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NASB | Mark 5:15 They *came to Jesus and *observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the "legion"; and they became frightened. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Mark 5:15 They came to Jesus and saw the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the man who had [previously] had the "legion" [of demons]; and they were frightened. |
Subject: Personality disorder or demon possesion? |
Bible Note: That's a first Doc, but glad I can help. I know you like to do the work yourself so I'll just point you in the right direction. Acts 10:38 (KJV) 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. “Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw.” (Matt 12:22-23, ESV) “As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him.” (Matt 9:32, ESV “And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon." (Matt 15:22, ESV) Etc… etc… etc… “It is probably a good idea to make a distinction between demon possession and demon activity or influence, though it may be little more than an academic distinction. If there is a distinction, then in demon possession the base of the demon’s operations is within the person possessed, while demon influence is from outside the person’s being. However, the symptoms or characteristics may very well be the same whether the demon is operating from within or without. Yet if you ask whether a Christian can be demon possessed, seemingly the answer should be no, simply because the indwelling of the Holy Spirit would seem to forbid a rival power like a demon from also possessing him at the same time. But if you ask whether a Christian can be affected seriously by a demon, the answer is certainly yes; the effect of such demon activity may be the same as characterizes demon possession. As stated, sometimes physical disease is the result of demon possession or activity (Mt 9:32–33), and sometimes mental derangement is due to demons (Mt 17:15), but not always (see Dan 4). ” (A Survey of Bible Doctrine, Charles C. Ryrie) That sums it up in a nut shell, however, much more can and has been said on the subject. The Scriptures give clear statements that people can be literally possessed by demons and I would agree that it seems impossible that believers would be possessed based on the truth that we are indwelled of the Holy Spirit. Paul was certainly oppressed, for example… 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NKJV) 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Hope this helps, Jeff |