Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4100 Supernatural beings » 4165 exorcism 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. Exorcism was practised with varying degrees of success by Jews and pagans Matthew 7:22; Matthew 12:27 pp Luke 11:19; Acts 19:13-16 Jesus Christ had unique authority as an exorcist Mark 1:27 pp Luke 4:36 Matthew 12:25-28 pp Luke 11:17-18 The authority Jesus Christ exercised over evil spirits demonstrated that God's kingly authority was present in him. See also Matthew 12:29 pp Mark 3:27 pp Luke 11:21-22 Jesus Christ is the “strong man”. His power over evil spirits shows that Satan is defeated. Jesus Christ had a general ministry of exorcism Matthew 8:16 pp Mark 1:34 pp Luke 4:41; Mark 1:39; Luke 6:17-18; Luke 7:21 Jesus Christ gave the apostles power to cast out evil spirits Matthew 10:1 pp Mark 6:7 pp Luke 9:1; Mark 3:14-15; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17 After the ascension the apostles cast out evil spirits Various symptoms associated with the need for exorcism Violent or self-destructive behaviour Deafness and muteness Matthew 9:32; Mark 9:17; Luke 11:14 Seizures Matthew 17:14-15 pp Mark 9:17-18 pp Luke 9:38-39 Various components of exorcism A word of command Mark 1:25 pp Luke 4:35 See also Matthew 8:32; Mark 9:25; Acts 16:18 The demons recognise the source of the authority addressing them Mark 1:24 pp Luke 4:34 See also Matthew 8:29 pp Mark 5:7 pp Luke 8:28; Acts 16:17 Exorcism was often accompanied by an element of violence or trauma Mark 1:26 See also Mark 9:26; Matthew 8:32 pp Mark 5:13 pp Luke 8:32-33; Acts 19:16 Exorcism changes the behaviour or condition of the person delivered Mark 5:15 pp Luke 8:35 See also Matthew 9:33 pp Luke 11:14 An exorcised person may be “repossessed” Matthew 12:43-45 pp Luke 11:24-26 Methods of exorcism other than the word of command Exorcism may be achieved at a distance Matthew 15:21-28 pp Mark 7:24-30; Acts 19:12 On rare occasions an object is used Acts 19:12 This was an unusual demonstration of power in a city noted for magic. David's music brought relief to Saul Intensive prayer is sometimes necessary See also
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