Herodians. This seems an odd alliance. The Herodians were political adherents to Herod and the Romans, normally hated by the religious Pharisees. But mutual enemies will often make common cause in opposition to Christ and Biblical Christianity.

not make him known. These unclean spirits recognized Christ, even though His own friends thought He was mentally ill (Mark 3:21). Nevertheless, He did not want the spirits to identify Him openly. The Lord Jesus does not need nor desire any affirmation by His enemies, but only the witness of His own disciples. There is always a great temptation for Christians to seek acclaim or testimony from ungodly people of influence, but Christ Himself would have none of it.

beside himself. Despite His wonderful works of healing, and His strong Bible-centered preaching, His enemies accused Him of being in league with Beelzebub (i.e., Satan, Mark 3:22) and His friends thought He had lost His mind. Paul also was later accused by the Roman governor Festus of being mad (Acts 26:24). If the greatest preacher and even Christ Himself were accused of such things by the world, we must expect the same if we are faithful to His teachings (John 15:20).

Beelzebub. This “prince of the devils” is Satan, of course, but the name apparently came originally from the name of a Philistine idol, Baalzebul, meaning “Lord Baal.” It appears that the Hebrews sarcastically changed this to Beelzebub, meaning “Lord of the flies.”

blaspheme. On the unforgivable sin, see on Matthew 12:32.

his brethren. Mary had other children besides Jesus, so she could not have remained a perpetual virgin, but they did not yet believe in Him (John 7:5). Joseph was evidently dead by this time, so they were probably going to persuade Him, if they could, to come home with them. They may have been influenced by their friends in Nazareth to think He was “beside Himself” (Mark 3:21). On His mild rebuke, even to His mother, see note on Matthew 12:50.