THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE OF DEMONS

CHARLES R. SMITH
Registrar, Miami Bible College

The Bible clearly teaches the existence of certain personal beings called "demons. " In
the Authorized Version the word "demon" itself does not occur but these beings are variously
designated by such terms as: "devils" (Nit. 7:22), "spirits" (Mt. 8:16), "unclean spirits"
(Mt. 10:1), "foul spirits" (Lk. 9:25), and "evil spirits" (Lk. 8:2). In all, there are about
eighty references to demons in the New Testament. 1 On a number of occasions Jesus attested
to the existence of demons by His statements concerning them (Mt. 12 :27, 28). A significant
part of His ministry involved ministering to those who were demon possessed (Mk. 1 :34).
Consequently, one who accepts the Bible as God's Word and Jesus as God must admit the
existence of demons.

THE NEW TESTAMENT NAMES FOR DEMONS

DaimBn. - -This is the root from which the English word "demon" is derived (through
Latin and French). 2 In the critical editions of the Greek New Testament the word occurs only
one time - - Matthew 8 :31. This is the occas ion where the daimones in the Gadarene demoniacs
requested permission to enter the pigs. Onfour other occasions the word appears in the Textus
Receptus (Mk. 5:12; Lk. 8:29; Rev. 16:14; 18:2).

The aerivation of the term daimBn is uncertain. "Plato indeed derives it from daemon,
an adjective formed from daB and signifying "knowing," or '~intelligent. "3 If this is correct
then the name is apparently derived from the fact that the demons have knowledge that is
superior to that of humans. Many modern scholars, however, do not accept Plato's derivation
and derive the name from the root da i, with the basic meaning of "divide," "assign," or
"disrupt. "4 The reason for this derivation is not entirely clear. It has been suggested that it
indicates a concept "of the d aim B n as that which consumes the body, "5 or a "divider or
distributor of destiny. "6

It is of significant value to trace the development in meaning of the word daimon, from
its earliest usages to its usage in the New Testament. Apparently its original signification was
to designate a "supernatural power. "7 As such it was sometimes used as a synonym for
theos ("god "). It was used in a more general sense than the 0 s, however, and was used
particularly when an "unknown superhuman factor" was at wo~Acts 17:18, where Paul was
accused of setting forth "strange gods," is a Biblical example 0 f such a usage by pagans

26
 THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE OF DEMONS 27

(however, the de r i v e d word daimonion, is used). A second stage (post-Homeric) in the

development of the term daimon was its employment to designate those who were conceived as
the intermediaries between men and the gods. These were considered as either demi -gods or
as the spirits of good men of the Golden Age. 9 A much later development in the usage of the
term involved the conclusion that demons were morally imperfect beings, and like man, might
be good or evil. Some concluded that "falsehood belongs to the very essence of demons. "10
The Jewish writers of the Septuagint, and later the New Testament writers, clearly conceived
of all demons as evil. The Septuagint, like the New Testament, avoids the usage of daimon and
instead prefers the following term. ---

Daimonion. --This term is the neuter of the adjective daimonios. Originally it was not
used as a true substantive but had the sense of the adjective "divine. "11 Since the concept of
"demons" was not so developed as was the concept 0 f "gods," and was used as a general
synonym for theos, it came to be used to designate an "inferior divinity, " or "lesser deity. ~­
The great Greek scholar, A. T. Robertson, said that "Daimonion is a diminutive of daimon. "13
Apparently the Jews usually avoided d1!imon because it was "too closely associated with the
positive religious elements" of the ~agans.14 Since the Jews considered all the "gods" and
"divinities" of the pagans as less than true deity, this term could be appropriately used by
them to designate all idols, pagan gods, and demi-gods. The Septuagint, used daimonion to
translate five different Hebrew words (shedhim, Deut. 32 :17; Ps. 106:37; seirim, Lev. 17:7
and others; 'elilim, Ps. 96:5, 95:5 in LXX; Gad, Isa. 65:11; and qeter, Ps. 91:6, 90:6 in LXX).

The word daimonion occurs about sixty-three times in the New Testament.

Daimononizomai. --This verb means "to be possessed by a demon. "15 In simple verb
form it occurs only in Matthew 15 :22 where it is connected with the adverb kakos. The Canaanite
woman's daughter was "badly demon possessed," or "grieviously vexed with a demon." The
verb appears twelve other times in the New Testament in participial form and should be trans-
lated "demon possessed" (cf. Mt. 4:24).

Daimoniodes. --This adjective simply designates that which is associated with demons
and should be translated "demonic." In the New Testament it occurs only in James 3:15 where
it is used to designate certain wisdom as "demonic." This demonic wisdom is contrasted with
the true divine wisdom (v. 17).

Deisidaimonesterous. --This word occurs only in Acts 17:22 where Paul says that the
Athenians are "too superstitious" (A. V.), or "very religious" (A. S. V.). It literally means
that they were "reverencing the demons (or "divine" things--"gods" in their thinking) more
than usual." It is derived from deido, meaning "to fear, " and daimon.

Deisidaimonia. --This word is derived from deido, meaning "to fear" or "reverence,"
and daimonion. It refers to a fear or reverence for demons, or "divine things, " gods, or
demi-gods. It occurs only in Acts 25:19 where it is translated "superstition" (A. V.) or
"religion" (A.S. V.).
28 GRACE JOURNAL

Pneumata. - -On several occasions demons are simply designated as pneumata, "spirits."
In each case the fact that demons are so designated is proved by an adjective describing their
character or by the general context. I n Matthew 8: 16 those who we r e demon possessed
(daimonizomenous) were brought to Jesus and He cast out "the spirits" (pneumata). When the
seventy returned to Jesus, rejoicing that "even the demons (daimonia) are subject unto us, "
Jesus told them to "rejoice not, that the spirits (p n e u mat a) are subject un to you . . ."
(Lk. 10:17-20).

