is against Me
The Greek word "κατά" (kata) is used here, meaning "against" or "opposed to." This stark contrast highlights the spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil. In the scriptural context, neutrality is not an option; one is either aligned with Christ or opposed to Him. This phrase serves as a warning against complacency and the dangers of indifference. It calls believers to recognize that failing to actively support Christ's mission equates to opposition, urging them to take a definitive stand for their faith.

and he who does not gather with Me
The imagery of "gathering" is significant, often associated with the harvest and the gathering of souls into the kingdom of God. The Greek word "συνάγω" (synagō) means to bring together or collect. This phrase underscores the importance of evangelism and discipleship, inviting believers to participate in the mission of spreading the Gospel. Historically, this reflects the communal aspect of the early church, where believers worked together to grow the body of Christ. It inspires modern Christians to engage actively in ministry and outreach, contributing to the collective effort of building God's kingdom.

scatters
The Greek word "σκορπίζει" (skorpizei) means to disperse or scatter. This term is often used in the context of scattering sheep, which implies vulnerability and disunity. In the biblical narrative, scattering is associated with the work of the enemy, who seeks to divide and destroy. This phrase serves as a caution against actions or attitudes that lead to division within the church or hinder the mission of Christ. It encourages believers to foster unity and collaboration, recognizing that their efforts should be directed towards gathering and building up rather than dispersing and tearing down.

(1) It may be addressed to the Pharisees, with the object of showing them what their words really implied. They were not due, as some might think, to mere indifferentism or to a judicial neutrality; such a relation to him was impossible. They were due to opposition of inner life and of outward energy. Thus their words denoted complete separation from him. This he brings out more clearly in the two following verses.

(2) This interpretation, however, would attribute to the Pharisees too great an ignorance of their own feelings of opposition to Christ, and it is therefore best to understand the verse as addressed to the many bystanders. Christ has do-fended himself from the accusation brought against him, and now urges these waverers not to be content with only not opposing him, but to take sides - for, in fact, they cannot help doing so. Indifference in this case is only another name for opposition; not actively to help is really to hinder. Thus understood, the lesson of this verse finds its parallel in vers. 43-45, by which, indeed, it is immediately followed in Luke. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. The first clause speaks of the inner disposition, that which forms the real being of the man; the second, of his energy. Observe that the figure of the second clause appears to be connected with that of ver. 29. If Christ's property is not collected, it is driven further from him. Christ and Christians must gather (John 11:52; cf. Bengel). For gathereth (συνάγων), cf. also Matthew 3:12; Matthew 13:30. In scattereth abroad (σκορπίζει) the thought almost leaves the simile of the σκεύη, and regards the persons signified. Notice that in John 11:52, referred to above, the two verbs συνάγειν and (δια) σκορπίζειν, also occur; the figure there, however, appears to be taken from sheep (cf. John 10:12). Further, Mark 9:40 and Luke 9:50 record the saying, "He that is not against us is for us," which was addressed to our Lord's disciples. Both sayings are necessary; earnest Christians need to remember that when outsiders do anything in Christ's name, it must, on the whole, forward his cause (Philippians 1:18); the undecided must face the fact that neutrality is impossible.

Parallel Commentaries ...