Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
But . . . a baptism, etc.—clearly, His own bloody baptism, first to take place.
how . . . straitened—not, "how do I long for its accomplishment," as many understand it, thus making it but a repetition of Luke 12:49; but "what a pressure of spirit is upon Me."
till it be accomplished—till it be over. Before a promiscuous audience, such obscure language was fit on a theme like this; but oh, what surges of mysterious emotion in the view of what was now so near at hand does it reveal!
to send—cast.
fire—"the higher spiritual element of life which Jesus came to introduce into this earth (compare Matthew 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, etc.].
what will I, etc.—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].
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Luke 12:50:
Song of Solomon 8:6
John 15:17-21
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