The Bible shares accounts of people who were demon-possessed and how Jesus delivered them. These stories reveal His authority over evil. Today, we’ll study what the Bible says about demon possession and the hope we have in Christ’s power.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Demon Appearance
What Does The Bible Say About Demon Possessed
Mark 5:1-20
“They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.”
This passage tells the story of a man who was possessed by multiple unclean spirits. Despite being bound with chains and living among tombs, these spirits gave him supernatural strength and tormented him day and night. When Jesus arrived, the man ran and fell before Him, recognizing His authority. Jesus commanded the unclean spirits to leave, and they entered a herd of pigs, causing them to drown in the sea. The man was completely restored, clothed, and in his right mind, causing great fear and astonishment among the people. Jesus instructed him to share his testimony, and the man proclaimed throughout the Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him.
This passage highlights the reality of demonic possession and the power of Jesus to deliver individuals from its grip. It shows Jesus’ authority over the spiritual realm and His desire to bring freedom and restoration to those who are oppressed. We can learn from this story that no matter how strong or hopeless a situation may seem, Jesus is able to set us free from spiritual bondage and restore us completely. It also emphasizes the importance of sharing our testimonies to testify to the transformative work of Christ in our lives.
Luke 8:26-39
“Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.”
This parallel account in Luke provides additional details about the demon-possessed man in the country of the Gerasenes. Similar to the previous passage, this man lived among the tombs and was tormented by unclean spirits. He recognized Jesus’ authority and begged not to be tormented. Jesus commanded the unclean spirits to leave, and they entered a herd of pigs, causing them to drown. The man was delivered and found sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind. The people, seized with fear, asked Jesus to leave. The man desired to stay with Jesus, but Jesus instructed him to return home and testify about God’s transformative work in his life. The man went throughout the whole city proclaiming what Jesus had done for him.
This account reinforces the power and authority of Jesus over demonic forces. It highlights the significance of personal testimony and the invitation to declare God’s work in our lives. Even in the face of fear and uncertainty, Jesus can bring deliverance and restoration. It reminds us of the responsibility to share with others the amazing things that Jesus has done in our lives, spreading the good news of His saving power.
Matthew 17:14-18
“And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly.”
This passage recounts a father’s plea to Jesus for healing his epileptic son. The man’s son suffered severely and frequently fell into dangerous situations. The father had sought help from the disciples, but they were unable to heal him. Jesus expressed frustration at the lack of faith and rebuked the demon. Instantly, the demon left, and the boy was healed.
This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in experiencing supernatural healing and deliverance. It reveals that not all spiritual ailments are illnesses but can be manifestations of demonic influence. It demonstrates the power and authority of Jesus to command and rebuke demons, leading to immediate healing. It also serves as a reminder that our reliance should be on Jesus alone for healing and deliverance, rather than solely depending on the capabilities of others.
Matthew 12:22
“Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw.”
This verse describes a man who was both demon-oppressed and physically blind and mute. He was brought to Jesus, and Jesus healed him, resulting in the man being able to speak and see. This instance showcases the power of Jesus to bring complete restoration and freedom from demonic oppression.
The verse is a testimony of Jesus’ compassion and desire to bring healing to all aspects of our being. It shows that no matter the extent of our afflictions, Jesus has the authority and ability to bring transformation and wholeness into our lives. It encourages us to have faith in Jesus as the ultimate source of healing and deliverance.
Acts 19:13-16
“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
These verses narrate an incident where itinerant Jewish exorcists attempted to drive out evil spirits by invoking the name of Jesus. However, the evil spirit recognized their lack of authority and overpowered them. The possessed man attacked and defeated all of them, causing them to flee naked and wounded.
This passage serves as a warning against attempting spiritual battles without a genuine relationship with Christ. It teaches us that it is not enough to only know or use the name of Jesus; we need to have a personal relationship with Him. It also highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and not underestimating the power of demonic forces. True deliverance and spiritual authority can only come from a genuine faith and submission to Jesus.
Acts 16:16-18
“As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.”
This passage recounts an encounter between Paul and a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. The spirit enabled her owners to profit from her fortune-telling abilities. The girl followed Paul and his companions and repeatedly proclaimed their identity as servants of the Most High God. Eventually, Paul, annoyed by the spirit’s continual presence, commanded it to come out in the name of Jesus. The spirit left the girl immediately.
This verse showcases the authority of believers in Jesus Christ to command and drive out demonic spirits. It emphasizes the importance of using the name of Jesus with power and faith. It also reveals the genuine annoyance that Paul felt towards the spirit, highlighting the need for discernment in distinguishing between spiritual manifestations and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 10:8
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ instructions to His disciples as He sent them out to minister. He commanded them to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. They were not to seek personal gain but to freely give what they had freely received.
This verse highlights the authority and power given to believers in Jesus to perform supernatural acts for the benefit of others. It emphasizes the importance of selflessly using these gifts to serve and minister to those in need. It also reminds us of the grace and love freely given to us by God and calls us to extend the same grace and love to others.
Ephesians 4:27
“And give no opportunity to the devil.”
This short verse serves as a reminder for believers to guard against giving any opportunity to the devil. It underscores the need for vigilance in protecting our hearts and minds from things that can lead to spiritual oppression and influence.
This verse highlights the responsibility of believers to actively resist the enemy, refusing to give him a foothold in our lives. It encourages us to actively guard our thoughts, desires, and actions, ensuring they align with God’s principles and not allowing any room for the workings of evil.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This verse provides a powerful exhortation to believers to submit themselves to God and resist the devil. It assures us that when we resist the devil, he will flee from us.
