But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of GodThis phrase highlights Jesus' authority over demonic forces, emphasizing His divine power. The act of driving out demons is a testament to His messianic role, fulfilling prophecies such as
Isaiah 61:1, which speaks of liberation and healing. The mention of the "Spirit of God" indicates the divine source of Jesus' power, contrasting with accusations that He operated by demonic influence (
Matthew 12:24). This aligns with the Trinitarian understanding of God, where the Holy Spirit empowers Jesus' earthly ministry (
Luke 4:18).
then the kingdom of God has come upon you
This statement signifies the inauguration of God's kingdom through Jesus' ministry. The presence of the kingdom is evidenced by the defeat of evil and the restoration of God's order. This reflects Old Testament prophecies, such asDaniel 2:44, which foretells a divine kingdom that will crush all others. The phrase "has come upon you" suggests an unexpected arrival, challenging the Jewish expectation of a political kingdom. Instead, Jesus introduces a spiritual reign, marked by righteousness and divine authority, as seen in His miracles and teachings (Luke 17:20-21).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and the crowd, asserting His divine authority and the presence of God's kingdom.
2.
PhariseesA religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law. They challenge Jesus, accusing Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul.
3.
DemonsSpiritual beings opposed to God, which Jesus is casting out, demonstrating His authority over evil.
4.
Spirit of GodRefers to the Holy Spirit, through whom Jesus performs miracles, signifying divine power and presence.
5.
Kingdom of GodThe reign and rule of God, which Jesus declares has arrived with His ministry and the casting out of demons.
Teaching Points
Authority of JesusJesus' ability to cast out demons by the Spirit of God confirms His divine authority and identity as the Messiah. Believers can trust in His power over evil.
Presence of the KingdomThe kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality inaugurated by Jesus. Christians are called to live as citizens of this kingdom now.
Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit empowers believers to continue Jesus' work on earth. We should seek the Spirit's guidance and strength in our daily lives.
Discernment of Spiritual RealitiesJust as the Pharisees failed to recognize God's work, we must be spiritually discerning to see God's hand in our world today.
Victory over EvilJesus' victory over demons assures us of His ultimate victory over all evil. We can live confidently, knowing that evil will not prevail.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 12:28?
2.How does Matthew 12:28 affirm Jesus' authority over demonic forces in our lives?
3.What does "kingdom of God has come upon you" mean for believers today?
4.How does Matthew 12:28 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
5.In what ways can we recognize the Holy Spirit's work in our community?
6.How should Matthew 12:28 influence our approach to spiritual warfare and prayer?
7.What does Matthew 12:28 reveal about the nature of God's kingdom on earth?
8.How does Matthew 12:28 challenge the understanding of Jesus' authority over demons?
9.What historical context is essential for interpreting Matthew 12:28 accurately?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12?
11.What Bible verses support Christian exorcism practices?
12.What is the power of the Holy Spirit?
13.What defines the spiritual realm?
14.What is the concept of Realized Eschatology?What Does Matthew 12:28 Mean
But if I drive out demons- Jesus frames a logical test for His critics, pointing to literal, visible exorcisms they have just witnessed (Matthew 12:24-27).
- The Gospels document these events repeatedly: “He healed many … and drove out many demons” (Mark 1:34); “Come out of him!” (Luke 4:35).
- Scripture treats demonic powers as real enemies; our struggle is “against the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12).
- Acts affirms that Jesus “healed all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him” (Acts 10:38).
The question is not whether the expulsions happened, but what they reveal about Jesus.
by the Spirit of God- At His baptism “the Spirit of God” descended on Him (Matthew 3:16); every miracle flows from that anointing.
- Jesus read Isaiah’s prophecy of Himself: “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me” (Luke 4:18). Driving out demons fulfills that mission.
- Father, Son, and Spirit act in perfect unity, leaving no room for the charge that Satan empowers Him.
- The same Spirit equips believers: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8); “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus … dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).
Rejecting these works equals resisting God’s own Spirit.
then the kingdom of God- Jesus had already proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). Now He declares it present.
- A kingdom exists where its King reigns; every exorcism is the King’s authority displacing darkness. “He has rescued us … and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13).
- The Pharisees expected a future political takeover, but Jesus says the kingdom is “in your midst” (Luke 17:21).
