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Matthew 12:28

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But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 28

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God--In Luke (Luk 11:20) it is, "with (or 'by') the finger of God." This latter expression is just a figurative way of representing the power of God, while the former tells us the living Personal Agent was made use of by the Lord Jesus in every exercise of that power. then--"no doubt" (Luk 11:20). the kingdom of God is come unto you--rather "upon you," as the same expression is rendered in Luke (Luk 11:20): --that is, "If this expulsion of Satan is, and can be, by no other than the Spirit of God, then is his Destroyer already in the midst of you, and that kingdom which is destined to supplant his is already rising on its ruins."

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 28

In this chapter, we have, I. Christ's clearing of the law of the fourth commandment concerning the sabbath-day, and vindicating it from some superstitious notions advanced by the Jewish teachers; showing that works of necessity and mercy are to be done on that day (Mat 12:1-13). II. The prudence, humility, and self-denial of our Lord Jesus in working his miracles (Mat 12:14-21). III. Christ's answer to the blasphemous cavils and calumnies of the scribes and Pharisees, who imputed his casting out devils to a compact with the devil (v. 22-37). IV. Christ's reply to a tempting demand of the scribes and Pharisees, challenging him to show them a sign from heaven (Mat 12:38-45). V. Christ's judgment about his kindred and relations (Mat 12:46-50).

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Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 28

12:28 The Pharisees were being confronted with and were rejecting the Kingdom of God itself (see Luke 17:20-21; 1 Jn 3:8). Jesus’ miracles brought the power of the Kingdom into the present reality; its ultimate consummation awaits Christ’s second coming.

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Luke 11:20rank 13

But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Daniel 7:14rank 8

And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Acts 10:38rank 7

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

Matthew 6:33rank 7

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Colossians 1:13rank 6

He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Matthew 21:43rank 6

Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

Mark 1:15rank 5

“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”

Luke 16:16rank 5

The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.

Matthew 21:31rank 5

Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.

Daniel 2:44rank 4

In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.

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