First, we need to commit to “not go beyond what is written” (1 Cor. 4:6). There is a LOT of speculation about demons and demon possession that goes FAR BEYOND what the New Testament would allow us to believe. We need to get our theology from the NT!
Second, there are about 80 references to demons in the NT and they are, by far, concentrated in the Gospels.
Third, after the life of Jesus, there are a few references to demon possession or evil spirits in the book of Acts: 5:16; 8:7; 16:16, 18; 19:12-13, 15-16.
Fourth, the Greek word for “demon” is used 63 times in the NT: once in the book of Acts (17:18) and 9 times in the New Testament letters: 1 Cor. 10:20-21 (where Paul states that sacrificing to false gods is, in essence, sacrificing to demons); 1 Tim. 4:1 (where Paul suggests that false doctrine has its origins in demons); James 2:19 (where James states that demons believe); Revelation 9:20; 16:14; 18:2. That is all the references we have to demons in the NT!
Fifth, the word for “spirit” is used 277 times in the NT letters (from Acts to Revelation) but in the vast majority of the cases, it refers to either man’s spirit or the Holy Spirit. Paul refers to the “spirit working in the sons of disobedience” in Ephesians 2:2. He refers to a spirit that disturbs the Christians in Thessalonica in 2 Thess. 2:2. In 1 Timothy 4:1, where Paul references the doctrines of demons, he also refers to the “deceitful spirits.” John writes that we should “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1-2) in the context where he uses the expression as a synonym for “false prophets.” He calls it a “spirit of error” (1 John 4:6).
John mentions “unclean spirits” like frogs in Revelation 16:13 and 18:2 and the “spirits of demons” in Rev. 16:14.
Sixth, consequently, a review of God’s Word gives us this insight (referring to the NT letters):
There is no reference to demon possession after the book of Acts.
There is no warning that demon possession might occur.
There are no instructions given to exorcise a demon in one’s self or in anyone else.
Seventh, Satan is active in this world and his “angels / demons” are also active on his behalf. But, as we studied last month, the one tool we have to fight against his / their influence on us is the Word of God.
Paul Holland
