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NASB | Matthew 12:28 "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 12:28 "But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you [before you expected it]. |
Subject: Spirit or spirit? |
Bible Note: Hi Robert, I'm sorry I didn't get back with you directly. We've had some good conversations and I appreciate your interest in these things. Can I get you to capitalize "his" in your post, just for me today?:) If I read you correctly, you are saying that "finger" equals "directed power". And this power is from God's Spirit. If this is what you have said, I agree with you. I would paraphrase/interpret Matthew 12:28 then, "But if I cast out demons by the directed power of (God), then the kingdom of Spirit has come upon you." ...Blasphemy against the Spirit/ shall not be forgiven. I looked at Webster's dictionary and it was of no help to us to my mind. A comparison/contrast verse that I have found through the years is Exodus 8:19-22. Exodus 8:19, "Then the magicians said to Pharoah, "This is the finger of God." But Pharoah's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the (Lord) had said. Exodus 8:22, "...in order that you may know that (I), the Lord, am IN THE MIDST OF THE LANDS." Matthew 12:28, "But if I cast out demons by the spirit of (God), then the kingdom of God HAS COME UPON YOU." Matthew 12:21, "'And in His name [authority, power?] the Gentiles will hope.' Then there was brought to (Him) a demon-possessed man who was blind and dumb, and He healed him, so that the dumb man spoke and saw." I don't know if my parentheses for comparison are helpful to you or not, but the comparison between Matthew and Luke about the "spirit of (God) has no significance if one does not recognize that the passages deal with this Man [sic] who casts out demons. This Man can be nothing less than the Son of David, can He? From the heart, Ray |