Exorcism is a religious practice highlighted in several Bible verses, often forming the core for the belief of many Christian denominations and individuals. The Bible presents instances where Jesus and his disciples dealt with unclean spirits and demons, but it does not provide a formula or methodology for exorcism. This brief discourse examines relevant Bible verses and teaching about exorcism, capturing their significance and implications in the Christian faith.
What Are The Biblical References To Exorcism?
The New Testament shares several instances where Jesus and his disciples confronted and expelled demons from individuals. Jesus’ power and authority over evil spirits is a significant part of his ministry. He cast out demons from many afflicted individuals and granted his disciples the same authority. A prominent example was when Jesus expelled a legion of demons from a tormented man in the region of the Gadarenes.
Why Is The Notion Of Exorcism Vital In Christianity?
The significance of exorcism in Christianity demonstrates Jesus’ power over evil spiritual forces. The narrative of Jesus’ ministry on earth, as recorded in the Bible, continually reinforces his authority over the spiritual realm. Additionally, Jesus granting his disciples the power to expel demons, underscores the belief in their authority as believers and followers. The existence of exorcism in Christianity serves as a testament to the dominion of God over all things, especially darkness and evil.
Who Are The Recipients Of Exorcism In The Bible?
Recipients of exorcism in the Bible are individuals possessed by demons or evil spirits. It is not limited to the wicked or sinful but includes everyday people who fall prey to supernatural forces beyond their control. For instance, the Bible recounts instances of children and adults whom Jesus and his disciples rendered help through exorcism. The purpose was to bring freedom and healing to their lives, demonstrating God’s love, mercy, and power.
When Did The Act Of Exorcism Occur In The Bible?
The Bible records the act of exorcism during Jesus’ ministry on earth. The Bible shows Jesus engaging in many exorcisms during his travels through Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Following Jesus’ example and guided by his authority, his disciples also carried out exorcisms. The Book of Acts recounts the Apostle Paul’s notable exorcisms, significantly demonstrating the continuing authority bestowed on Jesus’ followers.
Where Can The Theme Of Exorcism Be Observed In The Bible?
The theme of exorcism is pervasive throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and the book of Acts. One can observe significant instances of exorcism during Jesus’ ministry in various regions, such as Galilee and Jerusalem. Similarly, the disciples, following in the footsteps of Jesus, conducted exorcisms throughout their evangelical missions across different cities and regions.
Below is our full list of bible verses on exorcism (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Exorcism
Mark 16:16-18
“16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
Related Themes: Baptism Faith Salvation Water Omnipotence
Ephesians 6:10-18
“10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
Related Themes: Strength Betrayal Greatness Manipulation Power
1 Peter 5:8
“8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
Related Themes: Lust Business Addiction Satan Self-Control
Luke 10:19
“19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Related Themes: Power Dominion Empowerment Authority Police
Acts 19:15
“15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?”
Mark 5:13
“13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.”
Acts 19:11-12
“11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.”
Related Themes: Miracles
Mark 9:38
“38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.”
Acts 16:18
“18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”
Related Themes: Fortune
Ephesians 6:13
“13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Related Themes: Strongholds Fighting Victory Perseverance Emotions
Luke 10:17
“17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.”
Related Themes: Joy
James 4:7
“7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Related Themes: Lust Bitterness Addiction Satan Surrender
Luke 4:33-36
“33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
Mark 5:8
“8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.”
Luke 9:49-50
“49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Luke 9:42
“42 And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.”
Acts 19:13-16
“13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
Luke 11:20
“20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.”
Related Themes: Greatness Omnipotence Power Doubt
1 Peter 3:18-22
“18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”
Acts 19:12
“12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.”
Luke 4:41
“41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.”
Luke 10:17-20
“17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
Related Themes: Joy
Acts 19:13
“13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.”
Mark 1:25
“25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.”
Related Themes: Deliverance
Matthew 12:43-45
“43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”
Matthew 12:22
“22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.”
Luke 8:2
“2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,”
Luke 8:28
“28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.”
Acts 16:16-18
“16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”
Related Themes: Fortune
Matthew 8:16
“16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Health Healing Sickness Healing
