Topical Bible: Demons: Cast out by Peter

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, the apostle Peter is depicted as a prominent figure in the early Christian church, endowed with the authority and power to perform miracles, including the casting out of demons. This authority is rooted in the commission given by Jesus Christ to His apostles. While the Gospels primarily focus on Jesus' own exorcisms, the Acts of the Apostles provides insight into the continuation of this ministry through His disciples, including Peter.

Biblical Context and Authority

The authority to cast out demons was explicitly granted by Jesus to His apostles. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus commissions the Twelve, giving them "authority over unclean spirits" (Mark 6:7). This empowerment is part of the broader mission to preach the Gospel and demonstrate the kingdom of God through signs and wonders.

Peter's Role in Acts

The Book of Acts, authored by Luke, chronicles the acts of the apostles following Jesus' ascension. While specific instances of Peter casting out demons are not detailed as explicitly as those of Paul, Peter's role in the early church and his miraculous works are well-documented. Acts 5:12-16 describes the apostles performing many signs and wonders among the people, with Peter as a central figure. The passage notes that people brought the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and "all of them were healed" (Acts 5:16). This implies that Peter, along with the other apostles, was actively involved in exorcisms as part of his ministry.

Peter's Miraculous Ministry

Peter's ministry is marked by several miraculous events, underscoring his role as a leader in the early church. In Acts 3, Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate, demonstrating the power of Jesus' name. In Acts 9, Peter raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead in Joppa, further illustrating his divine empowerment. While these accounts do not specifically mention exorcisms, they highlight the broader scope of Peter's miraculous ministry, which would have included casting out demons as part of the apostolic mission.

Theological Implications

The casting out of demons by Peter and the other apostles serves as a testament to the authority of Jesus Christ and the power of His name. It reflects the early church's understanding of spiritual warfare and the reality of demonic forces. The apostles' ability to cast out demons affirmed the truth of their message and the presence of God's kingdom breaking into the world.

Conclusion

The New Testament presents Peter as a key figure in the continuation of Jesus' ministry, including the casting out of demons. While specific accounts of Peter performing exorcisms are not detailed, his role in the early church and the broader context of apostolic authority suggest that he was actively involved in this aspect of ministry. The acts of Peter and the apostles underscore the transformative power of the Gospel and the authority given to them by Christ to overcome the forces of darkness.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 5:16
There came also a multitude out of the cities round about to Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others.
... little and great.] ^a 14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he ... he healed
many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many demons; ^c 41 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxii healing peters mother-in-law and.htm

Institutions of Jesus.
... Footnote 2: For Peter, see ante ... They cast out demons, prophesied, and formed a school
of renowned exorcists,[2] although certain cases were beyond their power.[3 ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xviii institutions of jesus.htm

Divine Healing.
... When Jesus saw the mother of Peter's wife lying ... believe: In my name shall they cast
out devils; they ... same authoritative power over sin and demons that Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter ix divine healing.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits.
... to receive the gospel; to dispatch Peter with the ... Had not Christ restrained the demons,
they would have plunged ... vexed with a devil, whom Jesus cast out by His ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /31 agency of evil spirits.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits
... to receive the gospel; to dispatch Peter with the ... Had not Christ restrained the demons,
they would have plunged ... vexed with a devil, whom Jesus cast out by His ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 31 agency of evil.htm

A Group of Miracles
... And He healed" (not all, but) "many that were sick, and cast out many devils." How
easily we might distinguish ... As Jesus drove out the demons, He suffered ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 29-34 a group of.htm

Rules for visits, Exorcisms, and How People are to Assist the Sick ...
... The First Epistle of the Blessed Clement, the Disciple of Peter the Apostle ... is a
temple of the Holy Spirit of God." [415] Let this man cast out demons, and God ...
/.../two epistles concerning virginity/chapter xii rules for visits exorcisms.htm

Acts of Peter and Andrew.
... and sowed the wheat, saying: O seed cast into the ... and, hearing to the deaf, and drove
out the demons. ... And Onesiphorus seeing it, cried out, and said: Truly ...
/.../unknown/acts of peter and andrew/acts of peter and andrew.htm

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... to preach, 15 and to have authority to cast out demons: ^c whom ... them at the time
when they were sent out]: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, ^c whom ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

History and Doctrines of Heresies.
... for goodness, knows no such good thing, has cast out some from ... from on High at the
Prayers of Peter, and Brake ... was carried up into the air by demons, and did ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii history and doctrines of.htm