Topical Bible: Satan: Beelzebul

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Introduction

The name "Beelzebul" is one of the titles attributed to Satan, the adversary of God and humanity. This name appears in the New Testament and is often associated with demonic activity and opposition to the work of Jesus Christ. The term "Beelzebul" is sometimes rendered as "Beelzebub," and its origins and implications have been the subject of theological discussion and interpretation.

Etymology and Origins

The name "Beelzebul" is believed to be derived from the Philistine god Baal-Zebub, which means "lord of the flies" (2 Kings 1:2-3). Over time, this name evolved in Jewish tradition to become a derogatory term for a false god or demon. In the New Testament, "Beelzebul" is used to refer to the prince of demons, equating him with Satan.

Biblical References

In the New Testament, Beelzebul is mentioned in the context of accusations against Jesus. The Pharisees, seeking to discredit Jesus' miraculous works, accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. In Matthew 12:24 , it is recorded: "But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, 'Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.'"

Jesus refuted this accusation by pointing out the illogical nature of Satan casting out Satan, emphasizing the division it would cause within Satan's kingdom. He stated in Matthew 12:26 , "If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?"

Theological Implications

The use of the name Beelzebul in the New Testament highlights the spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. By attributing Jesus' power to Beelzebul, the Pharisees were denying the divine authority and mission of Christ. Jesus' response underscores His authority over demonic forces and affirms His identity as the Son of God.

The association of Beelzebul with Satan also reflects the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare. Satan, as the prince of demons, is depicted as the ultimate adversary who seeks to thwart God's purposes and deceive humanity. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as having authority over Satan and his demonic hosts, demonstrating the power of God's kingdom over the forces of evil.

Conclusion

The name Beelzebul serves as a reminder of the reality of spiritual opposition and the deceptive tactics employed by Satan. It also highlights the authority of Jesus Christ over all demonic powers, affirming His role as the Savior who triumphs over evil. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has secured victory over Satan, offering redemption and deliverance to all who believe in Him.

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Matthew 12:24
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow does not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
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Mark 3:22
And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He has Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casts he out devils.
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Luke 11:15
But some of them said, He casts out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
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Greek

954. Beelzeboul -- Beelzebul, a name of Satan
... Beelzebul, a name of Satan. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration:
Beelzeboul Phonetic Spelling: (beh-el-zeb-ool') Short Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/954.htm - 7k

Library

And Hades Receiving Satan, Said to Him: Beelzebul, Heir of Fire ...
... Part II."The Descent of Christ into Hell. Greek Form. Chapter 7 (23). And Hades
receiving Satan, said to him: Beelzebul, heir of fire and punishment? ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 7 23 and hades.htm

The Gospel of Nicodemus.
... But who art thou? Chapter 7 (23). And Hades receiving Satan, said to him:
Beelzebul, heir of fire and punishment? Chapter 8 (24). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /

Acts and Martyrdom of St. Matthew the Apostle.
... and all my limbs paralyzed? O Asmod??us Beelzebul Satan! all that thou hast
said to me has come upon me. But I pray thee, Matthew ...
/.../acts and martyrdom of st matthew the apostle/acts and martyrdom of st.htm

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
... Him and His Father, ascribing it all to the power and agency of Beelzebul. ... the fact
of the world's guilt, because of this: that its Prince, Satan, has already ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the last discourses.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... i.142; Jewish idea of Beelzebul, ii.201. Derush, i.21. ... See Trial of Christ. Satan
or Sammael, compasses the Fall of Man, i.165; his assaults upon Abraham, 292; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm