ coming, but reveals one of its consequences (see also Matthew 25:46).
While Jesus’ second coming will establish peace, the goal of his first coming was not to command peace, but to stir up the opposition that would bring him to the cross—so he states, I have not come to bring peace, but a sword,
referring to a short sword, used not only by soldiers, but also by citizens in personal disputes. Jesus refers not to wars between nations, but discord among neighbours and within families.
The blessings promised by the gospel do not necessarily translate into immediate earthly blessings. In general, the preaching of the gospel evokes resistance and unrest in the world. Because of this the sword that is brought by Jesus does not contradict the gospel’s message that Jesus has come to bring salvation to sinners (John 3:14; 1 Timothy 1:15). Matthew 10:34 does not describe the great purpose of Jesus’ coming, but rather merely mentions one of the consequences thereof (see also Matthew 25:46).1
The goal of Jesus’ first coming to earth was indeed not to command peace, yet this does not preclude that the goal of his second coming, his parousia, will be to establish peace. Matthew 10:34a, however, specifically refers to his first coming as part of his humiliation. Concerning this, Jesus further declares, I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
The reference here is to a short sword, used not only by soldiers in battle but also by citizens in personal disputes which often led to one-on-one duels. It is clear that what is spoken of here is not wars between nations, but discord among neighbours and within families.2
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.