New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 12:24

Lord of the Sabbath

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.” Matthew 12:24 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 12:24, in plain English

But the Pharisees sneer: He only casts out demons because He is working with the prince of demons, Beelzebul. They cannot deny the miracle, so they attack its source.

Why it's here

When people are determined to reject Jesus, no amount of evidence will convince them. They will twist even the most beautiful miracles into something sinister.

Who's speaking

The Pharisees accuse Jesus.

Where it sits in the story

The Pharisees face undeniable evidence and choose the most twisted possible explanation. They would rather credit Satan than admit Jesus is from God.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The Pharisees counter the crowd's messianic speculation by attributing Jesus' exorcisms to Beelzebul (Beelzeboul), the 'prince of demons' (archonti ton daimonion), the most hostile possible interpretation of His power.

Language and setting

Beelzebul (possibly 'lord of the dwelling' or a corruption of Baal-zebub, 'lord of the flies') was a name for Satan. This accusation does not deny Jesus' power but maliciously attributes its source to demonic alliance.

Voice

The Pharisees respond to the crowd's wonder.

Significance

The Pharisees cannot deny the miracle, so they attack its source. By attributing Jesus' power to the prince of demons, they choose the most malicious explanation possible.

In context

Matthew 12:22–26

22Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see.

23The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?”

24But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.”

25Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.

26If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?

Read all of Matthew 12 — Grain fields on a Saturday spark a furious confrontation. Jesus claims an authority that makes the Pharisees begin plotting his death.

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