A number 0 f qualifying adjectives are used to identify these pneumata as demons:

akatharton("unclean," Mt.1O:1); poneron("evil," Lk. 7:21); ponerotera("more evil," Mt. 12:45);
puthona ("Python," or diviner, Acts 16:16 only); alalon ("dumb" or "mute," Mk. 9:25); kophon
("deaf," Mk. 9:25); astheneias ("infirmities," Lk. 13:1). ---

The unusual usage, "spirits of demons," in Revelation 16:14 is apparently intended to

distinguish them from human spirits. Not only are they "unclean spirits" (v. 13), but they are '
not merely human, rather supernatural- - "spirits of demons" (v. 14).

THE PERSONALITY OF DEMONS

It has sometimes been suggested that there are no personal beings who may be designated
as "demons." The term is simply an ancient and common designation for certain mental and
physical ailments. Davies states that so-called demonism is nothing more than "certain diseases
superstitiously regarded as due to demonical influence. "16 Such a view, of course, implies that
Jesus was confused by the superstitions of His day. The Bible-believer, however, cannot
accept this explanation. Demons are called "spirits." Spirits are always personal beings.
Diseases do not speak as did the demon who cried out "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou
Son of the most high God?" (Mk. 5 :7).

Older theologians considered that personality was proved by the existence of intellect,
sensibility (or emotion), and will. That demons have intellect may be seen in their recognition
of Jesus (Mk. 5:7). That they have emotions is attested by their impassioned pleas ("besought"--
Mt. 9:31) to escape premature torment (Mk. 5:7), and by-their "trembling" in anticipation of .
judgment (Jas. 2:19). That they have will is evidenced in their choice of the alternative of .
entering the swine (Mt. 8:31). More modern theologians tend to express personality in terms
of the possession of self-consciousness, and self-determination. 16b It would seem wise to
include moral sensibility 0 r responsibility as par t of the definition of personality. The
references cited above also prove that demons have self-consciousness, self-determination,
and moral responsibility.

THE IDENTIFICATION OF DEMONS

Spirits of evil men. - -This view has already been mentioned under the discussion of the
term daimon. In popular Greek belief demons were "fundamentally the spirits of the departed." 17
Since they were considered as responsible for many terrifying events in nature and human life
 THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE OF DEMONS 29

they were generally conceived as sinister powers and consequently as the departed spirits of
evil men in particular. Josephus held this view since he identified demons as "no other than
the spirits of the wicked, that enter into men that are alive and kill them, unless they can obtain
some help against them. "18

The Scriptures grant no support to this theory. The spirits of all men are taken at
death to spec ific place s ("paradise" or hades) and are not left free to wander about and to
inhabit other bodies. There is a great impassable "gulf" fixed between the wicked dead and
the righteous dead (Lk. 16:26). Apparently a similar gulf exists between the wicked dead and
the living (Lk. 16:27-31). The rich man of Luke 16 woke up in torment and it is clear that there
was no possibility of relieving his torment by leaving hades and entering a living body. Even
the spirits of the saints are not left to roam the earth. The special appearances of Samuel
(I Sam. 28:12-20), and Moses and Elijah (Mt. 17:3), were unique manifestations for sovereign
purposes. In Revelation 6:9 the spirits of a special group of saints seem to be confined to a
specific location. David said of his departed son, "I shall go to him, but he shall not return
to me" (II Sam. 12:23).

Spirits of a pre-Adamic race. --A number of conservative Bible teachers have concluded
that demons are the disembodied spirits of a pre-Adamic race. Thiessen,19 Larkin,20
SChwarze,21 Barnhouse,22 and Nevius 23 were friendly to this theory. Ottman,24 Pardington,2S
Bancroft, 26 Pember, 27 and others have firmly espoused it. This is in spite of the fact, as
Thiessen admits, "that the Scriptures nowhere speak of such a race. "28 Those who favor this
theory contend that Genesis 1:1 describes the creation of a complete and perfect earth many
millenniums ago. This perfect earth was changed into the state described in Genesis 1:2 as a
result of the sin of either the angels, or of the pre-Adamic men who inhabited the pristine
earth, or both. The state described in verse one may have lasted for thousands or even millions
of years. Likewise the state described in verse two may have lasted for thousands of years. 29

. Not all who hold this "ruin-reconstruction" theory ("the gap theory")understand it as the
explanation for the origin of demons. Archer, for example, classifies "Pithecanthropus, the
Swanscombe man, the Neanderthal and all the rest. . . possibly even the Cro- Magnon man ... "
as pre-Adamic, but he suggests that they were "men" who did not have souls. 30 If they were
animals who had no souls, or spirits, then their supposed existence offers no explanation for
the origin of demons.

There is not one particle of genuine evidence, however, for either a pre-Adamic race
or the ruin-reconstruction theory.

1. The grammar of Genesis 1 :1-2 will not allow a "gap."

2. Other Scriptures which are supposed to teach this theory are in fact
opposed to it.
3. Theology does not demand a gap.
4. Geology does not demand a gap.
5. Certain Scriptures deny the possibility of a gap.
30 GRACE JOURNAL

The Bible spec ifically states that everything tha-t was created was created within the six days
of Genesis one (Ex . 20:11; 31:17). It is specifically stated that sin and death entered the
world as the result of Adam's sin (Rom. 5 :12-18). Adam is clearly designated as the first
man (Gen. 2: 7 ; 1 Cor. 14:45). At the end of the creation week God considered everything He
had made as "very good" (Gen. 1 :31). 31

Those who hold this view sharply distinguish between demons and angels on the basis that
demons are disembodied spirits who seek embodiment in contrast to angels who have celestial
bodies and consequently do not seek embodiment. This aspect of the theory will be considered
later.

Disembodied spirits of the "nephilim" of Genesis 6. --This theory is based upon the
traditional interpretation of Genesis 6 as involving evil angels. These evil angels are thought
to have lusted after the beautiful daughters of men and consequently to have entered into marriage
relationships with them. 32 The results of this union were a strange progeny that were half
human and half angel. Frequently this whole affair is viewed as an attempt, sponsored by
Satan, to corrupt the whole human race so that there would be no pure Adamic stock (or "Eve"ian"
stock!) through which the promised deliverer could come (Gen. 3:15). Noah's family may have
been the only family which had not been corrupted to include "angelic stock." This is why Noah
alone was "perfect in his generations" (Gen. 6:9).33

Many conservative scholars agree with the basic premise of this theory--that is, that
evil angels were involved in the sin of Genesis 6. Several reasons may be briefly listed:

1. There is no evidence for the alternative theory that the descendants of

Seth were a godly race, whereas the descendants of Cain were all ungodly.
Even if such a distinction existed, the phrases "sons of God," and "daughters
of women" do not seem to be appropriate designations for two such races.

2. Some Septuagint manuscripts (Alexandrinus) have the phrase "angels of

God," instead of "sons 0 f God." This is indicative of the ancient Jewish
interpretation.

3. The Hebrew manuscripts all have "sons of Elohim," a phrase which

elsewhere in the Old Testament always refers to angels (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7--
especially interesting if Moses wrote Job as some believe ).The phrase "sons
of God" seems to refer to those directly created by God and consequently not
born of other beings (angels; Adam, Lk. 3:38; Christians, In. 1:12).

4. Without this "angel hypothesis" there is no satisfactory explanation

as to why some of the evil angels are bound and others are not. "God spared
not the sinning angels (or "angels when they sinned"), but consigning (them)
to Tartarus, committed (them) to pits of gloom--being kept unto judgment"
(II Pet. 2:4). "And angels, U:ot having kept the rule of themselves (or "their
beginning estate ") but having deserted their own habitation, He has kept for
the judgment of the great day in everlasting bonds under gloom" (Jude 6).
 THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE OF DEMONS 31

5. The sin of these bound angels seems to be identified as an unusual

kind of fornication. After mentioning the bound angels Jude adds: "Just as
Sodom and Gomorra and the cities around them, in like manner to~
committing formication and going away after different flesh, are set forth(as)
an example undergoing (the) justice of eternal fire" (Jude 7). According to
A. T. Robertson, the phrase "in like manner to these" means "like the fallen
angels. "34 Wuest argues that the phrase cannot mean that the surrounding
cities sinned "in like manner" to Sodom and Gomorra. 35 Indeed if that were
the case, the phrase would serve no purpose and the sense would be much
clearer if it were omitted. Also in II Peter 2:4 (and perhaps I Pet. 3 :19,20)
the sin of those bound angels seems to be closely associated with the great
flood of Genesis 6:9.

6. The "angel view" was the common interpretation in the time of the
Apostles. It was presented fully in the apocryphal Book of Enoch. The so-
called "Minor Genesis," the majority of the rabbinic writers, Philo, Josephus,
and apparently all of the early Church Fathers accepted it (including Justin,
C I e men t of Alexandria, Tertullian, Cyprian, Ambrose, and Lactantius).
Though it was rejected by some of the later Church Fat her s (Chrysostom,
Augustine, Theodoret) and by many modern theologians (Hengstenberg, Keil,
Lange, JamIeson, Fausset. Brown, Matthew Henry, John Dick, 36 C. I.
Scofield), it has been endorsed by many conservative theologians (Luther,
Meyer, Delitzsch, J. B. Mayor, Plummer, Alford, W. KellJfy, Pember,
A. C. Gaebelein, James Gray, Larkin, Ryrie, Wuest, Unger, and others). 37

The least that can be said of the statements of Peter and Jude is that their comments
certainly harmonize with the then popular interpretation and in no way present any objection
to the view.

While it may be agreed that the "sons of God" of Genesis 6 were angels, this does not
prove thjtt demons are the disembodied spirits resulting from this union. Not only is this
theory based upon the identification of the "sons of God" as angels, but it is also based upon a
distinc~ion between angels who are thought to possess a celestial or spiritual body, and demons
who are thought to be disembodied spirits. McClain, fol' example, states that "Demons are
not angels. "38 His major reasons are that the names are never used interchangeably and that
demons desperately seek embodiment and are distressed and not at rest while not embodied. 39
Concerning this last apparent characteristic of demons, Wuest comments as follows: "This
clearly infers that at one time they had physical bodies, and being deprived of them through
some judgment of God, they try to satisfy their innate desire for a physical existence in that
way. This is not true of angels. "40

To this reasoning it may be objected that:

1. "Possession" of a human body may be desired by the demons simply

as the best method to accomplish their purposes. Also, just as it is possible
for degraded humans to delight in the worst of perverted experiences, so the
32 GRACE JOURNAL

demons because of their degraded nature may have learned to delight in a

certain sensual pleasure which they derive from the possession of a human
body. Perhaps they are not fully satisfied until they find a "victim" who will
grant them the full exercise of their own will. This does not prove that they
once had physical bodies of their own which they lost by Divine judgment. The
case of the demons who desired to enter pigs may be simply interpreted as a
desperate alternative which they suggested in preference to being sent to the
abyss (Lk. 8:32).

2. Satan himself, who is admittedly an angel, can "enter" a person. In

Luke 22:3 it is specifically stated that "Satan entered into Judas. "

3. Acts 23:8, 9 is used by the adherents of this view to prove that

demons, as mere spirits, are to be distinguished from angels. 41 In this
passage it is stated that the "Sadducees say that there is no resurrection,
neither angel, nor spirit." The Pharisees, on the other hand, defend Paul by
saying, "What if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel?" (A. S. V.). To
the opinion that demons are here distinguished from angels it should be
objected that demons are not mentioned. The Sadducees denied the separate
existence of human souls as well as angels. They taught that human "souls
die with the bodies. "42 Paul had claimed that he had spoken with the crucified
and resurrected Christ (22:18). The Pharisees were willing (for the sake of
their argument with the Sadducees) to admit the possibility that a spirit (per-
haps even the crucified Jesus), or an angel, had spoken to him. In any case
it is clear that a rigid distinction between angels and spirits cannot be drawn.
In several passages angels are identified as spirits (Ps. 104:4; Heb. 1 :14). It
has previously been noted that demons are sometimes des ignated as spirits
(Mt. 8 :16; Lk. 10:17, 20).

On the basis of these objections it may be concluded that there is no proof that demons
are disembodied spirits. The basic premise of this theory, that the "sons of God" in Genesis 6
were angelic creatures, seems legitimate. But if there i~ no proof that demons are disembodied
spirits, and no proof that they are an order of beings distinct from angels - -may it not be the
case that the sin of Genesis 6 did not propagate demons, but rather the demons were the
instigators of the whole affair?

Demons are fallen angels. --This means that they were all originally created perfect
(like Lucifer, Ezek. 28:15) yet they sinned and in so doing they became demons. All fallen
angels may also be called demons. A number of considerations lend support to this view:

1. It offers a reasonable interpretation for the strange union in Genesis

6. If the "sons of God" were fallen angels, and if fallen angels may be identi-
fied with demons, then demons may have entered the bodies of depraved men
and so controlled and "possessed" them that it could be said that the demons
("sons of God")43 married the "daughters of men" for whom they had lusted.
Gray suggested that, "Through the medium of such bodies thus possessed,the
 THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE OF DEMONS 33

'sons of God' may have had the intercourse referred to. "44 This removes
the objection that angels "neither marry, nor are given in marriage (Mt.
22:30). Christ stated that the "angels in heaven" (A.S. V.) . . . "neither
marry nor are given in marriage." Apparently it is also true that there can
be no intermarriage among angels even on t he earth. The only way that
angels can enter a marriage relationship is by "possessing" a human being
so completely that the individual's will is so controlled as to almost lose his
individual identity. This seems to have been the case with many of the
demoniacs whom Christ encountered (Mk. 5 :1-15).

2. This interpretation a Iso offers a reasonable explanation for the

"nephilim" (A. V. "giants"). Genesis 6:4 is usually interpreted as teaching
that the nephilim were the unusual progeny 0 f the strange union, but this
interpretation is not necessary. It seems leg it i mat e to understand the
nephilim merely as "fallen ones, "45 and identify them with the depraved men
who were the subjects of the demon possession. The verse does not say that
the nephilim were born by the union, but that the union was possible because
of these "fallen ones." The verse adds that "also afterwards" there were
"fallen ones" in the earth. They are mentioned again in Numbers 13 :33.
Why could not these "fallen ones" be the evil men who subjected themselves
to demon possession?

They [the Nephilim] (were) the heroes who were from ancient time, the
men of the name ("Men of renown"). The Nephilim were in the earth in those
days, and also afterwards, when the sons of God went in to the daughters of
men, and they bore children to them.

Even if the "they" refers to the children of these unions it does not imply
more than that these children, having such evil fathers also grew up to become
fallen ones, famous (or infamous) for their strength and prowess. Later
Nimrod was such a hero (Gen. 10:10). One characteristic of a certain type
of demon possession in the New Testament was the impartation of unusual
strength (Mk. 5:4).

3. Also in favor of this interpretation is the passage in Matthew 12 :24-29

where Beelzebul seems to be used as a pseudonym for Satan. The Pharisees
accused Christ of casting out demons "by Beelzebul, ruler of the demons. "
In His response Jesus substitutes the name "Satan" for Beelzebul: "How is
Satan able to expel Satan? . . • if Satan stood up against himself and was
divided, he cannot stand" (Mk. 3:23-26). Later He refers to "the devil and
his angels" (Mt. 25:41). Since he is leader of the demons and also of the
fallen angels there is no reason why the two titles may not refer to the same
beings. Moreover, when Beelzebul is designated as "ruler of the demons, "
the word that is uS,ed is archonti which has the basic meaning of "first." As
"first of the demons" he is their ruler.
34 GRACE JOURNAL

4. The account of the demon-locusts who will be released upon the earth
I
near the end of the Great Tribulation supports this identification (Rev. 9: 1-11).
Though the word "demon" is not used, it is generally agreed among futurist
interpreters that the "locusts" described in these verses are demons, or at
least demon-possessed creatures. It is significant that these demons have
over them as king an angel whose name is Abaddon and Apollyon.1f their king
is an angel there is no reason why they may not be considered as angels.

5. It has previously been established that angels can do what demons do--
that is they can enter a person and control his activities. Satan entered and
directed J u d a sOn. 13 :27; Lk. 22:3). This fact renders unnecessary any
distinction between the nature of angels and the nature of demons.

6. This identification offers an explanation as to why some evil angels

are bound and others are free. Certainly the imprisonment of some of the
angels was not due to their participation in the original rebellion and fall with
Satan, for in such case the chief offender himself (Satan) would have been
imprisoned. I t is probable that at the time of the flood God confined the
offending demons in His prison. Not a 11 the evil angels had entered the
nephilim to enjoy sexual pleasures. It is possible that God may have these
fallen angels on "warning," that if any attempt to overstep His permissive
bounds (Job 1 :12) He will send them immediately to the abyss. The demons
in Luke 8:31 besought Jesus that He would not send them to the abyss and
terminate their freedom. Unger suggests that it may have been Jesus habit f

to dismiss to the abyss the demons He expelled. 46 But it is obvious that not
all demons who left their victims were sent to the abyss (Lk. 11 :24). Also
Jesus ordered one demon not to return to his victim, thus clearly indicating
the possibility of such return apart from the Divine prohibition.

That demons are to be identified with the fallen angels was and is the opinion of a great
host 0 f conservative Bible scholars. These include John Owen, 47 A. A. Hodge,48 Charles
Hodge,49 A. H. Strong, 50 Richard be Ridder, 51 ' Richard Whately,52 A. C. Gaebelein,53
L. T. Townsend,54 and L. S. Chafer .55 Chafer, however, believed that of those fallen angels
who were not imprisoned "another company became demons. "56 Indeed, it may be that though
there is no distinction between demons and fallen angels as to their nature, yet the name
"demon" may signify the "knowing ones" who have come to know human beings in a unique
relationship--i. e. it may be best to reserve the name "demon" for those fallen angels who
have degraded themselves by entering and "possessing" human beings. But this is purely
conjectural.

The question as to the onglll of demons is settled by answering the question, "Are
demons different from fallen angels? The major objections to their identity are as follows:
tt

1. The two are never identified. The fallen angels are never called
demons and the demons are never called angels. In answer it might be said
that: (a) neither are they clearly distinguished; (b) bot h are identified as
 THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE OF DEMONS 35

"spirits" (Heb. 1:14; Mt. 8:16); (c) and both are capable of the same type of
activities On. 13:27; Lk. 11:23-26).

2. Demons seem to crave embodiment (Lk. 11 :23-26). This is never said

of angels. This objection has been answered previou.s ly. The demons are
depraved spirits who either seek the gratification of their sensual desires by
embodiment, or who can best further their Satanic program by embodiment
Qn. 13:27).

3. Demons seem to love filth, nakedness, and tombs (Lk. 8:27), whereas
angels are conceived as t::nlightened beings possessing un u sua I wisdom.
Again the answer is that these evil angels have wholly devoted themselves to
sensuous appetites. It is nowhere stated that they are stupid. There is no
reason to suppose that the demons who possessed people and caused them to
act in strange ways were any less intelligent than the rest of the fallen angels.
The most emphasized characteristic of these demons is that they are "unclean."
This does not refer to physical uncleanness since they have no material bodies,
rather it describes their moral nature. Just as some of the most enlightened
humans are addicted to hallucinatory drugs and revel in perversions, so some
of the fallen angels have devoted themselves to impurities.

THE CREATION AND FALL OF DEMONS

Since the heavens and earth "and all that in them is" were created within the six creative
days of Genesis one, the angels who later became demons were created within that week (Ex.
20:11). It is commonly thought that the angels were created in "eternity past," long before the
earth or man, but there is no Scriptural proof for this theory. It is stated that the "sons of God"
shouted for joy when they beheld God's creative work, but it is p;obably the work of the second
through the sixth of the creative days for which they rejoice (Job. 38:7). Or it is possible that
God created the heavens and their hosts (the angels), then the earth (Gen. 1:1), then light, - -all
within the first day of creation (Gen. 1:5). The statement of Psalm 33:6 that, "By the word of
the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth," seems
to connect closely the creation of the heavens and their hosts, the angels. It is also stated that
He made the heavens, "with all their hosts" (Neh. 9:6).

The Jews agreed that angels were created within the creation week but disagreed as to
which day of the week. 57

In view of the fact that everything that God had created could be designated as "very
good" at the end of the creation week (Gen. 1 :31), it is clear that the fall of the angels did not
occur until after the creation of man. This is exactly what the Jewish interpreters of the Old
Testament concluded. Were it not for the evolutionary theory and the supposed geologic ages
based on that theory it is unlikely that theologians would ever have conceived of the creation
and fall of angels as taking place long before the creation of man. In spite of this, many modern
36 GRACE JOURNAL

conservatives consider the Jewish concept of the fall of angels subsequent to man's creation as
a "strangely imagined" example of the distortions of Rabbinic demonology!58

THE WORK OF DEMONS

1. They so met i me s pro mot e idolatry (Acts 16:16; I Cor. 10:20;

Rev. 9:20).

2. Since Satan is not omnipresent they are necessary to him to extend

his power (Eph. 6:11, 12).

3. They can cause mental disorders (Lk. 9:39; Mk. 5:15).

4. They can inflict physical infirmities (Mt. 9:32, 33). This can some-
times be accomplished in saints, with God's permission and for His purposes.
This was the case with Job whom God allowed to be stricken with boils by
Satan (Job 2 :6, 7). Jesus said that the woman who had been "bowed together"
for eighteen years had a "spirit of infirmity" for which Satan was responsible
(Lk. 13:11-16--It is not stated whether the woman was a believer). Paul's
"thorn in the flesh" was apparently a phys ical malady which he interpreted as
due to an "angel of Satan in order that he (or "it") might buffet me" (II Cor.
12:7). Perhaps he meant merely that the affliction itself was a messenger
(rather than an angel), but in any case Satan himself or one of his angels
(demons) was responsible. Yet in spite of this Satanic agency Paul knew that
the affliction was by Divine permission and ultimately for his own good--just
as with Job.

5. They are so met i me s responsible for the dissemination of false

doctrine (1 Tim. 4:1; I Ki. 22:22; Rev. 16:13; I In. 4:1-3).

6. They may be used of God to carry out His purposes (I Ki. 22:22;
II Cor. 12:7; I Sam. 16:14).

7. They sometimes seduce humans into immoral activities (I Tim. 4 :1-3).

8. They have power to work "miracles" ("signs") to deceive men (Rev.

16:14; 13:12-15).

9. They sometimes attempt to instigate jealousy, faction, and pride

among believers (Jas. 3:13-16).

10. They may impart superhuman strength (Mk. 5 :4).

11. They sometimes act as "fortune tellers" and prophets. The damsel
who was possessed by a "spirit of Python" furnishes a New Testament example
 THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE OF DEMONS 37

of this. Python was another name for Apollo whose major temple was at
Delphi. The famous oracles by the priestess of Apollo at Delphi were probably
the work of another such demon. 59 Many of the "familiar spirits" of the Old
Testament may have been such demons.

12. They exercise the i r power and influence in human governments

(Eph. 6:12; Dan. 10:13).

13. They may enter and control human beings (Mt. 12 :45).60

DEMON POSSESSION

Definition. - -Charles Ryrie's definition is here quoted in full.

Demon possession mea n s a demon residing in a person, exerting direct

control and influence over that person, with certain derangement 0 f mind
and/or body. Demon possession is to be distinguished from demon influence
or demon activity in relation to a person. The work of a demon in the latter
is from the outside; in demon possession it is from within. By this definition
a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon since he is indwelt by the Holy
Spirit. However, a believer can be the target of demonic activi~ to such an
extent that he may give the appearance of demon possession. 1

Characteristics. --

1. Since the demon controls the activities of the person he indwells, he

is able to initiate any of the activities listed under the heading, "The Work
of Demons. "

2. It is possible to be indwelled or "possessed" by many demons (Mt.

12:45; Mk. 5:9; Lk. 8:2).62

3. The demon(s) and the victim seem to be closely identified psycho-

logically.63 Note the frequent interchange of plural and singular p.Lonouns
in Mark 1:23-26 and 5:6-12.

4. The demons are reluctant to leave a victim they control and apparently
leave only under Divine compulsion or to further their own Satanic program
(Mk. 9:26; Lk. 8:26-33). Apparently some of the Jewish exorcists were
successful in casting out some of the demons (Mt. 12 :27). This may have
been because God sometimes honored His Word even though the exorcists may
have used ridiculous methods. Or perhaps some ofthe demons only "cooperated"
to further their own program or to increase the recognition they received.
38 GRACE JOURNAL

Jesus' statement to the effect that when a demon has left the person he possessed, he
wanders "through dry places, seeking rest and finding none, " presents a difficult problem
(Mt. 12 :43; Lk. 11 :24). Sweet was apparently jus t if i e d in referring to this as a "highly
figurative passage. "64 Unfortunately the passage has received very little comment on the part
of conservative scholars. Unger's book, which is by far the best book on Biblical demonology
known to this author, makes no comment about the "waterless (or "dry") places." Plummer
points out that the incantations of the exorcists included the statement, "0 evil spirit- -to the
desert. ° evil demon--to the desert. . . . "65 Kent remarks that the dry places are "indicated
elsewhere as the abodes of demons. "66 Not only was this the common conception, but this
concept is found in both Testaments (lsa. 13:21; Rev. 18:2). It is probable that Jesus used the
term "waterless places," in the sense of "wilderness "--i. e. that which was not suitable for
human habitation. This seems to be the sense of the passages in Isaiah and Revelation also.
A place which was not fit for human habitation is conceived as fit only for wild animals and
evil spirits. Consequently, the phrase, "waterless places" could appropriately serve as "an
emblem of their [the demons] dwelling-place in another world"67 . . . a world not known or
inhabited by humans.

Apparently these depraved demons, who have "possessed" humans, are never again
satisfied or "at rest" until they find another human (or the same one again) to control. The fact
that they "seek" rest would indicate that they cannot possess just anyone. They apparently
cannot violate the will of an intended victim and so seek those who willingly yield themselves to
their evil influences. 68

THE DESTINY OF DEMONS

Temporary destiny. --

1. Some are now confined in Tartarus (II Pet. 2:4). Some are now
confined in the abyss (Lk. 8:31; Rev. 9:1-11). Since no information is given
as to the nature or location of these places it is impossible to speak with
certainty regarding their identity. Perhaps they are two different places. If
so, the demons in the abyss will be released for a short period (five months --
Rev. 9:10) during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 9:1-11). If they are different,
then the angels who are bound in Tartarus may not be loosed until the final day
of judgment before the Great White Throne. The angels in Tartarus are
specifically said to be kept "in everlasting bonds" unto judgment (Jude 6). If,
on the other hand, Tartarus and the abyss are to be identified, then perhaps
the "everlasting bonds" should be understood in a sense similar to the
designation of the fire which destroyed Sodom and Gomorra as, "eternal fire"
(v. 7). Perhaps the words "everlasting," and "eternal" are meant to designate
the origin as Divine, and as consequently infallible in the designed accom-
plishment. The inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorra will be temporarily
removed from the eternal fire which they are now enduring to make their
appearance before the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15), so perhaps the
spirits who are confined in Tartarus will also be released for a short time
when the abyss is opened (Rev. 9:1-11).
 THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE OF DEMONS 39

Another possible interpretation is that the statement that they are kept in
eternal bonds "unto the judgment of the great day," does not refer to the Great
White Throne Judgment but to the great "Day of the Lord" during which all
judgment will be consummated. This would not prohibit their temporary
release during any part of the "Great Day of Jehovah's Judgment."

