Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  4100 Supernatural beings  »  4130 demons  »  4135 demons, Jesus Christ's authority over

Demons are subject to the authority of Jesus Christ during his ministry and subsequently in the ministry of the church.

All spiritual powers are subject to Jesus Christ who has supreme authority

Ephesians 1:19-22 See also Romans 8:38; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 1:16; Colossians 2:10,15

Demons are powerless before Jesus Christ

Demons can only do what he permits

Matthew 8:31-32 pp Mark 5:12-13 pp Luke 8:32-33

Demons obey his command

Matthew 17:18 pp Mark 9:25-26 pp Luke 9:42 See also Matthew 9:33-34; Mark 1:34; Mark 16:9; Luke 11:14

Demons disperse at his word

Mark 9:25 See also Mark 1:25 pp Luke 4:35

The name of Jesus Christ has power against demons

Jesus Christ's name is used by his disciples

Mark 16:17 See also Mark 9:38-39 pp Luke 9:49-50; Luke 10:17; Acts 16:18

Jesus Christ anticipates the misuse of his own name

Matthew 7:22-23 See also Acts 19:13-16 an example where Jesus' name is used in cases of demon-possession--but not by Jesus Christ's disciples, and not successfully

Jesus Christ's disciples have delegated power over demons

In Jesus Christ's own lifetime

Matthew 10:1 See also Matthew 10:7; Mark 3:14-15; Mark 6:7 pp Luke 9:1; Mark 6:13; Luke 10:17,19

In the ongoing ministry of the church

Mark 16:17 See also Acts 5:16; Acts 8:7; Acts 16:18; Acts 19:12

Others will attempt to drive out demons

Matthew 12:27 pp Luke 11:19; Mark 9:38 pp Luke 9:49; Acts 19:13-15

The final punishment of demons

2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6

See also

2012  Christ, authority
2372  Christ, victory
3275  Holy Spirit in the church
4127  Satan, defeat of