The Strong Man Bound

(Mt 12:29; Mr 3:27; Lk 11:21 f.)

Mt 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

Mr 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

Lu 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:

Lu 11:22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

A quick lesson in letting the Bible speak for itself:

Mt 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s <2478> house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man <2478>? and then he will spoil his house.

The Greek church argues about who the strong man is. Some even go about binding Satan here and there.

The rule says that a metaphor is always the same thing. Who was the strong man in the OT scriptures? It was always a shadow of Christ!

Let's let Matthew define it for us: (I use Strong's numbers to help you see it is the same word.)

Mt 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than <2478> I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Mathew and John the Baptist together define the strong man as Christ. So what was Jesus talking about? What happened to the disciples (the house of Jesus) while he was dead? They were broken, fearful, hiding and scattered! One might say they were spoiled after Jesus had been bound.

As for Satan? Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

So much bad doctrine comes from those who don't understand the languages, and don't follow the rules.

Jesus had just been falsely accused of working with Satan. The accusers were actually satans (accusers) attempting to spoil Jesus's house (his followers). He displays confidence that his work with his disciples will prevail. The only way to spoil them will be to bind (wrapped in linen) him in death.

Who is the house of Jesus? Who did he eat Passover with?