Why were there so many instances of demon possession in Judea around the time of Jesus?

[tonychanyt]

Why were there so few instances of demon possession in the OT?

Demon oppression is a demon influencing a human mind (soul) and body. King Saul was oppressed.

Demon possession is a demon occupying a human's spirit. I don't think there were any such cases in the OT because a demon couldn't get into a human's spirit at that time.

Why were there so many instances of demon possession in Judea around the time of Jesus?

Some Pharisees engaged in exorcism (Matt 12:27). Josephus described how a Jewish exorcist expelled a demon in the presence of Vespasian.

Spiritual warfare intensified at the coming of the Messiah. It was a pivotal moment in the history of the universe. Around that time, the human spirit was loosening up to receive the Holy Spirit or evil spirits. Demons took this opening-up opportunity to possess people. God used this opportunity to demonstrate the power of Jesus in delivering them from demon possessions. Jesus triumphed over demons and Satan. Today, we can read about it in the gospels.

What about today?

Today, we have a better understanding of mental illnesses. People do not so readily believe in demon possession. Doctors can prescribe medications. Still, there are cases of demonic oppression and possession. They are now more subtle and not as overt as the displays in the NT.

In the OT, demons could not possess people's spirit/volition. At the time of Jesus, demon possession was particularly rampant because of the spiritual warfare between the Messiah and Satan on earth. Now, overt demon possessions happen more frequently in less developed regions. In the future, it may become rampant again (Rev. 18:2).

 

[HTacianas]

Why were there so few instances of demon possession in the OT?

Demon oppression is a demon influencing a human mind (soul) and body. King Saul was oppressed.

Demon possession is a demon occupying a human's spirit. I don't think there were any such cases in the OT because a demon couldn't get into a human's spirit at that time.

Why were there so many instances of demon possession in Judea around the time of Jesus?

Spiritual warfare intensified at the coming of the Messiah. It was a pivotal moment in the history of the universe. Around that time, the human spirit was loosening up to receive the Holy Spirit or evil spirits. Demons took this opening-up opportunity to possess people. God used this opportunity to demonstrate the power of Jesus in delivering them from demon possessions. Jesus triumphed over demons and Satan. Today, we can read about it in the gospels.

Josephus described how a Jewish exorcist expelled a demon in the presence of Vespasian.

What about today?

Today, we have a better understanding of mental illnesses. People do not so readily believe in demon possession. Doctors can prescribe medications. Still, there are demon oppressions and possessions, particularly in the less advanced regions of the world.

In the OT, demons could not possess people's spirit/volition. At the time of Jesus, demon possession was particularly rampant because of the spiritual warfare between the Messiah and Satan on earth. Now, demon possessions happen more frequently in less developed regions.

Rev 18:2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!

 

[Grafted In]

And they were having a terrific time while Jesus was being crucified, I'm guessing.

Tony, in your opinion, can a truly saved person, without having lost their salvation, become what the world refers to as a covert narcissist?
Or, is narcissism just demonic attack on that person?

 

[RoBo1988]

I doubt there's any less today, we just have names for the possessions, by "professionals".

 

[d taylor]

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​

Demon possession at the time of Jesus, was used by Jesus so He could prove to the nation of Israel. That He, Jesus is The promised Messiah that Israel was looking for. He, Jesus healed demon possessed people that only The Messiah was prophesied to be able to heal.

Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”


But instead of saying this Jesus is The promised Messiah, they accused Jesus of doing His miracles of healing by the prince of demons beelzebub.

 

[tonychanyt]

Tony, in your opinion, can a truly saved person, without having lost their salvation, become what the world refers to as a covert narcissist?

I think so. However, if he stays as a covert narcissist for years, he will be in danger of losing his salvation.

Or, is narcissism just demonic attack on that person?

Yes, it could be this too.

To avoid both scenarios, see How to grow in faith

 

[awstar]

Why were there so few instances of demon possession in the OT?

Demon oppression is a demon influencing a human mind (soul) and body. King Saul was oppressed.

Demon possession is a demon occupying a human's spirit. I don't think there were any such cases in the OT because a demon couldn't get into a human's spirit at that time.

Why were there so many instances of demon possession in Judea around the time of Jesus?

Here's my guess: Old Testament Israel was cleansed of demons when given the law to follow and practice, but years later demons return with a vengence into Israel who has no restrainer (Holy Spirit) to fend them off.