It should be noted that many amillennialists and postmillennialists who do

not look for a future millennium and who consequently understand that Satan
is already "bound" (Rev. 20:1), also "spiritualize" the confinement of these
angels. Berkhof, for example, says: "They are even now chained to hell and
pits of darkness, and though not yet limited to one place, yet, as Calvin says,
drag their chains with them wherever they go" 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6.69

Such an interpretation is actually a denial of the plain statements of the

Scripture.

2. Some, a s discussed above, will be released for a short period to

torment men during the Great Tribulation. These will include those in the
abyss, as well as those in Tartarus if the two places are to be identified.
The release of these horrible creatures, who have been confined because of
the depths of depravity to which they sank, will indeed make even more severe
the "time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that
same time" (Dan. 12:1).

3. All the fallen angels will be bound when Satan is confined to the abyss
at the begirming of the millennium. If (as is generally assumed by premil-
lennialists) one of the purposes of the millennium is to demonstrate to man
the character of his own evil nature even in a perfect environment without
Satanic influence, then it would seem that not only Satan but all his demonic
supporters will be bound with him. Though the Scriptures do not explicitly
state this, it is unthinkable that the demons will be left free upon the earth
during Christ's kingdom.

4. The fallen angels (or at least some of them) will apparently again be
released from the abyss when Satan is granted temporary freedom at the end
of the millennium (Rev. 20:7). This conclusion seems necessary because,
though Satan is not omnipresent, he will succeed in deceiving a great multitude,
"the number of whom is as the sand of the sea" (Rev. 20:8). Certainly he
must have the help of his demons to accomplish this task.

Final destiny. --Eventually all demons will be cast with Satan into the lake of fire
rhich was prepared for this flurpose (Mt.25:41; Rev. 20:10).
40 GRACE JOURNAL

DOCUMENTATION

1. Louis Matthew Sweet, "Demon," The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ed.
James Orr (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1939), 11, 829.
2. Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary (Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merrian
Company, 1963), p. 220.
3. Merrill F. Unger, Biblical Demonology (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press, 1963),
pp. 55-56 (citing Cratylus 1:398).
4. Gerhard Kittel, ed., Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, trans. Geoffrey W.
Bromiley (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, n. d.), p. 2.
5. Ibid.
6. Unger, p. 56.
7. Kittel, p. 2.
8. Ibid.
9. Unger, p. 56.
10. Kittel, p. 5.
II. Ibid., p. 8.
12. G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (Edinburgh: T. & T.
Clark, 1954), p. 97.
13. Archibald Thomas Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, Tenn.
Broadman Press, 1930), I, 70.
14. Kittel, p. 12.
15. William F. Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testa '
ment and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press j

1952), p. 168.
16. Thomas Witton Davies, Magic, Divination, and Demonology among the Hebrews anc
Their Neighbors (London: James Clarke and Co., 1898), p. 103.
16b. James Oliver Buswell, A Systematic Theology of the Christian Religion (Grand Rapids :
Zondervan Publishing House, 1962), I, 33.
17. Kittel, p. 6.
18. Flavius Josephus, "Wars of the Jews," VII, VI, 3, The Life and Works of Flavius Josephus,
trans. William Whiston (Philadelphia: The John C. Winston Company, n. d.), p. 844.
19. Henry Clarence Thiessen, Introductory Lectures in SystematiC Theology (Grand Rapids :
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1961), p. 20I.
20. Clarence Larkin, The Spir it World (Philadelphia: Rev. Clarence Larkin Est., 1921), I
pp. 39-40.
2I. C. Theodore Schwartze, The Program of Satan (Chicago: Good News Pub., 1947), pp. 36-37. '1
22. Donald Grey Barnhouse, The Invisible War (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House,1
1965), p. 69.
1
23. John L. Nevius, Demon Possession and Allied Themes (New York: Fleming H. Revell
Co., 1892), pp. 269ff.
24. Ford C. Ottman, The Unfolding of the Ages (New York: Publications Office: Our Hope"
n. d.), pp. 218ff.
25. George P. Pardington, Outline Studies in Christian Doctrine (New Yo r k: Christian
Alliance Publishing Co., 1916), p. 122.
26. Emery H. Bancroft, Christian Theology (New York: Echoes Pub. Co., 1930), p. 233.
 THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE OF DEMONS 41

