Matthew 12:30Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After that third reply, here follows a fourth, He that is not with me is against me.

He asks, how can Beelzebub assist Me when he stands against Me more fiercely than others? I promote righteousness, while he advocates wickedness. How can he possibly be on My side? I draw individuals towards salvation, while he drives them away. He also refers to the Pharisees, as they, despite His teachings and the good He brought to many, caused division among the people to prevent them from approaching Him. Thus, the Lord illustrates that they are truly akin to demons.

But let none think that this is said of heretics and schismatics; though we may apply it besides to such; but it is shewn by the context to refer to the Devil; in that the works of the Saviour cannot be compared with the works of Beelzebub. He seeks to hold men’s souls in captivity, the Lord to set them free; he preaches idols, the Lord the knowledge of the true God; he draws men to sin, the Lord calls them back to virtues. How then can these have agreement together, whose works are so opposite?

Another perspective suggests that the ruler of the demons stands as Christ's most formidable adversary. It is clear from their actions that he is not aligned with Christ; he neither supports nor unites with Him. While Christ imparts goodness, encourages love, and heals the afflicted, the other promotes wickedness, fosters hatred, and inflicts harm upon the healthy. Consequently, since he does not share in Christ's mission or contribute to the gathering of faith, he must be opposed to Him and works to disrupt the assembly that Christ forms.

Wherein He shews how far He is from having borrowed any power from the Devil; teaching us how great the danger to think amiss of Him, not to be with Whom, is the same as to be against Him.

He rightfully stated, Whoever is not with Me is against Me; and whoever does not gather with Me scatters, to emphasize that His mission is distinct from that of the devil, whose role is the adversary of human salvation. The devil seeks to squander for the sake of ruin, while Christ's purpose is to unite for the sake of salvation. Thus, it is evident that those opposed to the Lord cannot ally with Him. By making this declaration, the Lord seemed to hold the Pharisees accountable, as they rejected the call to unite with Christ and became adversaries of the Lord.

Jesus Christ states that those who do not stand with Him stand against Him (Luke 11:23; Matthew 12:30), and opposition to Christ inherently signifies opposition to His church. Every heretic becomes estranged from the church by rejecting one or more foundational aspects of the Christian faith, thereby disregarding the revealed truth and, ultimately, the Truth Himself, Jesus Christ, the church’s cornerstone. In light of this, it is understandable that such individuals may be excluded from the church's prayers and from the grace that can only be received through the Orthodox Church. As prescribed by established norms, those who fall into heresy are typically barred from entering the church where this grace is offered. When asked whether divine services can be conducted in the presence of a heretic, particularly an Arian, Timothy of Alexandria responded affirmatively, but only under the condition that the heretic commits to abandon heresy and embrace orthodox belief.

Who stands in communion with the Lord? It is the one who lives and acts in His Spirit, rejecting any thoughts, feelings, desires, intentions, words, or actions that displease Him and contradict His clear commandments and teachings. Conversely, those who behave differently are not aligned with the Lord; they do not gather but rather squander. What exactly do they squander? Not just their energy and time, but also what they amass. For instance, wealth is not truly amassed with the Lord by those who hoard it for themselves, neglecting to share and even denying themselves what they require. Furthermore, those who, when they do acquire riches, allocate a portion for lavish living, wasteful offerings, or leave it to their heirs are spiritually destitute.

He who does not stand with Me stands in opposition to Me. What is the aim of the adversary? Malice. And what does the Lord express as My intention? Goodness. Thus, since I do not align myself with the adversary, I stand opposed to him. Just as righteousness cannot coexist with wickedness, remaining ever in opposition, so their desires and actions are entirely contrary. The adversary entices with immorality while I extend the call to purity. He draws in the impure and those of ill-repute, whereas I attract the virtuous and the upright. He promotes discord, while I advocate for peace. He gathers those who are rebellious and discontent, but I unite those who seek tranquility and harmony. Therefore, recognize that I am not in coalition with him; rather, I am distanced from him.

In His final remarks addressing the slander of the Pharisees, the Saviour exclaimed, "THOSE WHO ARE NOT WITH ME ARE AGAINST ME; AND THOSE WHO DO NOT GATHER WITH ME SCATTER." His mission is to lead souls to the Father, to instruct them in righteousness, and to announce the Kingdom to them. However, what do the forces of darkness desire? The exact opposite. How can someone who is not aligned with Me truly assist Me? In fact, they merely seek to squander what is Mine. How can they expel demons alongside Me? In this manner, the Lord demonstrated His profound and insurmountable opposition to the adversary! Yet, this firm declaration is not solely directed at the devil.

He who is not with me, etc.: the fourth rebuttal, understood as follows: 'My purpose is to lead individuals to God, instruct them in righteousness, and announce the Kingdom to them - but what do the adversary and his minions desire? The exact opposite. Therefore, how can one who does not unite with Me and is not on My side assist Me? (Chrys., cf. Theophil.). - This applies in the current context to the Pharisees and to all those who oppose Christ. Anyone among those who are aware of and listen to His teachings, yet does not support Him, stands as an adversary, even if they do not take active measures against Him; they are an enemy simply by not working for His cause. They become even more of an enemy if they directly oppose Him. - Gathers - wastes away: the meaning remains consistent; the imagery draws from the harvest (cf. Matt. 3:12, Matt. 6:26, Jn. 4:36).