Mar 3:22-29 | TNotes | STEP | 3:22 The teachers of religious law (see study note on 1:22) from Jerusalem attributed Jesus’ apparent madness to his being possessed by Satan (Greek Beelzeboul ; see study note on Matt 10:25). Jesus’ opponents credited his miracle-working ability to Satan (as in the rabbinic work, Sanhedrin 3:43a, where miracle-working is ascribed to sorcery).

3:22 ^a The teachers of religious law (see study note on 1:22) from Jerusalem attributed Jesus’ apparent madness to his being possessed by Satan (Greek Beelzeboul; see study note on Matt 10:25). Jesus’ opponents credited his miracle-working ability to Satan (as in the rabbinic work, Sanhedrin 3:43a, where miracle-working is ascribed to sorcery).
Summary for Mark 3:23-27: 3:23-27 ^b Jesus showed the absurdity of this charge by giving several analogies. Satan would not undo his own work.
3:27 ^c Jesus provided a better explanation for his ability to cast out demons: Someone stronger than Satan had arrived (1:7 ^d) and was able to loot Satan’s house. Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God (1:1 ^e), was introducing God’s Kingdom and rescuing people from Satan’s power.
Summary for Mark 3:28-30: 3:28-30 ^f The phrase I tell you the truth introduces many of Jesus’ sayings and gives emphasis to what follows (see also 8:12 ^g; 9:1 ^h, 41 ⁱ; 10:15 ^j, 29 ^k; 11:23 ^l; 12:43 ^m; 13:30 ⁿ; 14:9 ^o, 18 ^p, 25 ^q, 30 ^r).

• All sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but there is a sin with eternal consequences—blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to attribute the work of God to an evil spirit. Resisting and denouncing the work of God in this way prevents the convicting work of the Spirit that leads to repentance, saving faith in God, and pardon for sin (see study notes on Matt 12:31-32; cp. Heb 6:4-6 ^s; 1 Jn 5:16-17 ^t).