Dictionaries :: Exorcist

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Exorcist:

(Act 19:13). "In that sceptical and therefore superstitious age professional exorcist abounded. Many of these professional exorcists were disreputable Jews, like Simon in Samaria and Elymas in Cyprus (8:9; 13:6)." Other references to exorcism as practised by the Jews are found in Mat 12:27; Mar 9:38; Luke 9:49, 50. It would seem that it was an opinion among the Jews that miracles might be wrought by invoking the divine name. Thus also these "vagabond Jews" pretended that they could expel daemons.

The power of casting out devils was conferred by Christ on his apostles (Mat 10:8), and on the seventy (Luk 10:17-19), and was exercised by believers after his ascension (Mar 16:17; Act 16:18); but this power was never spoken of as exorcism.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Exorcist:

denotes

(a) "one who administers an oath;"

(b) "an exorcist" (akin to exorkizo, "to adjure," from orkos, "an oath"), "one who employs a formula of conjuration for the expulsion of demons," Act 19:13. The practice of "exorcism" was carried on by strolling Jews, who used their power in the recitation of particular names.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Exorcist:

one who pretends to expel evil spirits by conjuration, prayers and ceremonies. Exorcism was frequently practiced among the Jews (Matthew 12:27; Acts 19:13). David, by playing skillfully on a harp, procured the temporary departure of the evil spirit which troubled Saul (1 Samuel 16:23). The power of casting out devils was bestowed by Christ while on earth upon the apostles (Matthew 10:8) and the seventy disciples (Luke 10:17-19) and was, according to his promise (Mark 16:17) exercised by believers after his ascension (Acts 16:18).