Matthew 12:27

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:22-37

The bathos of detracting blasphemy. In introduction, note the unity of this passage of sixteen verses. While the linking of one portion of the accounts contained in the Gospels to another is very often exceedingly evident, and that, link by link, a oneness of a different and complete kind marks this marvellous episode. Observe also upon the fact that the criticism of all the ages from the earliest Christian writings of the centuries has fastened upon these verses with no mistaken instinct.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:22-37

Casting out devils, and blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. The opposition of the Pharisees on this occasion much less excusable than when charging the Lord with sabbath-breaking. Contrasts with honest amazement of the people, exclaiming," Is not this," etc.? Pharisees felt evidence of miracle as much as common people, but refused to follow their own convictions. Make what they know to be a flimsy and insufficient explanation. Our Lord makes a threefold reply. 1 . It is absurd to suppose... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:25-37

Our Lord shows the monstrous character of their accusation, and urges the need of a complete change at heart. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:27

And ( καί ). Another stage in his argument. There is a further reason why they should hesitate before making such an accusation; their own disciples claimed to be able to cast out devils. If I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children ; sons (Revised Version); i.e. your pupils, who will carry on your work (cf. "sons of the prophets"). Cast them out? (cf. Matthew 4:24 , note). For examples of such cases by others than professed followers of Christ, see Luke 9:49 ; ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:27-28

Parallel passage: Luke 11:19 , Luke 11:20 , almost verbally identical. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 12:22-30

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil - See the notes at Matthew 4:24. The same account, substantially, is found in Mark 3:22-27, and Luke 11:14-26.Matthew 12:23Is not this the Son of David? - That is, Is not this the promised “descendant” of David, the Messiah? They were acquainted with the prophecy in Isaiah 35:5, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped,” and they inferred that he must be the promised Messiah who was able to do... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 12:27-28

Matthew 12:27-28. And if I by Beelzebub, &c. This is the second argument made use of by Jesus for confuting the calumny of the Pharisees; by whom do your children cast them out? As if he had said, “For the same reason that you attribute my miracles to the devil, you may attribute all the miracles that ever were wrought in the world to the devil, and particularly the miracles of your own prophets which, nevertheless, you acknowledge to be divine.” To this purpose Dr. Chandler... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 12:22-45

52. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:22-45; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 11:14-36)On one occasion when Jesus cast out demons, the Pharisees accused him of doing it by the power of Satan, the prince of demons (Matthew 12:22-24; Luke 11:14-16). Jesus replied that if the prince of demons used his own power to cast out demons, he would be creating civil war in his own kingdom. He would be destroying himself. The only way a strong man can be defeated is if a stronger man overpowers him. In casting out... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 12:27

children = sons: i.e. disciples. The Pharisees believed in and practiced exorcism. See Josephus ( Antiquities viii. 2-5), and compare Acts 19:13 . therefore = on account of this. Greek. dia touto. App-104 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 12:27

And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.Christ here referred to the widespread practice of some of the disciples (sons) of the Pharisees of casting out demons, or pretending to do so, which practice the Pharisees openly accepted, and upon which they based claims of divine approval of both themselves and their doctrines. Josephus described such a case thus:I have seen a certain man of my own country, whose name was Eleazer,... read more

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