²⁵ Jesus knew what the Pharisees were thinking, so he said to them, “Every kingdom that is ·divided against [at war with] itself ·will be destroyed [is doomed/headed for ruin]. And any city or ·family [^Lhouse] that is ·divided against [at war with] itself will not ·continue [survive; stand]. ²⁶ And if Satan ·forces out himself [^Ldrives/casts out Satan], then Satan is ·divided against [at war with] himself, and ·his kingdom will not continue [^Lhow will his kingdom stand?]. ²⁷ You say that I use the power of Beelzebul [v. 24] to ·force [drive; cast] out demons. If that is true, then what power do your ·people [own exorcists; followers; ^Lsons] use to ·force [drive; force] out demons? So they will be your judges. ²⁸ But if I use the power of God’s Spirit to ·force [drive; cast] out demons, then the kingdom of God has ·come to you [arrived among you; or overtaken you; caught you unaware].

²⁹ “·If anyone wants to [^LOr how can anyone…?] enter a strong person’s house and ·steal [seize; plunder] his things, he must first ·tie up [bind] the strong person. Then he can ·steal [seize; plunder] the things from the house. [^CSatan is the strong man and his possessions are the people Jesus is freeing from Satan’s power.]