(See DEVIL; DIVINATION.) Practiced with spells, as the name of Solomon, magic charms, and incantations among the Jews. Acts 19:13-16; the profane use of Jesus' name as a mere spell was punished by the demon turning on the would be exorcists; these "vagabond Jews" were pretenders. But our Lord implies that some Jews actually cast out demons (Matthew 12:27), probably by demoniacal help; others in the name of Jesus, without saving faith in Him (Matthew 7:22; Mark 9:38). He gave the power to the twelve, the seventy, and to other disciples after His ascension (Matthew 10:8; Luke 10:17-19; Mark 16:17; Acts 16:18). The term "exorcise" is never up. plied in Scripture to the Christian casting out of demons. In the end of the 3rd century "exorcists" were made an order in the Christian church, much to the fostering of superstition, especially in connection with baptism.
From the co-author of the classic Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, Fausset's Bible Dictionary stands as one of the best single-volume Bible encyclopedias ever written for general use. The author's writing style is always clear and concise, and he tackles issues important to the average student of the Bible, not just the Biblical scholars. This makes Fausset an excellent tool for both everyday Bible study and in-depth lesson or sermon preparation.Wikipedia
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