Adolf Harnack, Militia Christi: The Christian Religion and the Military in the First Three Centuries, (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1981), p. 29. [This is translation of Militia Christi: Die christliche Religion und der Soldatenstand in den ersten drei Jahrhunderten (Tübingen: J.C.B. Mohr, 1905).]

How is the saying (Matt. 10:34) “I am not come to bring peace but a sword” is to be understood we learn from the context and from Luke 12:49-53. What is meant is the division within families which results from the proclamation of the gospel. Peace in this context means peace in the household.