Luke 11:18

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

فان كان الشيطان ايضا ينقسم على ذاته فكيف تثبت مملكته. لانكم تقولون اني ببعلزبول اخرج الشياطين.

What Does This Mean?

Jesus is speaking and saying that if Satan were divided against himself, his kingdom could not stand. He points out the absurdity of the accusation that he casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, a name for Satan.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game with your friends, but instead of working together to win, everyone is fighting each other. How could you possibly win like that? Jesus says it's the same for Satan; if he's fighting against himself, his team can't stay strong and work well.

Historical Background

This verse is found in Luke’s Gospel, written around A.D. 80-100 by a doctor named Luke who was a companion of Paul. The original audience were early Christians, including Gentiles. This passage reflects the Jewish belief that Jesus' powers came from an evil source.

Living It Out Today

In our modern world, this verse reminds us to be careful about the sources we rely on for guidance and strength. Just like Satan cannot stand divided, we need consistency in our beliefs and actions to maintain our integrity and influence.

Topics

• faith
• demonstration of power
• satan
• authority
• division
• kingdom of God

Related Verses

• Mark 3:23-27
• Matthew 12:25-29
• 1 John 4:4
• Ephesians 6:10-18
• James 4:7

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some people think Jesus casts out devils through Beelzebub?

Some people accused Jesus because they couldn’t understand or accept his power and authority. They believed he must be working with Satan to perform miracles.

What does the phrase 'Satan divided against himself' imply about his kingdom?

It suggests that if Satan were divided, his kingdom would collapse because unity is crucial for any ruler's power and influence.

Can this verse be used to understand spiritual warfare today?

Yes, it emphasizes the importance of unity among believers against division and aligns with biblical teachings on resisting evil and trusting in God’s power.

How should one respond when accused of using dark powers for good deeds?

One should counter such accusations by pointing out their inconsistency, as Jesus did here. It's important to maintain a clear conscience and rely on divine truth.