February 20, 2026
Series
A Biblical Demonology
This series builds a Bible-based framework for understanding demons by starting with how ancient people used the word and how Scripture engages that worldview. It cautions against both re-labeling demon language with modern clinical terms and adopting popular “spiritual warfare” readings, and instead treats the language as describing what witnesses perceived within an idolatrous culture. Using Paul’s preaching in Athens alongside Deuteronomy 32, the author argues that “demons” in the biblical world were the small gods of paganism, tied to superstition and idol worship. From there it applies the same lens to Old Testament background and the gospel records, explaining how the Bible addresses demon language while maintaining the consistent scriptural teaching of God’s sole sovereignty.
Part 1
While we might like to read “demon-possessed man” as “man with schizophrenia,” that’s not what the term means.
Part 2
In last month's article, we began considering Paul’s speech in Athens as it relates to what the Bible teaches us about demons.
Part 3
Last month, we looked at the initial reaction of the Athenians to Paul’s preaching. They thought, by teaching about Jesus and the resurrection, that Paul was talking about some new gods—or demons—that they had never heard of before. Paul will take advantage of the situation using Greek rhetoric to get his point across.
Part 4
Paul will take advantage of the situation using Greek rhetoric to get his point across.
Part 5
"...the demons of the ancient Near East were the small gods of paganism. But what does this tell us about the gospel records where Jesus cast out demons? Was he really casting out small pagan gods?"