What are Demons? Who are Demons?
DEMONS
Although the Greek daimonia is generally translated “devils†in the KJV, “demons†is correct. There is only one devil (Gk. Diabolos), i.e. Satan.
To the reality and personality of demons the N.T. Scriptures bear abundant testimony. As to their origin, nothing is clearly revealed, but they are not to be confounded with the angels mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6. Summary: (1) Demons are spirits (Mt. 12:43, 45), Satan’s emissaries (Mt. 12:26-27), and so numerous as to make Satanâ€s power practically ubiquitous (Mk. 5:9).
(2) They are capable of entering and controlling both men and beasts (Mk. 5:2-5, 11-13), and earnestly seek embodiment, without which apparently, they are powerless for evil (Mt. 12:43-44; Mk. 5:10-12).
(3) Demon influence and demon possession are discriminated in the N.T. Instances of the later are Mt. 4:24; 8:16, 28, 33; 9:32; 12:22; Mk 1:32; 5:15-16, 18: Lk. 8:36; Acts 8:7; 16;16.
(4) Demons are unclean, sullen, violent and malicious (Mt. 8:28; 9:33; 10:1; 12:43; Mk. 1:23; 5:3-5; 9:17,20; Lk. 6:18; 9:39).
(5) They know Jesus Christ as Most High God and recognize His supreme authority (Mt. 8:31-32; Mr. 1:23-24; Acts 19:15; Jas. 2:19).
(6) They know their eternal fate to be one of torment (Mt. 8:29; Lk. 8:31).
(7) They inflict physical maladies (Mt. 12:22; 17:15-18; Lk. 13:16). However, mental disease is to be distinguished from the disorder of mind due to demoniacal control.
(8) Demon influence may manifest itself in religious asceticism (1 Tim. 4:1-3), degenerating into uncleanness.
(9) The sign of demon influence in religion is departure from the faith, i.e. the body of revealed truth in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 4:1).
(10) The demons maintain a conflict with Christians who would be spiritual (Eph. 6:12; 1 Tim. 4:1-3). The Christian’s resources are prayer and bodily control (Mt. 17:21), “the whole armor of God: (Eph. 6:13-18).
(11) all unbelievers are open to demon possession (Eph. 2:2).
(12) Exorcism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 16:18) was practiced for demon possession. And emergence of demons out of the abyss (Rev. 9:1-11,20.
