Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, exorcists are individuals who cast out demons or evil spirits from persons believed to be possessed. The practice of exorcism is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, with varying degrees of detail and emphasis.
Old Testament ContextWhile the Old Testament does not explicitly mention exorcists, it does acknowledge the existence of evil spirits and the need for divine intervention to overcome them. For example, in
1 Samuel 16:14-23, an evil spirit torments King Saul, and David is brought in to play the harp, which soothes Saul and causes the spirit to depart. This passage highlights the belief in spiritual affliction and the power of God's chosen individuals to bring relief.
New Testament ContextThe New Testament provides more explicit references to exorcism, particularly in the ministry of Jesus Christ and His apostles. Jesus is depicted as having authority over demons, casting them out with a word. In
Matthew 8:16 , it is written, "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Him, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick." This demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and power over the spiritual realm.
The apostles also performed exorcisms in the name of Jesus. In
Acts 16:16-18 , Paul encounters a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Paul commands the spirit to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, and it departs immediately. This account underscores the belief that exorcism is effective through the authority of Jesus.
Jewish ExorcistsThe New Testament also mentions Jewish exorcists who attempted to cast out demons. In
Acts 19:13-16 , the seven sons of Sceva, Jewish exorcists, attempt to invoke the name of Jesus to expel evil spirits. However, the spirit responds, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" The possessed man then overpowers them, illustrating the necessity of genuine faith and authority in Christ for successful exorcism.
Theological ImplicationsExorcism in the Bible is closely tied to the authority and power of God. It is not merely a ritualistic practice but a demonstration of divine intervention. The accounts of exorcism emphasize the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to rely on the power of Jesus Christ to overcome evil.
Modern ConsiderationsIn contemporary Christian practice, exorcism is approached with caution and discernment. It is generally understood that only those with a strong faith and calling should engage in such spiritual warfare. The emphasis remains on prayer, the authority of Scripture, and the name of Jesus as the ultimate source of power over demonic forces.
Exorcists, as depicted in the Bible, serve as a reminder of the spiritual battle that exists and the victory that is found in Christ alone.
ATS Bible Dictionary
ExorcistsFrom a Greek word signifying to conjure, to use the name of God or certain magical ceremonies with design to expel devils from places or bodies which they possess. The apostles were enabled to cast out evil spirits in Christ's name,Matthew 10:1Mark 16:17Luke 10:17; and designing men, both before and after the Savior's death, pretended to exercise the same power,Matthew 12:27Mark 9:38Luke 9:49,50Acts 19:13-17. Exorcists were thought to have gained this power by secret studies respecting the nature of demons, and the powers of certain herbs, drugs, and stones, and were accustomed to use various forms of adjuration and incantation in their unlawful art; but the whole was delusion and imposture, and strictly forbidden. SeeDIVINATION.
Greek
1845. exorkistes -- an exorcist... religious incantations). See 1844 (). Word Origin from exorkizo Definition
an exorcist NASB Word Usage
exorcists (1). exorcist. From
...Library
Would-BeExorcists
... XIII TO END WOULD-BEEXORCISTS. '...Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?'
"Acts 19:15. Theseexorcists had no personal union with Jesus....
The Conjurations of the JewishExorcists. (Luke, xi. , 23-26. )
... CHAPTER IX. SECOND COURSE OF EXTENDED LABOURS IN GALILEE. Section 162. The
Conjurations of the JewishExorcists. (Luke, xi., 23-26.)....
TheExorcists. Acts 19:13-16
... ACTS Hymn 124 Theexorcists. Acts 19:13-16. John Newton 8,8,8,8. Theexorcists.
Acts 19:13-16. Then the apostle wonders wrought,. And...
Difference Between Christ's Healing of the Demoniacs and the...
... Section 105. Difference between Christ's Healing of the Demoniacs and the
Operations of t/he JewishExorcists. The so-calledExorcists...
Excursus on the Minor Orders of the Early Church.
... Some of these lower orders, the subdeacons, readers, door-keepers, andexorcists,
are mentioned in the celebrated letter of Cornelius bishop of Rome (ad251...
Acts XIX
... (13) "Then certain of the wandering Jewishexorcists undertook to call the name
of the Lord Jesus over those who had wicked spirits, saying, We adjure you by...
The Holy Synod Decrees that Persons in Villages and Districts...
... the churches subject to them, and be content with the care and administration of
these; but they may ordain readers, sub-deacons andexorcists, and shall be...
Whether it Belongs to a Priest to Catechize and Exorcize the...
... ministers assist the priest in those things which are preparatory to the sacraments:
the readers, for instance, in catechizing; theexorcists in exorcizing....
The Progress of Prelacy.
... to the bishop, the presbyters, and the deacons, there were also, in AD251, in the
Church of Rome lectors, sub-deacons, acolyths,exorcists, and janitors....
Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
... [The sons of the Pharisees were not their children, but their disciples (II. Kings
ii.3; Acts 19:13, 14). Josephus mentions theseexorcists (Ant....
Thesaurus
Exorcists (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Exorcists (1 Occurrence). Acts 19:13 But some of
the itinerant Jews,
exorcists, took on themselves to invoke
...Exorcist (1 Occurrence)
... Many of these professionalexorcists were disreputable Jews, like Simon in Samaria
and Elymas in Cyprus (8:9; 13:6)." Other references to exorcism as practised...
Exorcism
... The term "exorcists" is used once (Acts 19:13) in a way to discredit the professional
exorcists familiarly known both among Jews and Gentiles....
Vagabond (4 Occurrences)
... Vagabond Jews" (perierchomai; the Revised Version (British and American) "strolling
Jews") were persons who traveled about as professionalexorcists (Acts 19:13...
Expand (3 Occurrences)
Undertook (14 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Acts 19:13 But there were also some wandering Jewishexorcists who undertook
to invoke the name of Jesus over those who had the evil spirits, saying, "I...
Wandering (120 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Acts 19:13 But there were also some wandering Jewishexorcists who undertook
to invoke the name of Jesus over those who had the evil spirits, saying, "I...
Invoke (13 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:13 But some of the itinerant Jews,exorcists, took on themselves to invoke
over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We...
Itinerant (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 19:13 But some of the itinerant Jews,exorcists, took on themselves to invoke
over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We...
Demon-possessed (16 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:13 But some of the itinerant Jews,exorcists, took on themselves to invoke
over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We...
Resources
What is a vagabond in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian today perform an exorcism? What does the Bible say about casting out demons? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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