But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them,
Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falls.
All Commentaries on Luke 11:17 Go To Luke 11
John Chrysostom
AD 407
He did not answer them from the Scriptures, since they gave no heed to them, explaining them away falsely; but he answers them from things of every day occurrence. For a house and a city if it be divided is quickly scattered to nothing; and likewise a kingdom, than which nothing is stronger. For the harmony of the inhabitants maintains houses and kingdoms. If then, says He, I cast out devils by means of a devil, there is dissension among them, and their power perishes. Hence He adds, But if Satan be divided against himself, how shall he stand? For Satan resists not himself, nor hurts his soldiers, but rather strengthens his kingdom. It is then by Divine power alone that I crush Satan under my feet.
This then is the first answer; the second which relates to His disciples He gives as follows, And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? He says not, “My disciples,” but your sons, wishing to soothe their wrath.
For since they who come forth from you are obedient to Me, it is plain that they will condemn those who do the contrary.
But it is said, upon you, that He might draw them to Him; as if He said, If prosperity comes to you, why do you despise your good things?