Luke 11:24-26
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

 

[NBB]

'in less advanced parts of the world there is more demon possession'

I think is reverse, the more 'culture' there is, the more demons, the thing about them, is that they are sneaky, and don't like to be discovered.
Also medicine has no clue we have a soul, and can have spiritual problems, i would say most 'mental illnesses' are spiritual problems.

 

[Aaron112]

the more 'culture' there is, the more demons, the thing about them, is that they are sneaky, and don't like to be discovered.

Maybe right to reveal that the more people there are, the more demonic activity, worship, and service to the demonic/ idolatry/ wickednesses .....
As in the days of Noah, only eight people did not serve demons.
As in Revelation, "the rest of the world" REFUSED TO STOP (did not even think to repent) serving demons.....
That's more than most any sunday school or church or Bible teacher teaches, even though it is plainly in Scripture and in harmony with all of Yahweh's Plan, Purpose and Word.

 

[Grafted In]

I am the victim of a violent covert narcisist. This person appeared to behave experienced salvation many years ago but not claims to only care that they know they will go to be em with Jesus at death. No other interest in spiritual matters.
After many, many therapists, I finally found one who's specialty is narcicism, having successfully exited a 10y year relationship with a narcisist. Yet it took him nearly 6 months to recognize I was beeing deeply abused on every level of existance.
He made a deep, personal and honest apology for the fact that his profession had let me down for over 46 years.
That was 4vyears ago and since my abuser is recognizing that I am seeing behind the mask, that person has resorted to violent a busive behavior.
2 times a violent attempt to take my life was prevented due to my quick thinking and my abuser has shown no remorse for those actions.
If anyone thinks they can be of help to me I would be most grateful.
After salvation this person joined the same church as me and quickly took control of those they could and used them as weapons.
I began neglecting church because of this. My abuser has been running a smear campaign against me throughout our community and few believe me when I tell them my side of the story.
This person has just recently began legal action against me to get as much of my wealth as possible while there's still time. I'm 74 and my therapist, though extremely supportive, knows I am frozen in what the world refers to as a trauma bond. The gaslighted, lies and smear campaign have left me with no support from anyone in our small community and I feel trapped and unloved by am God.
Please help if you understand my plight. Until 4 years ago I could not find anyone in my church who knew why I asked the way I did., nor did I. As a result, no one was willing to reach
out to me because I was unanimously the bad one simply because that's what my abuser convinced everyone, when, in fact, I was living in a falsereality very cleverly created and nurtured for decades. Until 4vyears ago I was convinced that I was ThE problem.
Today, I'll accept 50 % if the the blame, but not 51.
If you are hearing and understanding me, please reach out.

 

[tonychanyt]

'in less advanced parts of the world there is more demon possession'

I think is reverse, the more 'culture' there is, the more demons, the thing about them, is that they are sneaky, and don't like to be discovered.
Also medicine has no clue we have a soul, and can have spiritual problems, i would say most 'mental illnesses' are spiritual problems.

Good point. I edited. Thanks.

 

[tonychanyt]

I am the victim of a violent covert narcisist.

Sorry to hear that. What was/is your relationship with this person?

 

[Grip Docility]

'in less advanced parts of the world there is more demon possession'

I think is reverse, the more 'culture' there is, the more demons, the thing about them, is that they are sneaky, and don't like to be discovered.
Also medicine has no clue we have a soul, and can have spiritual problems, i would say most 'mental illnesses' are spiritual problems.

I would go so far as to not only agree with you, but to suggest that the overall sickness within the minds of many has much to do with Demon doctrines and how their ripples carry outwards to impact even unbelievers.

 

[RoBo1988]

Also medicine has no clue we have a soul, and can have spiritual problems, i would say most 'mental illnesses' are spiritual problems.

This ^^^
I remember a Charles Stanley message where he referred to disease as "dis- ease" : when we are far from Ephesians 2:10 the good works He ordained for us, we can go to very bad places, in mind, body and soul.

