Matthew 12:27
And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus flips the script by pointing out the Pharisees' hypocrisy: they wouldn't accuse their own followers of being in league with Satan when they cast out demons, yet they leveled that exact accusation against Him. Therefore, their own practice serves as undeniable proof against their malicious logic.
The Pharisees have just accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan, which is a dangerous and absurd accusation. Jesus counters by pointing out that many of their own followers or disciples also practiced exorcism; if his power came from Satan, then their own people must be allied with the devil too, making them hypocrites and condemning their own practices.
Jesus throws back a question that exposes a glaring double standard. When others perform similar acts, they're praised, but when Jesus does it, He's condemned. But who exactly are these 'children' Jesus is referring to?
When Jesus asks, 'By whom do your sons cast them out?' He's pointing to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The 'sons' or 'children' here likely refers to:
Jesus uses this comparison to highlight that the Pharisees were judging Him by a different, unfair standard. They approved of similar works when done by those within their own tradition, but condemned Jesus' miraculous acts, attributing them to the worst possible source: Satan.
Jesus isn't just pointing out unfairness; He's using sharp logic to dismantle the Pharisees' accusation. His argument rests on a simple principle: consistency.
Jesus’ reasoning is incredibly powerful:
Understand the original words
daimonion · Greek Noun
Beings in rebellion against God who serve Satan, often causing physical or mental affliction and spiritual oppression in humanity.
Beelzeboul · Greek Noun
A name associated with the prince of demons, historically linked to Baal-Zebub; it functions as an epithet for Satan in the Gospels to signify his rule over the demonic realm.
John tells Jesus that they stopped someone from casting out demons because he wasn't one of their group, showing that exorcism was practiced by various individuals and groups, not just Jesus' immediate followers.
Luke 9:49This passage shows a similar instance where John questions Jesus about someone casting out demons in Jesus' name who wasn't following them, highlighting the ongoing discussion and differing views on spiritual authority and power during Jesus' ministry.
Acts 19:13The story of the seven sons of Sceva attempting to cast out demons by invoking Jesus' name demonstrates that others were trying to perform exorcisms, and it serves as a contrast to Jesus' genuine authority, emphasizing the validity of his power.
1 Corinthians 1:13Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian church, and while not about exorcism, it touches on the theme of 'dividing Christ' and appealing to different spiritual authorities, resonating with the Pharisees' attempt to divide Jesus' work.
barnesMatthew 12:27: "And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges."
By whom do your children cast them out? - Your disciples; your followers. See the notes at Matthew 1:1. Christ was not satisfied by showing them the intrinsic absurdity of their argument. He showed them that it might as well be applied to them as to him. your disciples, taught by you and encouraged by you, pretend to cast out devils. If your argument be true that…
meyerMatthew 12:27: "And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges."
Matthew 12:27 . A second way of rebutting the charge. Notice the emphatic antithesis: ἐγώ and οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν . The latter ( people of your own school; see, in general, note on Matthew 8:12 ) are exorcists who have even pretended actually to cast out demons ( Acts 19:13 ; Josephus, Antt. viii. 2. 5, Bell. vii. 6. 3; Justin, c. Tryph. p. 311), who have emanated from t…
Jesus flips the script by pointing out the Pharisees' hypocrisy: they wouldn't accuse their own followers of being in league with Satan when they cast out demons, yet they leveled that exact accusation against Him. Therefore, their own practice serves as undeniable proof against their malicious logic.
The Pharisees have just accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan, which is a dangerous and absurd accusation. Jesus counters by pointing out that many of their own followers or disciples also practiced exorcism; if his power came from Satan, then their own people must be allied with the devil too, making them hypocrites and condemning their own practices.
The Pharisees have just accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan, which is a dangerous and absurd accusation. Jesus counters by pointing out that many of their own followers or disciples also practiced exorcism; if his power came from Satan, then their own people must be allied with the devil too, making them hypocrites and condemning their own practices.
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Essentially, Jesus says, 'You can't have it both ways. Either everyone who casts out demons is working with Satan, or no one is. Your own accepted practice condemns your accusation against me.'
"And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges." — Jesus flips the script by pointing out the Pharisees' hypocrisy: they wouldn't accuse their own followers of being in league with Satan when they cast out demons, yet they leveled that exact accusa…
