Exorcist

(Acts 19:13)

“In that sceptical and therefore superstitious age. professional exorcists abounded. Many of these professional exorcists were disreputable Jews, like Simon in Samaria and Elymas in Cyprus (8:9; 13:6).”

Other references to exorcism as practiced by the Jews are found in Matt. 12:27; Mark 9:38; Luke 9:49-50. It would seem that it was an opinion among the Jews that miracles might be wrought by invoking the divine name. Thus also these “vagabond Jews” pretended that they could expel demons.

The power of casting out devils was conferred by Christ on his apostles (Matt. 10:8), and on the seventy (Luke 10:17-19), and was exercised by believers after his ascension (Mark 16:17; Acts 16:18); but this power was never spoken of as “exorcism.”

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• DEMON POSSESSION AND INFLUENCE—Can Christians be demon possessed? In what ways can Satan and his demons influence believers? Answer
• Satan
• Demons
• Miracles