 

[Grafted In]

I've been married to her for 55 years. It isn't easy or fun to admit that a man of 6' is a battered husband to a wife of just 5ft.
But I am. She has succeeded in making our oldest daughter hate me so much she wants nothing more to do with me ever again by twisting a situation in such a manner as to make herself look like the victim.
I go to see a therapist once a week. I am fully aware that I should get out.
But I realize that a trauma bond has me unable to begin to pack up55 years and move out. Yet, I know enough from what I've learned since discovering what I was dealing with 4 years ago.
Besides, any signs that narcisist sees as an attempt to leave can be deadly.
She has made two very real and violent attempts to murder me already.
As I already said, I'm 6ft tall and weighed well over 200 when I first realized she's a covert narcisist, and my weight is now below 140. That's stress from my mind struggling to get itself around the huge issue of narcisism.
We have 3 adult children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchidren.
Everyone in our family is paying a huge toll because of the situation. I want and need prayers and support, particularly from those acutely familiar with these animals.
I've hinted at problem in many ways on C F. But now I'm telling it like it is and asking for help.
Thank you for so graciously responding to me, Tony. God bless you..
Bill

 

[tonychanyt]

I've been married to her for 55 years.

Are you still married to her?

Have you two together talked to a professional Christian counselor?

By the way, you need to hit the reply button at the bottom of my post so that I can receive a notification of your reply.

 

[armchairscholar]

Why were there so few instances of demon possession in the OT?

Demon oppression is a demon influencing a human mind (soul) and body. King Saul was oppressed.

Demon possession is a demon occupying a human's spirit. I don't think there were any such cases in the OT because a demon couldn't get into a human's spirit at that time.

Why were there so many instances of demon possession in Judea around the time of Jesus?

Spiritual warfare intensified at the coming of the Messiah. It was a pivotal moment in the history of the universe. Around that time, the human spirit was loosening up to receive the Holy Spirit or evil spirits. Demons took this opening-up opportunity to possess people. God used this opportunity to demonstrate the power of Jesus in delivering them from demon possessions. Jesus triumphed over demons and Satan. Today, we can read about it in the gospels.

Josephus described how a Jewish exorcist expelled a demon in the presence of Vespasian.

What about today?

Today, we have a better understanding of mental illnesses. People do not so readily believe in demon possession. Doctors can prescribe medications. Still, there are cases of demon oppression and possession. They are not more subtle and not as overt as the displays in the NT.

In the OT, demons could not possess people's spirit/volition. At the time of Jesus, demon possession was particularly rampant because of the spiritual warfare between the Messiah and Satan on earth. Now, demon possessions happen more frequently in less developed regions.

What makes you think that Mental illness is anything other than demon posession? Just because we understand the physical processes going on better than we did before, doesn't mean there aren't malevolent wills beyond our comprehension that are attempting to influence us in different directions.

 

[tonychanyt]

What makes you think that Mental illness is anything other than demon posession?

You need to define demon possession before I can answer. You are not using my definition.

 

[Grip Docility]

I've been married to her for 55 years. It isn't easy or fun to admit that a man of 6' is a battered husband to a wife of just 5ft.
But I am. She has succeeded in making our oldest daughter hate me so much she wants nothing more to do with me ever again by twisting a situation in such a manner as to make herself look like the victim.
I go to see a therapist once a week. I am fully aware that I should get out.
But I realize that a trauma bond has me unable to begin to pack up55 years and move out. Yet, I know enough from what I've learned since discovering what I was dealing with 4 years ago.
Besides, any signs that narcisist sees as an attempt to leave can be deadly.
She has made two very real and violent attempts to murder me already.
As I already said, I'm 6ft tall and weighed well over 200 when I first realized she's a covert narcisist, and my weight is now below 140. That's stress from my mind struggling to get itself around the huge issue of narcisism.
We have 3 adult children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchidren.
Everyone in our family is paying a huge toll because of the situation. I want and need prayers and support, particularly from those acutely familiar with these animals.
I've hinted at problem in many ways on C F. But now I'm telling it like it is and asking for help.
Thank you for so graciously responding to me, Tony. God bless you..
Bill

13 years of experience, in a previous marriage, here. There was demonic behavior involved. I don't want to offer any discussion unless you welcome it. You are free to ask questions and you already are now in the prayers of my soul! This is a very painful situation! You have hung in there for more years than I can comprehend!

 

[Grafted In]

Are you still married to her?

Have you two together talked to a professional Christian counselor?

By the way, you need to hit the reply button at the bottom of my post so that I can receive a notification of your reply.