The Bible provides numerous examples of people who were possessed or influenced by demons, particularly in the New Testament. The term “demon possession” is often used to describe various physical, emotional, and psychological ailments attributed to demonic interference. These examples help us identify symptoms of demonic influence and understand what it means when a demon possesses someone.
In the Bible, demon possession sometimes caused physical disorders such as mutism, epileptic seizures, blindness, and other abnormal conditions. It also led individuals to commit evil deeds, with Judas Iscariot being a notable example.
The Bible’s accounts of demonic possession offer powerful insights into spiritual warfare and Christ’s authority over satanic forces. We will examine the characters who experienced demon possession and what their stories reveal about God’s power and mercy. From the Gospels to the Acts of the Apostles, individuals tormented by demons were liberated through divine intervention. By exploring these life histories, we uncover deeper meanings about God’s love and omnipotence. These stories are marked by radical change and hope in the face of despair, illustrating the transformative power of faith.
Saul
1 Samuel 16:14 NLT
Now the Spirit of the LORD had left Saul, and the LORD sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear.
After God’s Spirit moved away from King Saul, an evil spirit tormented him, causing erratic and harmful behavior.
Abimelech
Judges 9:23 NLT
God sent a spirit that stirred up trouble between Abimelech and the leading citizens of Shechem, and they revolted.
Abimelech, the son of Gideon, experienced conflict with the citizens of Shechem due to an evil spirit sent by God. This spirit caused strife and ultimately led to Abimelech’s downfall.
Pharaoh
Exodus 7:3-4 NLT
But I will make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn so I can multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. Even then Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you. So I will bring down my fist on Egypt. Then I will rescue my forces—my people, the Israelites—from the land of Egypt with great acts of judgment.
While not explicitly stated as demon possession, Pharaoh’s hardened heart and defiance of God’s will could be interpreted as being influenced by an evil force.
King Ahab’s Prophets
1 Kings 22:20-22 NLT
And the LORD said, ‘Who can entice Ahab to go into battle against Ramoth-gilead so he can be killed?’
There were many suggestions, and finally a spirit approached the LORD and said, ‘I can do it!’
‘How will you do this?’ the LORD asked. “And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all of Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’
‘You will succeed,’ said the LORD . ‘Go ahead and do it.’
Ahab was misled by a lying spirit sent by God into his prophets, thus making fatal choices.
Jezebel
1 Kings 21:25 NLT
No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel.
Though not explicitly referred to as a demoniac, Jezebel had a reputation for perpetrating evil and negatively influencing King Ahab by promoting idolatry and wickedness in Israel.
The Gerasene Demoniac
Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39
This man dwelt among the tombs with unclean spirits, which made him excessively fierce and unable to be restrained. Jesus cast these demons into a herd of pigs to show His power over evil. This dramatic deliverance affirms His authority over many demons by sending them into the pigs.
Mary Magdalene
Luke 8:2 NLT
Along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons;
Before being a committed follower of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene was possessed by seven demons. Her deliverance symbolizes Christ’s transformational abilities, and her subsequent role emphasizes the significance of healing.
The Boy with an Unclean Spirit
Mark 9:17-27 NLT
Here is a story of a father who brought his son before Jesus, as he often convulsed in fits due to a spirit in him. The fits were so bad he could neither speak nor hear. Jesus commanded this demon out of him, curing him immediately; and showing how much love He had for him and how much authority He had over the spirit.
The Daughter of the Syrophoenician Woman
Mark 7:25-30
An unclean spirit possessed a gentile woman’s daughter. She turned to Jesus and begged him to cast the demon away.
Her faith and persistence led Jesus to cast out the demon from a distance, showing His power transcends physical presence.
The Man in the Synagogue at Capernaum
Mark 1:23-26; (also see Luke 4:33-35)
Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil[a] spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.
The Blind and Mute Man
Matthew 12:22
Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see.
This miracle is self-explanatory. It caused many Pharisees to accuse Jesus of using demonic power to cast demons out of people.
The Slave Girl at Philippi
Acts 16:16-18
One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.”
This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly, it left her.
The Daughter of Abraham
Luke 13:10-13 NLT
One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, He saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” Then He touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!
This woman was the daughter of Abraham, and in healing her, Jesus shows His mission to free people from both physical and spiritual bondage.
Judas Iscariot
Luke 22:3-6 NLT
Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest Him when the crowds weren’t around.
This chapter reveals the extent of spiritual warfare and the tragic results of succumbing to evil forces.
The Seven Sons of Sceva
Acts 19:13-16
A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
The incident highlighted the importance of genuine faith and the true authority of Jesus’ name.
Each Story is a Lesson
These stories illustrate many powerful aspects of Jesus’ ministry and faith. Every narrative informs us about God’s love for individuals and His desire for our transformation into His image. Through these narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual realm and the victory available through Christ.
More From Hope No Matter What
14 False Doctrines Preached in Modern Churches
15 Beliefs Catholics Have About the Virgin Mary
16 Controversial Christian Practices That Diverge From Jesus’ Teachings
15 Tough Questions from Atheists That Will Challenge Your Faith
Susan is a mother of four beautiful babies and a born-again Christian. She took over Hope No Matter What in 2024 and enjoys sharing her knowledge of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Her passion is to bring hope and encouragement to others, and she prays that by sharing her knowledge and personal story, she can inspire others to find enlightenment in God's word.