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

Matthew 11:18 pp Luke 7:33

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

1 Samuel 18:9-10

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

Mark 5:5

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

James 2:19

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

Acts 16:16-17

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