Topical Bible: Demons: Cast out by Philip

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, the account of demons being cast out by Philip is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 8:4-8. This passage highlights the ministry of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven deacons chosen by the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5). Philip's ministry in Samaria is marked by the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, which includes the casting out of demons.

Biblical Account

The narrative begins with the persecution of the early church in Jerusalem, which led to the scattering of believers throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Philip, driven by the Spirit, went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to the people there. The Berean Standard Bible records the event as follows:

"Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform. With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city." (Acts 8:4-8)

Theological Significance

Philip's ministry in Samaria is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the fulfillment of Jesus' command to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The casting out of demons by Philip is a testament to the power and authority of Jesus' name, as well as the work of the Holy Spirit through His followers.

The expulsion of demons is a sign of the in-breaking of God's kingdom, showcasing the defeat of evil forces and the liberation of individuals from spiritual bondage. This act of deliverance is consistent with Jesus' own ministry, where He frequently cast out demons as a demonstration of His divine authority and compassion for those oppressed by evil spirits.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Samaritans, a group with a complex history and strained relations with the Jews, were considered outsiders by the Jewish people. Philip's successful ministry among them underscores the inclusive nature of the Gospel, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers. The casting out of demons in Samaria signifies the extension of God's grace and power beyond the confines of Jewish society, reaching those who were once considered distant from God's covenant promises.

Impact on the Early Church

The deliverance of individuals from demonic possession contributed to the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church. The joy experienced in the city of Samaria, as noted in Acts 8:8, reflects the transformative impact of the Gospel message and the accompanying signs and wonders. Philip's ministry set a precedent for the early church's mission, emphasizing the importance of both proclamation and demonstration of the Gospel's power.

In summary, the casting out of demons by Philip in Samaria is a pivotal moment in the early church's history, illustrating the power of the Holy Spirit, the authority of Jesus' name, and the inclusive reach of the Gospel message.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 8:7
For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Acts of Saint Philip the Apostle when He Went to Upper Hellas.
... A certain foreigner has come to Hellas, Philip by name; and, in a word, he has ... also
wonders of which we write to you, in that he has cast out demons that have ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the acts of philip/acts of saint philip the.htm

Institutions of Jesus.
... [Footnote 2: For Peter, see ante, p.174; for Philip, see Papias ... They cast out demons,
prophesied, and formed a school of renowned exorcists,[2] although certain ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xviii institutions of jesus.htm

On the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts.
... was his own murderer; and the sons of Sceva, endeavouring to cast out demons, were
wounded ... and Anna; [3586] and in our time the daughters of Philip; [3587] yet ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the diversity of.htm

The Acts of Philip.
... keep our city from every foreigner have been cast down by ... all the error of the idols,
and all the demons? ... And there was straightway a voice out of the heavens ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the acts of philip/the acts of philip.htm

But when Simon Cephas Saw this He Fell Before the Feet of Jesus...
... to be rebuked by John because of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother ... at even
they brought to him many that had [51] demons: and he cast out their devils ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section vi but when simon.htm

History and Doctrines of Heresies.
... goodness, knows no such good thing, has cast out some from ... of God which was among
the Samaritans by Philip, and came ... carried up into the air by demons, and did ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii history and doctrines of.htm

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... 15 and to have authority to cast out demons: ^c whom ... at the time when they were sent
out]: The first ... hearing voices of thunder."] ^a 3 Philip, and Bartholomew ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

Selection of the Twelve.
... he might send them forth to preach, and to have authority to cast out demons. ... and
them he surnamed Boanerges, which is sons of thunder; Philip and Bartholomew ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/selection of the twelve.htm

Addition to Acts of Philip.
... answered, and said: O rearer of tyrants, cast away from ... And when I came here, the
demons fled from ... And stretching out his hands, the Apostle Philip, hanging ...
/.../unknown/the acts of philip/addition to acts of philip.htm

The Choice of the Twelve
... to preach, and to have authority to cast out devils: and ... And therefore the demons
made malicious haste to proclaim ... wandered out of its subdivision, out of the ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 7-19 the choice of.htm