Luke 11:17-23

Christ and Beelzebub. See on Matthew 12:25.

21, 22. Lk is here fuller and more picturesque than Mt and Mk. The imagery seems derived from Isaiah 49:24.

21 A strong man] RV 'the strong man fully armed,' i.e.

Satan. His palace (RV 'own court') is the world, so far as it is under his usurped dominion. His goods are the souls which he holds captive. His armour is his crafty devices for keeping them in captivity and separating them from all good influences. The stronger is Christ, who, by casting out devils and preaching the gospel, rescues souls from Satan's power. The spoils are the rescued souls, which Christ 'divides' by setting them to work at various employments in His own service.

23. In this contest between Christ and Satan no one can be neutral. Gathereth.. scattereth] He who does not help Me to gather and marshal My army, is working for its defeat and rout.