Matthew 12:28

KJV

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1487} I {G1473} cast out {G1544} devils {G1140} by {G1722} the Spirit {G4151} of God {G2316}, then {G686} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} is come {G5348} unto {G1909} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you!

Berean Standard Bible

But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

American Standard Version

But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:28 stands as a profound declaration by Jesus, serving as the climactic point in His rebuttal to the Pharisees' blasphemous accusation that His power to cast out demons originated from Satan. In this pivotal statement, Jesus unequivocally asserts that His exorcisms are not merely acts of power, but undeniable evidence that the long-anticipated reign of God has decisively broken into human history through His ministry, presenting a direct challenge to the dominion of evil and signaling the dawn of a new era.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical confrontation in Jesus' public ministry, immediately following His healing of a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, an act that prompted the crowds to wonder if He was the promised Son of David ([Matthew 12:22](/matthew/12-22 "Matthew 12:22 - Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man")). The Pharisees, threatened by Jesus' growing influence and miraculous power, responded with a grave accusation: "This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils" ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation")). Jesus masterfully refutes their illogical argument by demonstrating the absurdity of a kingdom divided against itself, stating that "every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand" ([Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - Jesus' Argument Against a Divided Kingdom")). He then challenges them, asking how Satan could cast out Satan, concluding that such an act would dismantle Satan's own kingdom ([Matthew 12:26](/matthew/12-26 "Matthew 12:26 - Jesus' Logical Refutation")). Matthew 12:28 serves as the powerful counter-assertion, shifting from refutation to declaration: if His power is indeed from God's Spirit, then the Kingdom of God is not just near, but has arrived.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was deeply steeped in messianic expectation, anticipating a time when God would decisively intervene in history to establish His sovereign rule, often envisioned as a political kingdom that would overthrow Roman oppression. Exorcism was recognized as a legitimate practice, often associated with spiritual power and divine authority, though Jewish exorcists typically invoked God's name or the names of patriarchs. The Pharisees, as religious leaders, held significant authority and were guardians of the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. Their accusation against Jesus was not merely a theological disagreement but a strategic attempt to discredit His divine claims and undermine His authority by associating Him with demonic forces, a charge that was both scandalous and blasphemous in their cultural framework. Jesus' claim that the Kingdom of God had "come unto you" would have resonated with their messianic hopes, yet simultaneously challenged their preconceived notions of how that Kingdom would arrive, particularly through a figure who did not conform to their political or religious expectations.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 12:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **The Inauguration of the Kingdom of God**, asserting that God's sovereign reign, long prophesied and awaited, is actively breaking into the present world through Jesus' ministry. This is a central message of Jesus, who proclaimed, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Jesus' Divine Authority Over Evil**. His ability to cast out demons by the Spirit of God demonstrates God's ultimate triumph over the forces of darkness, positioning Jesus as the strong man who binds Satan to plunder his house ([Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Jesus, the Strong Man")). This theme is crucial for understanding Jesus' mission to destroy the works of the devil ([1_john/3-8](/1-john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Christ's Purpose to Destroy the Works of the Devil")). Finally, it emphasizes **The Indispensable Role of the Holy Spirit** in Jesus' ministry. The phrase "by the Spirit of God" reveals that Jesus' miraculous power is not merely human but divinely enabled, a truth evident from His baptism when the Spirit descended upon Him ([Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - The Spirit Descends on Jesus at His Baptism")). This highlights the Trinitarian nature of God's redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to a demonic being, often translated as "demon." In the New Testament, these are malevolent spiritual entities subject to Satan, who oppose God and afflict humanity. Jesus' power over them signifies His authority over the entire realm of evil.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** Denotes a current of air, breath, or wind, but in this context, it refers to a spirit, specifically the divine Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. This highlights the divine source of Jesus' power, distinguishing it from any human or demonic origin.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** Properly, "royalty" or "rule," but concretely, a "realm." Here, it signifies the sovereign reign or rule of God. It is not merely a geographical territory but the active exercise of God's kingly authority, breaking into human affairs.
* **is come (Greek, _phthánō'_):** This verb means "to be beforehand," "anticipate," or "to have arrived at." It conveys the sense of something having already reached its destination or having arrived sooner than expected. In this verse, it emphasizes the present, decisive arrival of God's Kingdom, not merely its future expectation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God,"**: This clause presents a conditional premise, directly addressing the Pharisees' accusation. Jesus contrasts their claim of Beelzebul's power with the true source of His authority: the Spirit of God. The act of casting out demons is presented as a tangible, observable sign. The "if" here is not an expression of doubt but a logical premise for an argument, akin to "since I am casting out demons..." It underscores that His exorcisms are not random acts but divinely empowered demonstrations.
* **"then the kingdom of God is come unto you."**: This is the profound conclusion drawn from the premise. If Jesus' power over demons is indeed by the Spirit of God, then it serves as irrefutable proof that the long-awaited Kingdom of God has not merely drawn near, but has decisively "arrived" or "come upon" them. The phrase "unto you" emphasizes that this divine reign is not a distant, abstract concept, but a present reality actively manifesting in their midst through Jesus' ministry, challenging their existing spiritual and political order.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:28 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is a **Conditional Statement** ("If... then..."), which functions as a logical argument. Jesus presents a premise (His exorcisms by the Spirit of God) and draws an inescapable conclusion (the Kingdom of God has arrived). This structure is a powerful form of **Deductive Reasoning**, compelling His audience to acknowledge the implication of His actions. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** at play, as Jesus juxtaposes the Pharisees' false accusation of demonic power with the true, divine source of His authority, thereby highlighting the fundamental difference between the kingdom of darkness and the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, the act of exorcism itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's active invasion of Satan's domain and the triumph of divine authority over evil, making the invisible reality of God's reign visible through tangible acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:28 is a theological cornerstone, asserting that the Kingdom of God is not merely a future hope but a present reality inaugurated through Jesus' ministry. It reveals that God's sovereign rule is actively breaking into the world, directly confronting and overcoming the dominion of evil. Jesus' exorcisms, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are tangible signs of this divine invasion, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over all spiritual forces. This verse links the spiritual power of the Holy Spirit directly to the advancement of God's reign, showing that where the Spirit is at work, God's kingly power is manifesting, bringing liberation and light. It fundamentally redefines the nature of the Kingdom, not as a political or military conquest, but as a spiritual reality that establishes God's will on earth.

