4165 exorcism
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

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



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