SOURCE - Dictionary of Bible Themes: 4133 demons, possession by
Dictionary of Bible Themes ” 4000 Creation ” 4100 Supernatural beings ” 4130 demons ” 4133 demons, possession by
A recognised condition in Jesus Christ’s lifetime in which an individual is dominated by the influence of a demon. In his ministry, Jesus Christ encountered and delivered many people in such a condition. Many of Christ’s critics unsuccessfully sought to ascribe his authority and powers to demonic possession.
Unfounded accusations of demon-possession
Against John the Baptist
Against Jesus Christ
John 10:20-21 See also Matthew 9:34; Matthew 12:24 pp Mark 3:22 pp Luke 11:15; John 7:20; John 8:48-52
Unfounded accusations of demon-possession against Jesus Christ are refuted
Matthew 12:25-28 pp Mark 3:23-30 pp Luke 11:17-20; John 10:21
Demon-possession arising from sin
The consequences of demon-possession
Irrational behaviour
1 Samuel 18:10-11 See also 1 Samuel 19:9-10
Unnatural physical strength
Mark 5:4 pp Matthew 8:28 pp Luke 8:29 See also Acts 19:16
Self-harm
Violent behaviour
Mark 9:18 pp Luke 9:39 See also Matthew 8:28 pp Mark 5:3-5 pp Luke 8:27-29
The impairment of faculties
Matthew 12:22 pp Luke 11:14 See also Matthew 9:32; Mark 9:17; Luke 13:11
Suffering
Matthew 15:22 pp Mark 7:25-26 See also 1 Samuel 16:14-16; Matthew 17:15 pp Mark 9:18 pp Luke 9:39; Luke 6:18
Jesus Christ delivers from demon-possession
Matthew 8:16 pp Mark 1:32 pp Luke 4:40 See also Matthew 4:24; Matthew 9:32; Matthew 12:22; Matthew 15:22 pp Mark 7:25-26
Multiple demon-possession
Jesus Christ encounters cases of multiple demon-possession and is able to deliver
Mark 16:9 See also Mark 5:1-17 pp Luke 8:26-35; Luke 8:2
Further evidence of the possibility of multiple demon-possession
Matthew 12:43-45 pp Luke 11:24-26
Demons recognise divine authority and their own limited powers
Demons know Jesus Christ’s identity
Mark 1:24 pp Luke 4:34 See also Matthew 8:29 pp Mark 5:7 pp Luke 8:28; Mark 1:34 pp Luke 4:41; Mark 3:11; Acts 19:15
Demons recognise Jesus Christ’s disciples
Jesus Christ’s disciples have power to release from demon-possession by calling on Jesus’ name
See also Acts 5:16; Acts 19:13-16
See also
2018 Christ, divinity
2545 Christ, opposition to
3245 Holy Spirit, blasphemy against