Possessed with Devils #19

Friday, October 24, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

Exorcism was practiced in the Bible before our Dispensation of Grace and will be performed after our Dispensation of Grace. Yet, does casting out devils fit God’s current dealings with man—in our Dispensation of Grace?

Doubtless, Christ commissioned Apostles and other preachers to drive out unclean spirits (Matthew 10:1,7-8; Mark 3:15; Mark 6:7; Mark 16:17; Luke 9:1,2; Luke 10:17-20). Such miracles were wrought in early Acts. “There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one(Acts 5:16). “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 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” (Acts 8:5-7).

When Israel’s prophetic program gave way to our mystery program, Paul during his Acts “provoking ministry” was temporarily given the same miracle-working power Peter and the 11 Apostles of Israel exercised: “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 [fortune-telling]: 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. 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 (Acts 16:16-18). “And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 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 (Acts 19:11,12).

Let us see what Paul our Apostle writes about us and exorcism….

Possessed with Devils #18

Thursday, October 23, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

Since national Israel refused the Lord Jesus Christ at His First Coming, but crucified Him in unbelief, she and her land of Canaan were never fully cleansed of Satan’s policy of evil. In other words, Christ was not allowed to drive out all unclean spirits from the Jewish people. Moreover, although the Apostles were given power to cast out devils (Matthew 10:1,7-8; Mark 3:15; Mark 6:7; Mark 16:17; Luke 9:1,2; cf. Luke 10:17-20), and they performed such exorcisms in early Acts (see Acts 5:16 and Acts 8:7), apostate or unbelieving Israel rejected the Holy Spirit’s ministry during those opening chapters of Acts. The Little Flock or believing remnant was persecuted, for their message not believed, which means Israel’s last state (devil possession) will be far worse than ever (re-read Matthew 12:43-45 and Luke 11:21-26).

The controversial commission of Mark 16:15-20 applies to early Acts (before our Dispensation of Grace) as well as the ages to come (after our Dispensation of Grace). “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;…” (Mark 16:17). Devil possession will be rampant under the Antichrist’s heathen religion during Daniel’s 70th Week (yet future from us), but Israel’s believing remnant is granted power to drive out evil spirits (thus validating their Gospel of the Kingdom as did the Little Flock in early Acts 2,000 years before).

See Satan’s future activity—the devil-worship and workings of devils—in passages such as 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12; Revelation 2:9,13,14,24; Revelation 3:9; Revelation 9:20,21; Revelation 12:7-10; Revelation 16:13,14; and Revelation 18:2. As in time past (Matthew to John, and Acts), so Satan again labors to possess and contaminate Israel (to prevent God’s earthly kingdom from being founded, moved from Christ’s First Coming to His Second Coming of Revelation chapters 19–20). Except, in the ages to come, Satan corrupts Israel to such an extent that the devil possessions of Matthew to early Acts will be comparatively minor (!)….

Possessed with Devils #17

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

Remember, “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you” (Matthew 12:28). “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you” (Luke 11:20). As proof of God’s kingdom coming to the Earth—the very kingdom of the Gospel of the Kingdom—the Lord Jesus cast out devils. This was fulfilled prophecy. See Zechariah 13:2: “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.” When Christ reigns on the Earth, Satan and his devils are removed.

Revelation 20:1-4: “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

Yet, before Israel rises to kingdom glory, the nation itself must be purged of all unbelievers. During Daniel’s 70th Week, God will thus let loose evil spirits on Israel at an unprecedented level….

Possessed with Devils #16

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

After Israel’s apostate religious leaders ridiculed Him for casting out devils (Matthew 12:22-24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:14-16), the Lord Jesus answered them. “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you” (Matthew 12:28). “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you” (Luke 11:20). Christ was drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit to perform these exorcisms, so their speaking against Christ’s casting out of devils meant they were speaking negatively of the Holy Spirit.

Observe these grave words the Lord issued to His detractors: “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come” (Matthew 12:31,32; cf. Mark 3:28-30).

Since lost Israel habitually resisted Christ’s exorcisms by criticizing them, He issued another solemn warning: “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 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. 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 12:43-45; cf. Luke 11:21-26).

Failing to let Christ completely cleanse them of devils, Israel will become even more polluted with evil spirits in the ages to come….

