The expulsion of an evil spirit or spirits from a person. Jesus Christ has unique authority as an exorcist. He delegated this authority to the disciples.

Matthew 7:22; 12:27

Exorcism was practised with varying degrees of success by Jews and pagans

Acts 19:13-16

pp Lk 11:19

Mark 1:27

Jesus Christ had unique authority as an exorcist

Matthew 12:25-28

pp Lk 4:36

See also

pp Lk 11:17-18

Matthew 12:29

The authority Jesus Christ exercised over evil spirits demonstrated that God's kingly authority was present in him.

pp Mk 3:27

pp Lk 11:21-22

Jesus Christ is the "strong man". His power over evil spirits shows that Satan is defeated.

Matthew 8:16

Jesus Christ had a general ministry of exorcism

Mark 1:39

pp Mk 1:34

Luke 6:17-18; 7:21

pp Lk 4:41

Matthew 10:1

Jesus Christ gave the apostles power to cast out evil spirits

Mark 3:14-15; 16:17

pp Mk 6:7

Luke 10:17

pp Lk 9:1

Acts 5:16; 19:12

After the ascension the apostles cast out evil spirits

Mark 5:1-5

Various symptoms associated with the need for exorcism

Violent or self-destructive behaviour

Matthew 9:32

pp Lk 8:27-29

Mark 9:17

Deafness and muteness

Luke 11:14
Matthew 17:14-15

Seizures

pp Mk 9:17-18

pp Lk 9:38-39

Mark 1:25

Various components of exorcism

A word of command

See also

Matthew 8:32

pp Lk 4:35

Mark 9:25
Acts 16:18
Mark 1:24

The demons recognise the source of the authority addressing them

See also

Matthew 8:29

pp Lk 4:34

Acts 16:17

pp Mk 5:7

pp Lk 8:28

Mark 1:26

See also

Exorcism was often accompanied by an element of violence or trauma

Mark 9:26
Matthew 8:32
Acts 19:16

pp Mk 5:13

pp Lk 8:32-33

Mark 5:15

Exorcism changes the behaviour or condition of the person delivered

See also

Matthew 9:33

pp Lk 8:35

Matthew 12:43-45

pp Lk 11:14

An exorcised person may be "repossessed"

pp Lk 11:24-26

Matthew 15:21-28

Methods of exorcism other than the word of command

Exorcism may be achieved at a distance

Acts 19:12

pp Mk 7:24-30

Acts 19:12

On rare occasions an object is used

1 Samuel 16:14-16,23

This was an unusual demonstration of power in a city noted for magic.

David's music brought relief to Saul

Mark 9:29

See also

Intensive prayer is sometimes necessary

2012 Christ, authority
2066 Christ, power of
2351 Christ, miracles
2354 Christ, mission
2375 kingdom of God
4120 Satan
4135 demons, Christ's authority over
4165 exorcism
6634 deliverance
8226 discernment