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Author's Bias | Interpretation: conservative | Inclination: dispensational | Seminary: none
1. What are the names and titles of fallen angels? What do you observe between the accounts in the Old
Testament verses the New Testament? Examine 1 Samuel 16:15-16, 23;
1 Kings 22:21-23;
Matthew 10:1; 12:43;
Mark 1:23-26, Luke 7:21,
8:2; Acts 19:12-13;
Romans 8:38-39;
1 Corinthians 15:24; and
Colossians 2:8-15.
In the Old Testament, demons are associated with God in a manner that emphasizes the
sovereignty of God. In contrast, the New Testament portrays demons with much more personality. Consequently
much of what we know about fallen angels and the doctrine of demons comes from the New Testament.
Some scholars speculate that the high frequency of demonic references in the Gospels
represent the fierce spiritual conflict against Christ in His mission to fulfill His Father’s will especially
after Satan's failure to tempt Christ in the wilderness.
2. How is the term "principalities" defined? How is it associated with demons? Study
Titus 3:1, Romans 8:38,
Ephesians 6:12-13, Colossians 2:15,
Ephesians 3:9-11, and
Colossians 1:16.
The term "principalities" refers to "powerful ruler or the rule of someone in authority."
The term, used in the Bible, can refer to:
a) Human rulers (Titus 3:1)
b) Fallen angels (Rom 8:38,
Eph 6:12 and Col 2:15)
c) Both unfallen and fallen angels (Eph 3:10,
Col 1:16)
The term "principalities" refers largely to any type of rule other than God. In a similar
sense, this concept also applies to the terms "thrones, dominions, and powers."
3. How did demons originate? Read Revelation 12:7-10.
The Bible does not say specifically how angels became fallen angels. But this doctrine
is based on Revelation 12:7-10 where a conflict occurred
in heaven, and the dragon and his angels lost and were displaced from heaven. Whether the dragon is literal
or symbolic, verse 9 identifies clearly that it is Satan, and it is the same Satan, that "serpent of old",
who tempted Adam and Eve. Hence, Satan and his followers were removed and no longer had an abode in heaven.
The Bible is clear that demons really do exist.
1. Every single New Testament author writes of fallen angels.
2. Jesus taught and spoke of demons. He spoke to demons. And He cast out demons.
3. The disciples recognized and affirmed the existence of demons.
References:
1. Youngblood RF, Kaiser WC, Harrison RK, eds., Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Nashville, Tn: Thomas Nelson Publishers (1995).
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