This verse emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God’s authority and seeking His guidance and protection. It reminds us that as we stand firm in our faith, actively resisting the temptations and attacks of the enemy, he will be forced to flee. It encourages us to rely on God’s strength and stand strong against the forces of darkness.
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
These verses serve as a warning to believers to be watchful and sober-minded because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. It encourages believers to resist the devil, standing firm in the faith, knowing that others are also facing similar trials.
This verse highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the constant threat of the enemy seeking to attack and destroy believers. It emphasizes the need for vigilance, alertness, and a strong faith to withstand the enemy’s attacks. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, as other believers throughout the world are facing similar challenges. It calls us to support and encourage one another in the midst of spiritual battles.
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This comforting verse reassures believers that they do not need to fear because God is with them. It promises God’s presence, strength, help, and support in times of trouble.
This verse provides solace and encouragement during times of spiritual warfare and oppression. It reminds believers of the constant presence and faithfulness of God. It assures us that no matter the challenges we face, God will provide the strength, assistance, and protection we need.
1 John 4:4
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
This verse reminds believers that as children of God, they have overcome the forces of darkness because the One who dwells in them is greater than the one who rules the world.
This verse highlights the victory and authority believers have through Jesus Christ. It encourages us to have confidence in our identity as children of God and to trust in the power of Christ within us. It reminds us that no matter the intensity or ferocity of spiritual opposition, we are ultimately conquerors through Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
These verses speak of the spiritual nature of the battles believers face and the divine power supplied by God to overcome. It emphasizes that our weapons are not physical but spiritual, capable of demolishing strongholds and bringing every thought into submission to Christ.
This passage underscores the need for believers to understand that our struggles and battles are not simply against physical or human forces. It challenges us to rely on the spiritual weapons and divine power God has given us to engage in spiritual warfare. It encourages us to critically examine and challenge worldly ideologies and thoughts that oppose the knowledge of God. The passage reminds us that victory is found in surrendering our thoughts and minds completely to Christ.
Matthew 10:1
“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.”
As Jesus commissioned the twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, enabling them to cast them out and heal every disease and affliction.
This verse reveals that Jesus’ authority is not limited to Himself but extended to His followers. It highlights the power and authority given to believers by Christ to confront and cast out demonic forces. It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ call to all believers to actively engage in spiritual warfare and minister healing and deliverance to those in need.
Colossians 2:15
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
This verse asserts that Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities (referring to demonic forces), triumphing over them and putting them to open shame.
This verse is a powerful declaration of Jesus’ victory over the forces of darkness. It reveals that through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed and defeated the powers of evil. It reminds believers that they are on the winning side and encourages them to stand firm in this truth, not to be intimidated by the tactics of the enemy but to boldly walk in the authority and victory that Christ has secured.
Ephesians 6:10-12
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
These verses call believers to be strong in the Lord and to put on the complete armor of God. It acknowledges that the battles we face are not against human opponents but against spiritual powers and forces of evil.
This passage presents a vivid description of the spiritual warfare believers are engaged in. It encourages believers to rely on the strength and power of God, rather than their own abilities. It emphasizes the importance of equipping oneself with the armor of God in order to effectively withstand the devil’s schemes. It serves as a reminder that our battles are not physical but spiritual, requiring us to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer, faith, and the Word of God.
1 Timothy 4:1
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”
This verse warns that in the latter times, some will depart from the faith by embracing deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.
This verse emphasizes the need for discernment and vigilance in recognizing false teachings and ideologies that are influenced by demonic forces. It underscores the importance of remaining firmly rooted in the truth of God’s Word and not being swayed by deceptive doctrines. It reminds believers of the reality of spiritual warfare and the constant battle to protect our faith and uphold the teachings of Christ.
1 John 3:8
“Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”
These verses declare that those who habitually practice sin are of the devil, for the devil has been sinning since the beginning. However, the purpose of the Son of God’s appearance was to destroy the works of the devil.
This verse highlights the reason for Jesus’ incarnation and His ultimate mission to defeat the works of the devil. It serves as a reminder that as followers of Christ, we are called to righteousness and to actively resist and renounce sin. It assures believers that through the power of Christ, the works of the devil can be ultimately destroyed and overcome in our lives.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”
These verses caution believers that Satan often masquerades as an angel of light and his servants disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. However, their true nature and intentions will be revealed by their deeds.
This verse highlights the deceptive tactics employed by the enemy to lead believers astray. It warns against blindly accepting teachings or following individuals claiming to be righteous but whose actions contradict the truth of God’s Word. It reminds us to exercise discernment and to examine the fruit of someone’s life to determine whether their influence aligns with the principles of God’s kingdom.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
This verse admonishes believers to be sober-minded and watchful because the devil, our adversary, constantly seeks to devour us like a roaring lion.
This verse underscores the need for vigilance and alertness in recognizing the tactics and schemes of the enemy. It urges believers to guard against complacency and to be constantly aware of the spiritual battles taking place. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual threat we face and empowers us to stand firm against the attacks of the enemy.
1 John 5:18
“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.”
This verse affirms that those who are born of God do not continue in a lifestyle of sin. The one who is born of God protects them, and the evil one cannot touch them.
This verse highlights the transformative power of God in the lives of believers. It assures us that as children of God, we have His protection, and the enemy cannot have a foothold in our lives. It encourages believers to live righteous lives empowered by the Holy Spirit, knowing that we have divine protection against the influences and attacks of the evil one.
1 Peter 1:5
“Who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
These verses affirm that believers are guarded by God’s power through faith for the salvation to be revealed in the last time.
This verse speaks of the divine protection and preservation guaranteed to believers through faith in God. It assures us that salvation, both in this life and the life to come, is secured by the power of God. It encourages believers to place their trust in God’s faithfulness and to live with the assurance that they are kept safe in His hands.