* [Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Kingdom of God Has Come Upon You")
* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed")
* [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:28 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It calls us to recognize that the Kingdom of God is not a distant, ethereal concept, but a dynamic, present reality that continues to advance wherever the Spirit of God is at work. This means that we are not living in a world abandoned to evil, but one where God's sovereign rule is actively being established, bringing light, healing, and freedom. For us, this implies a call to spiritual discernment, to recognize the signs of God's Kingdom breaking forth in our lives and in the world around us, and to align ourselves with His purposes. It also reminds us that our spiritual battles are fought from a position of victory, as the "strong man" (Satan) has already been bound by Christ. As recipients of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to participate in the ongoing work of the Kingdom, confronting darkness with truth, love, and the power of God. This verse compels us to live with Kingdom intentionality, knowing that God's reign is here, and we are His agents.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to view the Kingdom of God as a future hope rather than a present reality?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' authority over evil, demonstrated by the Spirit, impact my own approach to spiritual warfare or challenges?**
* **What are practical ways I can allow the Spirit of God to manifest the Kingdom's power in my daily life and interactions?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's ultimate victory over all forms of darkness and oppression?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "the kingdom of God is come unto you"?**

Answer: When Jesus says "the kingdom of God is come unto you," He is declaring that God's sovereign reign, which was long anticipated in Old Testament prophecy, is no longer merely a future expectation but has decisively broken into human history through His own person and ministry. His ability to cast out demons by the Spirit of God is presented as undeniable proof of this reality. It signifies that God's kingly rule is actively manifesting on earth, challenging the dominion of evil and bringing about His redemptive purposes. It means that God's authority and power are present and available, not just in a distant heaven, but "unto you"—among and accessible to the people He is addressing. This is a central theme of Jesus' preaching, as seen in passages like [Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God Is Among You").

**Why is casting out demons by the Spirit of God so significant in this context?**

Answer: Casting out demons by the Spirit of God is profoundly significant because it directly refutes the Pharisees' blasphemous accusation that Jesus was operating by the power of Satan ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Accusation")). Jesus' argument is logical: Satan would not cast out his own demons, as that would divide his kingdom. Therefore, the source of His power must be divine. If His power is from the Spirit of God, then His exorcisms are not just miracles, but concrete demonstrations that God's Kingdom is actively invading and overcoming Satan's domain. It proves that a "stronger man" has come to bind the "strong man" (Satan) and plunder his house ([Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Jesus, the Stronger Man")). This act signifies the inauguration of God's reign, where evil is being defeated, and God's will is being established on earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:28 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and inaugurator of the Kingdom of God. As the promised Messiah, Jesus did not merely announce the Kingdom; He brought it into present reality through His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. His power to cast out demons by the Spirit of God was a tangible demonstration of His divine authority and His mission to destroy the works of the devil ([1_john/3-8](/1-john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Christ's Purpose to Destroy the Works of the Devil")). Every exorcism was a skirmish in the larger war, signaling God's decisive victory over the forces of darkness through His Son. The "kingdom of God is come unto you" because the King Himself, Jesus, had arrived, bringing with Him God's sovereign rule. His victory on the cross and resurrection cemented this triumph, establishing His eternal reign and empowering His followers with the same Spirit to continue His work of advancing the Kingdom until its glorious consummation ([colossians/1-13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness") and [revelation/11-15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 11:20

But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Matthew 21:43

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Colossians 1:13

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Mark 1:15

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.