Possessed with Devils #15

Monday, October 20, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

During Christ’s earthly ministry, not only did Israel have a devil problem, the Gentiles or nations were under Satan’s power too. This “without God” status of these Gentiles in time past is found in Acts 14:16; Acts 17:30; Romans 1:18-32; Ephesians 2:11,12; and Ephesians 4:17-19.

Notice Matthew 15:22-28, the Gentile lady whose daughter was possessed with an evil spirit: “And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” (Read also Mark 7:25-30, the analogous passage.)

Jews are the “children,” Gentiles are the “dogs,” and that non-Jewish woman knew how Messiah Jesus was sent to bless the children of Israel “first” (check Mark 7:27). She recognized her unworthiness, and how Christ had a ministry to Israel only. Therefore, she humbly placed herself in a position to receive the “overflow” spilling off Israel’s table of blessing. Imagine: this Gentile woman was a believer, in stark contrast to unbelieving (“lost”) Israel! The exorcism of that non-Jewish woman’s daughter pictures the salvation and blessing of God going to the world through Israel’s rise to kingdom glory (cf. Isaiah 60:1-3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Matthew 28:18-20)….

Possessed with Devils #14

Sunday, October 19, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

Remember, under the Old (Mosaic/Law) Covenant, the nation Israel could be the LORD’S people only if they did everything God commanded: “And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel” (Exodus 19:3-6).

Yet, the record of the Old Testament is one of Israel’s disobedience to the God of creation, which automatically reduced her to become Satan’s prisoners/prey. Concerning the prophecies of Israel’s New Covenant kingdom glory, Satan raises an objection. How can God use sinful people? “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob” (Isaiah 49:24-26).

“For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he” (Jeremiah 31:11). Satan is the “strong man” from whom the LORD delivers Israel, and casting out devils symbolizes this truth….

Possessed with Devils #13

Saturday, October 18, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

Observe Luke 11:21-23: “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” Having previously read Luke 11:17-20, we can now compare it to the Matthew and Mark accounts.

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matthew 12:25-30).

“And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house” (Mark 3:23-27).

Exorcism in Scripture is connected to “binding the strong man,” which is a prophetic principle in the Hebrew Bible….

Possessed with Devils #12

Friday, October 17, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

“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. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?” (Matthew 12:22,23). “And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered” (Luke 11:14).

Regarding certain exorcisms the Lord Jesus performed, the Scriptures report how Israel’s unbelieving religious leaders expressed sharp disapproval. “But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils” (Matthew 9:34). “But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub [Satan] the prince of the devils” (Matthew 12:24). “And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils” (Mark 3:22). “But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils” (Luke 11:15).

By criticizing Jesus’ exorcisms and discouraging the Jewish people from placing their faith in Him, these Israeli religious leaders were actually fighting for Satan against the God of creation! “But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you” (Luke 11:17-20).

Exorcism is one of the signs of the coming of God’s earthly kingdom….

Possessed with Devils #11

Thursday, October 16, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

There is a strange or unexpected narrative regarding exorcism featured in Matthew chapter 17, Mark chapter 9, and Luke chapter 9. Although the apostles had been granted power to cast out devils, they were unable to do so here! We will read Matthew’s account.

“And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:14-21; cf. Mark 9:17-29; Luke 9:38-42).

Draw your attention to the “mountain” of Matthew 17:20. A mountain in Scripture can symbolize a kingdom, as in Daniel 2:35,44,45; it represents a kingdom in Matthew 17:20 also. While Satan has a kingdom in that he reigns in the Earth in and through possessed Israel, the Lord’s disciples have been granted God’s power to cast out devils (which facilitates the arrival of God’s kingdom on the Earth). Here, the disciples are in unbelief, which divorced them from God’s influence….

Possessed with Devils #10

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

As Jesus Christ healed sickness and cast out devils, so He commissioned Apostles and other preachers to do the same as they too proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom. “And when he had called unto 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…. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:1,7,8).

“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:…” (Mark 3:14,15). “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;…” (Mark 6:7). “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;…” (Mark 16:17).

“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:1,2). “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 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. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17-20).

Since “the Jews require a sign” (1 Corinthians 1:22), those two chief signs accompanied the proclamation of the Gospel of the Kingdom with both Christ and His preachers….