Pharisees’ Blasphemy

14 aAnd He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed.

15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons aby bBeelzebul, the ruler of the demons.”

16 Others, 1to test Him, awere demanding of Him a 2sign from heaven.

17 aBut He knew their thoughts and said to them, “1Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against 2itself falls.

18 “If aSatan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by bBeelzebul.

19 “And if I by aBeelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges.

20 “But if I cast out demons by the afinger of God, then bthe kingdom of God has come upon you.

21 “When 1a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are 2undisturbed.

22 “But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder.

23 “aHe who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.