-Hebrews 2:8 promises everything will be placed under Christ; demon evictions are advance evidence.
has come upon you- Luke’s parallel says “has come upon you” (Luke 11:20), underscoring immediate arrival.
- Messianic signs—“The blind receive sight … the dead are raised” (Matthew 11:5)—show the same present reality.
- Yet the consummation lies ahead: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord” (Revelation 11:15). The kingdom is both now and not-yet.
- The phrase carries urgency: welcome the King or find yourself opposing Him. “The time is fulfilled … Repent and believe the gospel!” (Mark 1:15).
summaryMatthew 12:28 teaches that Jesus’ literal expulsion of demons, accomplished by the Spirit, proves the kingdom’s present arrival. Where the Spirit drives out evil, the King’s reign is active. Recognizing that reality brings freedom and citizenship in God’s kingdom; denying it means resisting the very Spirit and rule we most need.
(28)
By the Spirit ofGod.--In
Luke 11:20 we have as an equivalent phrase, "the finger of God." So in Old Testament language the fulness of the prophet's inspiration was expressed in the words, "the hand of the Lord was strong upon me" (
Ezekiel 3:14). The second hymn in the Ordination Service reproduces the symbolism in the words addressed to the Holy Spirit--
"In faithful hearts thou writ'st thy law,
The finger of God's hand;"
and it obviously connects itself with the older language which describes the Ten Commandments as written on the two tables of stone with "the finger of God" (Exodus 31:18).
Then the kingdom of God is come unto you.--The word describes a coming suddenly, unlooked for, sooner than men expected. The argument may be briefly formulated thus:--The work was confessedly superhuman, either from the power of Satan or that of God, but the former hypothesis was excluded by the reasoning ofMatthew 12:25-27; the latter was therefore the only explanation. But if so, if Jesus gave proof that He was thus filled with the power of the Spirit to heal and save, then He was what He claimed to be, the Head of the divine kingdom. That kingdom had burst upon men unawares. . . .
Verse 28. - The argument continues: "But if this be so (I say nothing about your disciples, but speak only of my own works) - if I really cast out devils by God's help, this shows such a strange putting forth of God's strength that it can mean nothing else but the coming of the Messianic kingdom." Observe that this could not be affirmed from the success of the Pharisees' disciples, for with them expulsion of devils, even if it were real, was, as it were, accidental, standing in no close connexion with their work (cf.
Matthew 7:22, note). Besides, they did not, as our Lord did, claim to be the Messiah, and to inaugurate the kingdom.
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God;but if I by the Spirit of God, etc. (Revised Version). The chief emphasis lies on
by the Spirit of God, and there is a secondary emphasis on J, as compared with "your sons." Observe the absence of the article in
ἐν πνεύματι Θεοῦ; contrast vers. 31, 32, and comp.
Matthew 1:18, note. Luke has, "by the finger of God," a term used to designate God's power as put forth upon nature (
Exodus 8:19;
Exodus 31:18; cf.
Psalm 8:3).
Then. Little as you think it (
ἄρα); cf.
Luke 11:48.
The kingdom of God. In contrast to Satan's kingdom (ver. 26).
Is come (
ἔφθασαεν:
praevenit, Codex Brixianus; cf. Wordsworth and White's Vulgate). This may mean
(1) it has come sooner than you expected, it has got the start of you (cf.1 Thessalonians 4:15); or
(2) it has actually come as far as you, it has arrived. This latter sense seems to be more in accordance with Hellenistic usage (cf.Philippians 3:16;1 Thessalonians 2:16). Unto you;upon you (Revised Version),ἐφ ὑμᾶς.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.ifεἰ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.Iἐγὼ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.drive outἐκβάλλω(ekballō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1544:To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.demonsδαιμόνια(daimonia)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1140:An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity.byἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] SpiritΠνεύματι(Pneumati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.of God,Θεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.thenἄρα(ara)Conjunction
Strong's 686:Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.kingdomβασιλεία(basileia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932:From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.of GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.has comeἔφθασεν(ephthasen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5348:Apparently a primary verb; to be beforehand, i.e. Anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at.uponἐφ’(eph’)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.you.ὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 12:28 But if I by the Spirit (Matt. Mat Mt) 
