Matthew 12:29
Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient warfare included plundering conquered cities—taking spoils after defeating defenders. Jesus uses this imagery: Satan is strong man defending his domain; Christ is stronger, binding him and freeing his captives. This explains Jesus's exorcistic ministry: not random acts but systematic campaign against Satan's kingdom. Isaiah 49:24-25 prophesied Messiah would take captives from the mighty—Jesus fulfills this. Paul develops the imagery: Christ triumphed over principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15), led captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8). Early church understood conversion as transfer from Satan's kingdom to God's (Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:13). Medieval theology pictured atonement as ransom from Satan—partially correct but missing penal substitution emphasis. Reformation clarified: atonement is primarily Godward (satisfying divine justice) but includes Satanward victory (breaking devil's power). Modern application: evangelism is plundering operation, freeing Satan's captives through gospel proclamation. Every conversion is spoiling the strong man's house. Yet Satan remains dangerous until final binding (1 Peter 5:8)—defeated but not yet eliminated.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding evangelism and ministry as 'spoiling' Satan's house affect your sense of spiritual warfare and mission urgency?
- In what ways has Christ 'bound the strong man' through His life, death, and resurrection?
- How do you balance recognizing Satan's defeat (already) with acknowledging his continuing danger (not yet)?
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Analysis & Commentary
'Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.' Jesus's third argument uses parable: to plunder strong man's house, you must first bind him. The 'strong man' (ἰσχυρὸς/ischyros) represents Satan; his 'house' is his kingdom; his 'goods' (σκεύη/skeuē) are demon-possessed people. Jesus's exorcisms are 'spoiling' (διαρπάσει/diarpásei, plundering) Satan's house. This requires having bound the strong man—demonstrating superior power. Reformed theology sees this as describing Christ's victory over Satan. The binding occurred through incarnation, temptation victory (Matthew 4:1-11), entire ministry, and culminating at cross/resurrection (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14). Satan is bound in sense that his power is broken; believers can be freed from his dominion. Full binding awaits final judgment (Revelation 20:2). But Christ's authority over demons proved Satan's defeat was underway. Every exorcism was military victory plundering enemy territory. The gospel advances by liberating Satan's captives.