Podcast episodes

S4E9: The Parable of the Strong Man


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In this episode we discuss the parable of the strong man from Matthew 12. After healing a demon-possessed man, Jesus responds to the accusation of the Pharisees that he drove out the demon by the power of Satan. The parable of the strong man is part of a larger argument that the Pharisees’ accusation is both illogical (vv. 25-29) and immoral (vv. 31-32), which is the basis of their eschatological judgment (vv. 36-37). The parable simply argues that Jesus’ power over demons proves that he is indeed “the Son of David” (v. 23), and he will thus plunder Satan’s house at the end of the age.

Show notes

  • The context around the parable – Matthew 12:25-32; Mark 3:23-27; Luke 11:17-23 (5:40)
  • The healing on the Sabbath and messianic expectations – Matthew 12:9-14 (8:52)
  • The illogical and immoral accusation of the Pharisees (15:14)
  • Exorcism in the New Testament and Jewish literature – Mark 9:38; Acts 19:13-14; Josephus, Antiquities 8.2, 5; Tractate Meilah 17b (19:14)
  • The kingdom of God will most certainly come upon you – Matthew 12:28 (22:50)
  • “Come upon you” is not a positive thing in this context – Deuteronomy 28:15; Jeremiah 40:3; Daniel 9:13; Zephaniah 2:1-2; Targum Ezekiel 7:6-7; Luke 21:34-35; Matthew 23:36; Ephesians 5:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:3; James 5:1; Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 (31:16)
  • Revisiting the parable in context without realized eschatology – Isaiah 49:24-25; Jubilees 23:29; 1 Enoch 10:4-7; 1 Enoch 54:4-6 (41:08)