Topical Encyclopedia The term "demon-possessed" refers to individuals who are believed to be under the control or influence of demonic spirits. This condition is depicted in various passages throughout the New Testament, where Jesus and His disciples encounter and deliver those afflicted by such spirits. The concept of demon possession is integral to understanding the spiritual warfare depicted in the Bible, highlighting the conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness.Biblical Accounts: 1. Gadarene Demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39): One of the most detailed accounts of demon possession is the account of the Gadarene demoniac. In Mark 5:2-5 , it is described: "As soon as Jesus stepped ashore, He was met by a man with an unclean spirit, who came from the tombs. This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains, he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones." Jesus commands the unclean spirits to leave the man, and they enter a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. 2. Boy with a Mute Spirit (Mark 9:14-29): Another significant account is the healing of a boy possessed by a mute spirit. In Mark 9:25 , Jesus rebukes the spirit: "When Jesus saw that a crowd had come running, He rebuked the unclean spirit. 'You deaf and mute spirit,' He said, 'I command you to come out and never enter him again.'" The spirit convulses the boy violently and leaves him, demonstrating Jesus' authority over demonic forces. 3. Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2): Mary Magdalene is noted as having been delivered from seven demons. Luke 8:2 states, "And also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out." Characteristics and Symptoms: The New Testament provides various symptoms associated with demon possession, including physical ailments, mental disturbances, and supernatural strength. Individuals may exhibit behaviors such as self-harm, convulsions, and an aversion to holy things. The possessed often recognize Jesus' divine authority, as seen in Mark 1:24 , where a demon-possessed man in the synagogue cries out, "What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!" Jesus' Authority Over Demons: Central to the New Testament narrative is Jesus' authority over demonic forces. His ability to cast out demons is a testament to His divine power and the inauguration of God's kingdom. In Matthew 12:28 , Jesus states, "But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." This authority is also extended to His disciples, as seen in Luke 10:17 : "The seventy-two returned with joy and said, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.'" Theological Implications: Demon possession underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of evil in the world. It serves as a reminder of the fallen state of creation and the ongoing battle between good and evil. The deliverance of demon-possessed individuals by Jesus and His followers illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel and the ultimate victory of Christ over Satan and his minions. Practical Considerations: In contemporary Christian practice, the topic of demon possession is approached with caution and discernment. While some traditions emphasize the ongoing reality of demonic influence, others interpret these accounts as symbolic of spiritual and psychological struggles. Regardless, the New Testament encourages believers to rely on prayer, faith, and the authority of Jesus' name in confronting spiritual darkness. Greek 1139. daimonizomai -- to be possessed by a demon ... by a demon. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: daimonizomai Phonetic Spelling: (dahee-mon-id'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I am demon-possessed Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1139.htm - 7k Library Conclusion Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter. The Powers of Darkness Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others. Dissolving views. The Manner in which Christ Served. "Art Thou He?" Paul and his Praying Mark. Various Experiences in Gospel Work Thesaurus Demon-possessed (16 Occurrences)Demon-possessed. Demonology, Demon-possessed. Demon-possession . Multi-Version Concordance Demon-possessed (16 Occurrences). ... /d/demon-possessed.htm - 10k Sceva (1 Occurrence) Demon-possession (1 Occurrence) Mute (29 Occurrences) Possessed (100 Occurrences) Behold (1513 Occurrences) Demonology Demon (26 Occurrences) Resources Can a Christian be demon possessed? Can a Christian be demonized? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there two demon-possessed men in the Gerasene tombs in Matthew, but only one in Mark and Luke? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about demon possession / demonic possession? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Demon-possessed (16 Occurrences)Matthew 4:24 Matthew 8:16 Matthew 8:28 Matthew 8:33 Matthew 9:32 Matthew 12:22 Matthew 15:22 Mark 1:32 Mark 5:15 Mark 5:16 Mark 5:18 Luke 8:27 Luke 8:36 John 8:48 John 10:21 Acts 19:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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