But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. This verse contains one of Scripture's clearest proclamations of the kingdom's arrival. The phrase "finger of God" (ἐν δακτύλῳ Θεοῦ, en daktulō Theou) echoes Exodus 8:19, where Pharaoh's magicians recognized God's power in the plagues. It's an anthropomorphism indicating divine power and authority—Matthew's parallel uses "Spirit of God" (Matthew 12:28), showing these are equivalent expressions.
The phrase "the kingdom of God is come upon you" (ἔφθασεν ἐφ' ὑμᾶς ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, ephthasen eph' humas hē basileia tou Theou) uses the verb φθάνω (phthanō), meaning to arrive, reach, or come upon. The aorist tense indicates a definite arrival, not mere approach. Jesus declares that His exorcisms are not mere healings but kingdom manifestations—wherever Satan's power is broken, God's reign advances. This is realized eschatology: the kingdom has invaded history in Christ, though its consummation awaits His return. The present power of God's kingdom confronts them now, demanding response.
Historical Context
Jewish eschatological expectation centered on God's kingdom—a future age when Messiah would reign, Israel would be restored, and God's enemies defeated. The prophets foretold this age (Isaiah 9:6-7, Daniel 2:44, Zechariah 14:9). Jesus' radical claim is that this kingdom has arrived in His person and ministry. His exorcisms are not isolated miracles but kingdom warfare—the binding of the strong man (vv. 21-22), the overthrow of Satan's tyranny, and the liberation of captives. This inaugurates the 'already but not yet' tension of kingdom theology.
Questions for Reflection
What does the phrase 'finger of God' reveal about Jesus' divine authority and the nature of His exorcisms as God's direct action?
How do Jesus' exorcisms demonstrate that the kingdom of God is not merely future hope but present reality breaking into history?
In what ways should the kingdom's arrival in Christ's ministry shape Christian understanding of spiritual warfare and deliverance today?
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Analysis & Commentary
But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. This verse contains one of Scripture's clearest proclamations of the kingdom's arrival. The phrase "finger of God" (ἐν δακτύλῳ Θεοῦ, en daktulō Theou) echoes Exodus 8:19, where Pharaoh's magicians recognized God's power in the plagues. It's an anthropomorphism indicating divine power and authority—Matthew's parallel uses "Spirit of God" (Matthew 12:28), showing these are equivalent expressions.
The phrase "the kingdom of God is come upon you" (ἔφθασεν ἐφ' ὑμᾶς ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, ephthasen eph' humas hē basileia tou Theou) uses the verb φθάνω (phthanō), meaning to arrive, reach, or come upon. The aorist tense indicates a definite arrival, not mere approach. Jesus declares that His exorcisms are not mere healings but kingdom manifestations—wherever Satan's power is broken, God's reign advances. This is realized eschatology: the kingdom has invaded history in Christ, though its consummation awaits His return. The present power of God's kingdom confronts them now, demanding response.