In the Name of Jesus: Exorcism among Early Christians
Overview
Although the Synoptic Gospels treat exorcism as a significant aspect of Jesus’ ministry, other parts of the New Testament (e.g., John and Paul) say little to nothing about exorcism. Which is more reflective of early Christian belief and practice? The answer to that question has relevance both for biblical scholars and for the contemporary church.
Graham Twelftree explores this debated issue by examining exorcism in the New Testament world before embarking on a chronological study of all relevant New Testament passages. He supplements his New Testament exploration with an analysis of how second-century Christians and critics viewed exorcism. This comprehensive study yields a nuanced view of the early Christian church and its view of Jesus as a model for ministry.
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- Discusses the history of exorcism, especially in relation to early Christians
- Includes thoughts on the contemporary corollaries of exorcism
- Examines the thoughts of early writers and Christian thinkers
- Jesus and the Problem of Exorcism
- The First Century
- The Second Century
- Exorcism among Early Christians
Top Highlights
“Why do we hear nothing whatsoever from the canonical Johannine literature about exorcism or Jesus being an exorcist?” (Page 28)
“the exorcisms in particular loom large as one of the most obvious and important aspects of his ministry” (Page 46)
“In conclusion, here in Luke 9 the story of the unknown exorcist (who is condoned) has to do with different exorcists within the Christian community, and the Acts 19 story of the sons of Sceva (who are condemned) has to do with the problem of non-Christians or those not empowered by God or the Spirit attempting Christian exorcism (see also Luke 11:23159).” (Page 153)
“The importance of this point is not to be lost: just as Jesus’ ministry is arguably miracle based,41 so also was Paul’s.” (Page 66)
“that it was not until well into the second century that Christian writers express an interest in exorcism” (Page 288)
Graham Twelftree has proved himself, by several top-level monographs, as the expert of the day in his cautious, meticulously detailed examination of Jesus as an exorcist and miracle worker. He now judiciously extends the examination to the early church’s view and practice of exorcism from Paul through to the Greek Apostolic Fathers. There is no better, nor even comparable, treatment. This will dominate a generation of study.
—Max Turner, professor emeritus of New Testament, London School of Theology
Contemporary accounts of exorcisms abound but there has been very little written on the practice from a rigorous biblical and historical perspective until now. In the Name of Jesus fills this gap and provides the reader with numerous helpful insights into the text of Scripture and into the practice of the church in the second century. This book is exceptionally well researched and will prove to be an indispensable source for biblical scholars as well as anyone interested in the theme of spiritual warfare. I cannot think of anyone better suited to write this volume than Dr. Twelftree.
—Clinton E. Arnold, professor of New Testament language and literature, Talbot School of Theology
For over two decades Graham Twelftree has closely studied the question of exorcism. This stimulating and graciously provocative work is essential reading for anyone working in the field.
—Rikk Watts, professor of New Testament, Regent College
This excellent study . . . helps to anchor the Christian phenomenon of exorcism within the wider cultural milieu of the first and second centuries.
—Expository Times
A meticulously detailed exegetical study on exorcism in the early church. . . . The major strength of the book is the inclusion of literature from the second century, whereby Twelftree is able to demonstrate that the function of Jesus in early Christianity was much more varied than we might conclude from the New Testament. I was also impressed at the breadth, depth, and rigor of Twelftree’s research. . . . Twelftree’s case for the place and practice of exorcism among early Christians is convincing overall and a must-read for anyone interested in the subject. . . . It is undoubtedly the best academic work on the subject. I highly recommend this book to those who wish to delve deeper into the issue of exorcism to understand its nature and place in the church—then and now.
—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
The historical treatment is precisely what makes this book a rich and helpful contribution. No one else has covered the same territory to the depth that Twelftree does in this volume. . . . We are greatly indebted to Twelftree for his careful historical work on this important and neglected topic. . . . This volume needs to be read not only by biblical scholars, but those involved in the ministry of the church.
—Evangelical Quarterly
Scholars will be indebted to Twelftree for his career-long interest in, research on, and publications about this topic. His meticulous studies include revisions of previously published opinions and thereby provide up-to-date, rich overviews of possession, exorcism, and related topics.
—Catholic Biblical Quarterly
- Title: In the Name of Jesus: Exorcism among Early Christians
- Author: Graham H. Twelftree
- Publisher: Baker Academic
- Publication Date: 2007
- Pages: 352