Dictionary of Bible Themes – 4133 demons, possession by
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4133 demons, possession by

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 Mt 11:18 pp Lk 7:33

Against Jesus Christ Jn 10:20-21 See also Mt 9:34; Mt 12:24 pp Mk 3:22 pp Lk 11:15; Jn 7:20; Jn 8:48-52

Unfounded accusations of demon-possession against Jesus Christ are refuted Mt 12:25-28 pp Mk 3:23-30 pp Lk 11:17-20; Jn 10:21

Demon-possession arising from sin

1Sa 18:9-10

The consequences of demon-possession

Irrational behaviour 1Sa 18:10-11 See also 1Sa 19:9-10

Unnatural physical strength Mk 5:4 pp Mt 8:28 pp Lk 8:29 See also Ac 19:16

Self-harm Mk 5:5

Violent behaviour Mk 9:18 pp Lk 9:39 See also Mt 8:28 pp Mk 5:3-5 pp Lk 8:27-29

The impairment of faculties Mt 12:22 pp Lk 11:14 See also Mt 9:32; Mk 9:17; Lk 13:11

Suffering Mt 15:22 pp Mk 7:25-26 See also 1Sa 16:14-16; Mt 17:15 pp Mk 9:18 pp Lk 9:39; Lk 6:18

Jesus Christ delivers from demon-possession

Mt 8:16 pp Mk 1:32 pp Lk 4:40 See also Mt 4:24; Mt 9:32; Mt 12:22; Mt 15:22 pp Mk 7:25-26

Multiple demon-possession

Jesus Christ encounters cases of multiple demon-possession and is able to deliver Mk 16:9 See also Mk 5:1-17 pp Lk 8:26-35; Lk 8:2

Further evidence of the possibility of multiple demon-possession Mt 12:43-45 pp Lk 11:24-26

Demons recognise divine authority and their own limited powers

Jas 2:19

Demons know Jesus Christ’s identity Mk 1:24 pp Lk 4:34 See also Mt 8:29 pp Mk 5:7 pp Lk 8:28; Mk 1:34 pp Lk 4:41; Mk 3:11; Ac 19:15

Demons recognise Jesus Christ’s disciples Ac 16:16-17

Jesus Christ’s disciples have power to release from demon-possession by calling on Jesus’name See also Ac 5:16; Ac 19:13-16

See also

2018Christ, divinity
2545Christ, opposition to
3245Holy Spirit, blasphemy against

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