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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 March 2023
When Jesus was on earth, his teachings were so clear and easy to follow it seemed that the coming of the Kingdom of God was imminent. Beelzebub, the father and king of all devils, was terrified. He realized that unless Jesus repudiated his teaching, evil's power over man would be forever broken. Yet Beelzebub did not despair. He incited the Scribes and Pharisees, his obedient servants, to revile and torment Jesus as much as possible. He also used his powers to make Christ's disciples lose faith in their master. He hoped that humiliation, abandonment by all his followers, and a terrible execution, would make Christ renounce his teaching in such a way that would destroy all his power.
It was settled at Christ's crucifixion. As Jesus cried out: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Beelzebub rejoiced. He took the chains prepared for Jesus and tried them out on his own limbs so they couldn't be removed from his enemy. But then immortal words were heard: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Now Beelzebub saw that he was totally defeated. He tried to remove his legs from the bonds prepared for Christ but, to his terror, could not move. The very chains were now welded to his limbs. Neither could he move his wings.
So Beelzebub watched in agony as Christ appeared at the gates of Hell, and freed all sinners, from Adam to Judas. He watched as all the devils scattered, and the walls and foundation of Hell silently collapsed. Beelzebub could not stand to watch this spectacle any longer. Screaming horribly, he plunged into the gaping abyss that had opened up beneath him.
Slowly hundreds of years passed, although Beelzebub could not count the time. He was surrounded by complete darkness and silence. He couldn't help but think hateful thoughts about his victorious enemy. Then suddenly, he heard weeping, groans, and the gnashing of teeth. He raised his head and began to listen intently. That Hell could still be in business was more than he could believe. Yet the sounds grew clearer every minute.
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