Definition: And he called them [unto him], and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from the Book of Mark! It's a really clever and symbolic piece of writing. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the battle between good and evil. It’s not just about physical battles, but a spiritual one where Satan (representing evil) wants to defeat God’s people (representing goodness). Let's look at the parts: “Mark 3:23” : This refers to a specific story in the Gospel of Mark. “And he called them [unto him]…” : This means "and he summoned" or "he brought them before him." It’s like saying, “He set them up for a meeting.” “…and said unto them in parables…” : This is the key part. He’s telling them something in a story . “Parables” are simple stories designed to teach a moral lesson. “How can Satan cast out Satan?” : This is the question he's posing. It's asking, "What is the challenge of fighting evil? How does God protect His people?" The Meaning – A Deeper Look: The verse is saying that Satan wants to defeat God’s people. He’s trying to undermine everything God has built and established. But, the story shows us that God can overcome evil. “Call them unto” : This suggests a deliberate grouping or selection of individuals – perhaps those who are particularly sensitive to temptation or those who have been chosen as representatives of God’s people. “In parables…” : The story isn't a straightforward, dramatic battle. It’s told in a way that makes the point about the challenge of resisting evil more understandable . Why is this important? This verse is one of the oldest and most famous examples of a biblical teaching about spiritual warfare. It shows us: God has the power to defeat evil. We need to be vigilant and protect ourselves from temptation. It’s not always easy to win every battle, but God is always with us. In short: Mark 3:23 is a puzzle that encourages us to recognize that good will always fight against evil, and that God’s power is sufficient to overcome it. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide a slightly different analogy to help understand the concept?