But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devels through the prince of the devils - `the demons through the prince of the demons.' This seems to be the first muttering of a theory of such miracles which soon became a fixed mode of calumniating them-a theory which would be ridiculous if it were not melancholy, as an outburst of the darkest malignity. (See the note at Matthew 12:24, etc.)
Remarks:
(1) So manifestly were these bodily cures designed to set forth analogous operations of grace on the soul, that in the case of opening the eyes of the blind, our Lord, before performing it, in one notable instance, expressly announced the higher design of it, saying, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5). Nor would it have been possible beforehand to tell with certainty whether the predictions of such glorious miracles (for example, in Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 42:7) - as inaugurating and distinguishing the Messianic economy-were designed to be understood literally, or spiritually, or both. Hence, we are to regard all such incidents as are here recorded as having higher aspects and bearings than any that terminate on the body; and on the same principle, the honour which our Lord here put upon the faith and patience of these blind men may surely be reckoned on by all who sigh to be "turned by Him from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God."
(2) How differently are the same operations and events regarded by the unsophisticated and the prejudiced! 'More light.' is the cry of many besides these prejudiced Pharisees. But what they want is more simplicity and godly sincerity, the sifting of which leaves the soul a prey to the darkest passions.
As the Mission of the Twelve supposes the previous Choice of them-of which our Evangelist gives no account, and which did not take place until a later stage of our Lord's public life-it is introduced here out of its proper place, which is after what is recorded in Luke 6:12-19.