Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 12:26

"and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?" — Matthew 12:26 (ASV)

Knowing the thoughts of the Pharisees (v.26), Jesus points out that any kingdom, city, or household that develops internal strife will destroy itself; the same is true for Satan’s “kingdom.” 27 Jesus’ argument here is ad hominem: he is saying “your sons” (either the Jews in general or people instructed by the Pharisees) cast out demons on occasion and their limited success must be due not to Beelzebub but to God’s power. Jesus is even more successful and does even greater damage to Satan’s kingdom. Surely, Jesus implies, this is also evidence of God’s great power.