Title July 2023

Question: Who is Beelzebul according to the Bible, and why did the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by his power?

Answer:

The name Beelzebul (sometimes spelled Beelzebub) originates from Hebrew roots and means “Lord of the flies” or “Lord of dung”, symbolizing filth and decay. Over time, it came to refer to the ruler of demons—a title associated with Satan himself.

In Matthew 12:22-24 (NKJV), we read:

“Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?’ Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, ‘This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.’”

Here, the Pharisees, jealous and threatened by Jesus’ growing influence and miraculous power, falsely accused Him of working with Satan (Beelzebul) to cast out demons. Their claim was that Jesus’ authority came not from God, but from the prince of demons.

Who Is Beelzebul?

Beelzebul is a title that refers to Satan, the adversary of God and humanity. Scripture clearly identifies Satan as the ruler of the fallen angelic hosts and the spiritual forces of evil:

• Revelation 12:9 (NKJV):
  “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world…”
• Ephesians 2:2 (NKJV):
  “…the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…”

Jesus firmly rejected the Pharisees’ accusation with divine wisdom and logic. He pointed out that Satan cannot cast out Satan, because a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.

Matthew 12:25-28 (NKJV):
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation… If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?… But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.”

This passage reveals that true deliverance can only come through the Holy Spirit, not through the enemy. Satan does not liberate people—he enslaves them.

Why the Accusation Matters

The Pharisees’ claim wasn’t just a personal attack—it was spiritual blindness. Jesus was performing miracles that clearly demonstrated divine power, yet they attributed these works to the devil. In doing so, they were dangerously close to committing the unpardonable sin—blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 12:31-32 (NKJV):
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.”

The Deception of Satan

Satan never frees anyone. Those who turn to witch doctors or spiritualists in search of healing or relief may experience temporary changes, but this is not true deliverance. What often happens is the problem is reshaped or a different demon is introduced, making the person believe they’ve improved—when in reality, they are further ensnared.

2 Corinthians 11:14 (NKJV):
“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

True freedom comes only from Jesus Christ.

John 8:36 (NKJV):
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Visiting witch doctors or sorcerers will only add to your spiritual problems. The enemy may disguise suffering, but he cannot remove it. Only Jesus has the authority to cast out demons, heal brokenness, and give eternal life.

Final Call

If you’ve been considering turning to witchcraft, spiritual mediums, or traditional healers for help, now is the time to turn back. Jesus is the only One with the power to set you free completely.

Acts 4:12 (NKJV):
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Run to Jesus today. He is not only able, but also willing to save, heal, and deliver.

Maranatha! (The Lord is coming soon!)

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Question: What is the biblical and theological meaning of Proverbs 24:16, “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes”?

Answer:
To properly understand Proverbs 24:16, we must first examine its immediate context:

Proverbs 24:15-16 (NIV):

15 Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place;
16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

These verses present a powerful contrast between the resilience of the righteous and the fragility of the wicked. The passage warns the wicked not to attack the righteous or try to sabotage them, because even if the righteous fall repeatedly, they will not remain down—they will rise again.

Theological Interpretation:

1. “Falling” Is Not About Habitual Sin
   It’s important to note that “fall” in this context does not mean falling into habitual or deliberate sin. The Hebrew word used here, “naphal,” broadly means to stumble, to collapse, or to be overthrown. It can refer to various kinds of adversity—external trials, suffering, persecution, or even moments of weakness.A genuinely righteous person—one who has been justified by faith and walks in the Spirit (Romans 5:1; Galatians 5:25)—does not live a lifestyle of sin. As the apostle John reminds us:

   1 John 3:9 (NIV):

2. “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.”

3. Therefore, this verse isn’t a license for moral failure. It describes persistence through difficulty, not permissiveness in sin.

4. Seven Times: A Symbol of Completeness
   In biblical numerology, the number seven often symbolizes completeness or totality. So, “falling seven times” suggests that the righteous may face repeated, even total opposition or hardship. It is a poetic way of saying: “Even if the righteous face many, even countless setbacks…”
5. The Righteous Always Rise Again
   The promise here is that no matter how many times the righteous are opposed, discouraged, or knocked down—they will rise again. This reflects the sustaining grace of God in their lives.Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV):
6. “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

   The difference between the righteous and the wicked isn’t that one suffers while the other doesn’t—but that the righteous endure by God’s power.

7. Biblical Examples of Rising After Falling
   • Job: A righteous man who lost everything—his wealth, health, and family—but did not curse God. In the end, God restored him (Job 42:10-17).
   • David: Though he sinned grievously, his heart of repentance (Psalm 51) and genuine relationship with God restored him.
   • Peter: Denied Jesus three times, yet was restored by Christ and became a foundational leader in the early Church (John 21:15-19).
   • Paul: Constantly faced persecution, imprisonment, and opposition, yet said:
     2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV):
     “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
8. Perseverance Is a Mark of True Faith
   The ability to “rise again” is not due to human strength, but because God sustains the righteous. It is a mark of perseverance—a fruit of the Spirit-filled life. True righteousness is resilient, not because of personal willpower, but because of divine grace.Philippians 1:6 (NIV):
9. “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Conclusion:
Proverbs 24:16 reminds believers that the journey of faith is not free from hardship, persecution, or failure. However, the defining trait of the righteous is that by God’s grace, they rise again. Their trials do not destroy them—they refine them.

On the other hand, the wicked have no foundation. When calamity comes, they stumble and fall—because they lack the anchor of faith and the strength that comes from God.

May you be encouraged to keep standing, even after the fall—because in Christ, we have resurrection power at work in us (Romans 8:11).

Grace and peace to you.
Shalom.
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