A House Divided

²² Then a demon-possessed man^(A) who was blind and unable to speak was brought to Him. He healed him, so that the man^[a] could both speak and see.^{(B) 23} And all the crowds were astounded and said, “Perhaps this is the Son of David!”^(C)

²⁴ When the Pharisees heard this, they said, “The man drives out demons only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.”^(D)

²⁵ Knowing their thoughts,^(E) He told them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. ²⁶ If Satan^(F) drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? ²⁷ And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, who is it your sons drive them out by? For this reason they will be your judges.^{(G) 28} If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.^{(H) 29} How can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up^(I) the strong man? Then he can rob his house. ³⁰ Anyone who is not with Me is against Me,^(J) and anyone who does not gather with Me scatters. ³¹ Because of this,^(K) I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy,^(L) but the blasphemy against^[b] the Spirit will not be forgiven.^{[c] 32} Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man,^(M) it will be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the one to come.^(N)