7. G. H. Pember, Earth's Earliest Ages (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1907),

pp. 67ff.
Thiessen, p. 20l.
Finis Jennings Dake, Dake's Annotated Reference Bible (Atlanta, Georgia: Dake Bible
Sales, 1963), pp. 51-55.
Gleason L. Archer, Jr., A Survey of Old Testament Introduction (Chicago: Moody
Press, 1964), pp. 188-189.
See the author's mimeographed paper "Is there a Gap Between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2?"
Unpublished research paper, Grace Theological Sem inary, 1966.
For a statement of this view see Herbert Lockyer, The Mystery and Ministry of Angels
(Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1958), pp. 47-48. Dr. Lockyer,
however, did not hold this view, rather he believed that "the demons are no offspring of
such illicit union, but other outcasts from heaven who did not participate in the sin of
angels necessitating the flood" (ibid.).
; 3. Dake, pp. 5-6, and 62-63. This was also Tatford's view, cited in Lockyer, p. 48.
4. Robertson, VI, 189.
5. Kenneth S. Wuest, In These Last Days (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Co., 1954), pp. 241-24~.
"It is not possible to conceive a more ridiculous opinion. . ." John Dick, Lectures on
Theology (New York: Robert Carter and Brothers, 1878), p. 397.
For lists of names, pro and con, see Unger, pp. 46-47. See also John Peter Lange,
"Genesis, " trans. Taylor Lewis and A. Gosman, Commentary on the Holy Scriptures,
ed. Philip Schaff (Grand Rapids: Zondervan PublIshing House, 1960), pp. 280-284.
Alva J. McClain, "Christian Theology: God and the World." Unpublished class syllabus,
Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana, n.d. , p. 1 (in section titled "Demons").
Ibid.
Kenneth S. Wuest, First Peter in the Greek New Testament. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B.
Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1952), pp. 99-100.
Ibid.
Josephus, ("Antiquities," Book XXIII, Chap. I, Paragraph 4), p.53. Edersheim, however,
says that Josephus' statement tIm a y be dismissed as among those inferences which
theological controversialists are too fond 0 f imputing to their opponents." Alfred
Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans
Publishing Co. , 1956), I, 315. Edersheim's judgment seems overly critical of Josephus.
It must be admitted that the Sadducean beliefs are shrouded in mystery. With the present
state of knowledge about them it is impossible to explain how they could deny the exis-
tence of angels, yet at the same time profess to honor the books of Moses which make
frequent references to angels. Perhaps they considered the "angels" as theophanies?
Similarly, it does not seem possible that a sect (of mostly priests!) could profess reli-
gious piety and yet deny the existence of the soul. Such logic, though, does not change
the clear statement of Acts 23 :8-9 which is supported by Josephus. No doubt the Sadducees
had some "rational" explanations which have been lost to modern scholarship.
43. It is not stated in Scripture whether all the fallen angels joined Satan at the time of his
original rebellion, or whether others fell later. The "sons of God" of Genesis 6 were
either already fallen or fell and became demons (fallen angels) when lust entered their
hearts (Gen. 6:1).
42 GRACE JOURNAL

44. James M. Gray, Spiritism and the Fallen Angels (New York: Fleming H. Revell Co.,
1920), p. 60. Gray also states that this view is suggested in the Clementine Homilies,
Hom. IX.
45. Unger, p. 48-49.
46. Ibid., p. 55.
47. John J. Owen, "Demonology of the New Testament," Bib Ii 0 the c a Sacra and Biblical
Repository, XVI, January, 1859, 133-135.
48. A. A. Hodge, Outlines of Theology (New York: A. C. Armstrong & Sons, 1891), p. 255.
49. Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.,
n. d.), I, 643.
50. Augustus H. Strong, Systematic Theology (Philadelphia: The Judson Press, 1907), p. 455.
51. Richard R. DeRidder, "The Demons: Confederates 0 f Satan," Torch and Trumpet, 1
November, 1967, p. 11.
52. Richard Whately, Good and Evil Angels (Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston, 1856), p. 57.
53. Arno C. Gaebelein, The Gospel of Matthew (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1961), p. 246.
54. L. T. Townsend, Satan and Demons (Cincinnati: Jennings and Pye, 1902), p. 24.
55. Lewis Sperry Chafer, Satan (Chicago: Moody Press, 1942), p. 63.
56. Ibid.
57. Lockyer, p. 14.
58. Unger, pp. 32, 33.
59. Albert Barnes, Barnes' Notes on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, ;
1966), p. 476.
60. For cases of modern day demon posses~ion see, Demon Experiences in Many Lands I
(Chicago: Moody Press, 1960). See also the examples (only) in Kurt E. Koch, Christian
Counseling and Occultism (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1965).
61. Charles C. Ryrie, Bible Doctrine II, A Study-Graph (Chicago: Moody Press, 1965).
62. Godet, however, thought that the words "legion" (Lk. 8:30) and "seven demons" (Lk.
8:2) were "symbolical expressions for a desperate state resulting from one or more
lapses " . • . after exorcism. Frederick Louis Godet, Commentary on the Gospel of
Luke (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, n. d.), p. 66.
63. McClain, p. 3.
64. Sweet, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, II, 828.
65. Alfred Plummer, An Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel According to S. Matthew ,
(London: Robert Scott Roxburgle House, 1928), p. 185.
66. Homer A. Kent, Jr., "Matthew," The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, eds. Charles F.
Pfeiffer and Everett F. Harrison (Chicago: Moody Press, 1962), p. 951.
67. John Peter Lange, "The Gospel According to Matthew," Lange's Commentary on the !
Holy Scriptures, trans. and ed. Philip Schaff (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing !
House, 1960), p. 226.
68. Unger, pp. 78, 95-96.
69. L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.,
1962), p. 149. See also E. A. Stockman, Foot-prints of Angels in Fields of Revelation :
(Boston: Advent Christian Publication Society, 1890), p. 9. Stockman says that these l
angels who are "reserved in chains," "constantly assault us" with undiminished strength!