part of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus gives a parabolic explanation of the meaning of his exorcisms in all three synoptic Gospels (Mk 3:20–30; Mt 12:22–30; Lk 11:14–23). His statement came in response to an incisive accusation from Jewish authorities from Jerusalem. They accused Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebub (an alias of Satan) and of performing his many exorcisms by the ruler of the demons. In response Jesus contends, first of all, that it is foolish to think Satan would work against his
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