Matthew 12:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 12:27
27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
Chapter Context
Matthew 12 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, prayer. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-50: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 12:27
27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
Analysis
'And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.' Jesus's second argument: Jewish exorcists—'your children' (οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν/hoi huioi hymōn), meaning disciples or followers—also performed exorcisms. If Jesus casts out demons by Satan's power, what power do they use? Same logic applies to them. The Pharisees' response would be: our exorcists operate by God's power. Jesus's point: by what standard do you attribute their exorcisms to God but mine to Satan? Your own practitioners will 'judge' (κριταὶ ἔσονται/kritai esontai) you—exposing your inconsistency. Reformed theology observes Jesus's rhetorical skill: He catches opponents in logical contradiction using their own assumptions. The verse also indicates first-century Judaism practiced exorcism. Acts records Jewish exorcists (Acts 19:13-16). Their success rate varied; Jesus's exorcisms were always immediate, complete, and authoritative—demonstrating superior power. The argument: if you acknowledge some exorcisms are from God, you must have consistent criteria. Applied consistently, Jesus's exorcisms obviously manifest divine power.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism had professional exorcists using various methods: invoking Solomon's name, magical formulas, herbal remedies, incantations. Josephus describes Jewish exorcists; rabbinic literature discusses their practices. Acts 19:13-16 records itinerant Jewish exorcists attempting to use Jesus's name as magical formula—with disastrous results. Jesus's exorcisms differed fundamentally: no formulas, no rituals, no struggling—just authoritative command. Demons immediately obeyed. His success was universal and instant, unlike variable results of Jewish exorcists. Yet Pharisees accepted their fellow Jews' exorcisms as legitimate while attributing Jesus's to Satan—demonstrating bias, not rational assessment. 'Your children' could also refer to Pharisees' spiritual descendants—future generations who'd recognize Pharisees' error and condemn their rejection of Messiah. Church tradition sees this as prophetic: Jewish converts to Christianity indeed 'judged' their forebears' rejection of Jesus. The argument remains relevant: those who acknowledge supernatural activity in some contexts but deny it in others demonstrate inconsistency revealing bias rather than reasoned judgment.
Reflection
- How do you ensure consistent criteria when evaluating claims of supernatural activity rather than accepting some and rejecting others based on bias?
- What does Jesus's superior exorcistic power demonstrate about His unique authority and identity?
- In what ways do inconsistent applications of standards reveal underlying prejudice or predetermined conclusions?
Cross-References
- Judgment: Luke 11:19
- Parallel theme: Romans 3:19