Topical Bible: Demons: Power Over, Given the Disciples

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In the New Testament, the authority over demons granted to the disciples is a significant aspect of Jesus' ministry and the early Christian church. This empowerment is a testament to the divine authority of Christ and the extension of His power to His followers.

Authority Granted by Jesus

The Gospels record that Jesus explicitly gave His disciples authority over unclean spirits. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commissions the twelve apostles, saying, "He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness" (Matthew 10:1). This authority was not limited to the original twelve apostles but was also extended to a broader group of disciples. In Luke 10:19, Jesus tells the seventy-two disciples, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you" .

Demonstrations of Power

The New Testament provides several accounts of the disciples exercising this authority. In Mark 6:13, it is recorded, "They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them" . This demonstrates the practical application of the authority given to them by Jesus, as they carried out His mission of healing and deliverance.

In the book of Acts, the apostles continue to exercise this power after Jesus' ascension. Acts 5:16 notes, "Crowds gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed" . This passage highlights the ongoing nature of this authority in the early church.

Theological Implications

The authority over demons given to the disciples underscores the victory of Christ over the forces of darkness. It signifies the in-breaking of God's kingdom and the defeat of Satan's power. This empowerment is a reflection of the spiritual authority that believers have in Christ, as they are called to continue His work on earth.

The ability to cast out demons is also a sign of the authenticity of the disciples' mission. In Mark 16:17, Jesus states, "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues" . This promise indicates that the casting out of demons is a mark of true discipleship and a testament to the power of Jesus' name.

Practical Considerations

The authority over demons is not an inherent human ability but a divine empowerment given by Christ. It requires faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 17:19-20, when the disciples were unable to cast out a demon, Jesus explained, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" .

This passage highlights the necessity of faith and spiritual preparedness in exercising authority over demonic forces. It serves as a reminder that the power to overcome evil is rooted in a relationship with Christ and dependence on His strength.

Conclusion

The power over demons given to the disciples is a profound aspect of the New Testament narrative, reflecting the authority of Christ and the mission of the church. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual authority believers have in Christ and the call to continue His work of deliverance and healing in the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 10:1
And when he had called to him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
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Mark 6:7
And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
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Mark 16:17
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
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Library

The Great Commission Given.
... Surely in connection with this marvelous celestial power, his dominion over out
tiny ... them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxlii the great commission given.htm

Divine Healing.
... with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it ... the midst of God's
church in the same authoritative power over sin and demons that Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter ix divine healing.htm

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
... [The explanation given by the ... of presenting an argumentum ad hominem, and in no way
implies that they exercised any real power over the demons; nor could ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlviii blasphemous accusations of the.htm

Concerning the Monks of Thebais: Apollos, Dorotheus; Concerning ...
... Macarius had received from God the power of dispelling demons ... God rendered him an
object of dread to the demons, and he was ordained presbyter over the monks ...
/.../chapter xxix concerning the monks of.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits.
... lion, and defiantly exhibited his power over the bodies ... For the sake of obtaining
supernatural power, some welcomed ... of course had no conflict with the demons. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /31 agency of evil spirits.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits
... lion and defiantly exhibited his power over the bodies ... For the sake of obtaining
supernatural power, some welcomed ... of course had no conflict with the demons. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 31 agency of evil.htm

The Casting Out of Devils.
... The accounts given by the latter Evangelists are much more ... to me no absurdity, if
we admit the demons at all ... Nor can we have any power over the evil spirit in ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/vii the casting out of.htm

Miracles.
... a solace which it was in his power to bestow. ... or less efficacious for driving away
the demons; and the ... Jesus had great influence over these unfortunates.[8] A ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xvi miracles.htm

Refutation of the Gentiles --Continued
... What other things have given men such certain faith ... worship and the whole host of
demons and all ... had recognized His Godhead through His power over the universe ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 8 refutation of the.htm

The Price of Power.
... power over Satan, over man-possessing demons, over disease; His ... Jesus is being dethroned
and put over yonder on ... victorious words ring out, "All power hath been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the price of power.htm