The New Testament records several instances of demonic possession. Men and women were afflicted in their minds, bodies, and speech by evil spirits (Mark 5:1–13; Matt. 12:22; Luke 4:41). Jesus and His apostles cast out these demons, demonstrating the superiority of God’s power over Satan’s and confirming the divine origin of their message (Mark 16:17–20).

It is important to understand why possession was permitted in that age. Demon possession was not an accident or a random spiritual invasion. God allowed it temporarily so that the coming of Christ’s kingdom and the authority of His word would be unmistakable. By witnessing demons cast out, the people could clearly see that Christ was the One stronger than Satan.

However, the Scriptures also teach that miraculous gifts—including the power to cast out demons—were given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands (Acts 8:17–18). When the apostles died, and those upon whom they laid hands also passed away, those gifts ceased (1 Cor. 13:8–10; Heb. 2:3–4). With the end of miraculous gifts came the end of miraculous demon possession as seen in the first century.

This does not mean Satan is inactive today. The Bible says he “prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). But his method is now through temptation, deception, false teaching, pride, and worldliness—not through bodily possession. The battle today is moral and spiritual, not physical.

Christians are not helpless. Those who belong to Christ have the protection of God:

“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4

Through faith, prayer, the word of God, and a life grounded in obedience, the devil cannot take control of the Christian’s soul.

Demons no longer possess people today. It was permitted for a time to demonstrate the supremacy of Christ’s authority. Now, the gospel is God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16), and the obedient child of God may live with confidence under the watchful care of the Great Shepherd.