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
Acts 5:16; Acts 19:12
Various symptoms associated with the need for exorcism
Violent or self-destructive behaviour
Mark 5:1-5 pp Luke 8:27-29
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
1 Samuel 16:14-16,23
Intensive prayer is sometimes necessary
Mark 9:29
See also
2012 Christ, authority 2066 Christ, power of 2351 Christ, miracles 2354 Christ, mission 2375 kingdom of God 4120 Satan 4134 demons, exorcism 4160 driving out 6634 deliverance 8226 discernment
