How does one respond to the charge that the New Testament endorses superstition by its references to demon possession? Demon possession was a real, historical phenomenon of the first century. Spirit entities, known as demons [KJV “devils”], did inhabit and afflict human bodies during that age.
Scripture does not spell out the question of demon origin, though Bible scholars have proposed several theories. Some may be readily dismissed, including the theory that demons were the disembodied spirits of a pre-Adamic race of men who lived in an alleged “gap period” between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. No evidence of any such gap exists and Adam is called the “first man” (1 Cor. 15:45). Others speculate that demons resulted from the cohabitation of angels with antediluvian women (based upon a misunderstanding of Gen. 6:1-4), but Christ taught that angels are sexless beings, incapable of such unions (cf.: Mt. 22:30).
Two more plausible views surmise that: (a) demons were the spirits of wicked dead men whom God permitted to leave the Hadean realm to indwell some people; or, (b) demons were fallen angels who were allowed to escape their confinement (Jude 6) for a similar purpose. Regardless of origin, the New Testament recognizes the fact of first-century demoniacs.
As to nature, demons were spirits (Mt. 8:16)—not physical (Lk. 24:39). As to character, they were spiritually unclean, evil, and under Satan’s immediate control (Mt. 12:24,43, 45). Demons were intelligent (Mk. 1:24), and could exercise both volition and locomotion whenever permitted (Mt. 12:44,45). Demon possession frequently brought about physical and/or mental illness (distinguished from the demon itself, cf.: Mt. 4:24). Dumbness (Mt. 9:32), blindness (Mt. 12:32), convulsions (Mk. 9:18), epilepsy (Mt. 9:32), and supernatural strength (Mk. 5:4, Acts 19:16) were characteristic of demoniacs. No reason is given as to why demons entered particular individuals; they inhabited men (Mt. 9:32), women (Lk. 8:2), and children (Mk. 7:30).
Apparently, demon possession was temporarily permitted by God in order that the supreme authority of Christ might be shown. As the Lord revealed His control over nature (Mk. 4:30), disease (Mk. 1:12), material things (Jn. 2:9), and even death (Jn. 11:44), even so, He also demonstrated His power over the spirit realm (Lk. 11:20). Jesus’ authority over evil spirits amazed His contemporaries. They exclaimed: “…what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him” (Mk. 1:27). His disciples, by His authority, could also expel demons (Lk. 10:17), except on one occasion when hindered by their weak faith (Mk. 9:28, Mt. 17:20).
