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In the New Testament there is reference to the enemy of Christ who is called Satan or the Devil, and also referred to as Beelzebul (Mark 3:22) and the Evil One (John 17:15). Jesus was tempted by Satan (Mark 1:13), was accused of having been given power by Beelzebul (Mark 3:22-26), and exorcized demons over which Satan ruled (Mark 3:26). Jesus prayed that his disciples would be kept safe from the Evil One (John 17:15). Satan entered into Judas as he accepted the bread from Jesus (John 13:27).
Satan or the Devil is
understood traditionally by Christians as a malignant spirital being, in
opposition to God. Satan's influence is revealed in temptations, or in the
activity of other evil beings or demons.
In his ministry, Jesus
confronts and destroys the power of Satan (John 12:31), signaling the final and
total destruction of the evil enemy on the Last Day (1 Corinthians
15:24-28). The followers of Jesus continue to battle against the
Devil and must be on their guard for his attacks (1
Peter 5:8).
In Mark's gospel, the
significance of the exorcisms described is that they show the power of Jesus
Christ over the Devil. Christ brings liberation to those who have been enslaved
and tormented by the Devil and his demons.
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