48. But he who did not know and did things worthy of a beating shall be beaten with few [lashes]. For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and of him to whom men entrust much, they will require and demand all the more. [Num. 15:29, 30; Deut. 25:2, 3.]
49. I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish that it were already kindled!
50. I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and how greatly and sorely I am urged on (impelled, constrained) until it is accomplished!
51. Do you suppose that I have come to give peace upon earth? No, I say to you, but rather division;
52. For from now on in one house there will be five divided [among themselves], three against two and two against three.
53. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. [Mic. 7:6.]
54. He also said to the crowds of people, When you see a cloud rising in the west, at once you say, It is going to rain! And so it does.
55. And when [you see that] a south wind is blowing, you say, There will be severe heat! And it occurs.
56. You playactors (hypocrites)! You know how [intelligently] to discern and interpret and prove the looks of the earth and sky; but how is it that you do not know how to discern and interpret and apply the proof to this present time?
57. And why do you not judge what is just and personally decide what is right?
58. Then as you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make a diligent effort to settle and be quit (free) of him, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison.
59. I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last [fraction of a] cent.