Powers of DarknessPrincipalities & Powers in Paul's Letters
By Clinton E. Arnold
The last two decades have witnessed a vast upsurge in occult activity. Scores of popular books have warned Christians of the dangers and urged them to do battle against these spiritual forces. Few books, however, have developed a careful biblical theology on demons, principalities and powers.
Clinton Arnold seeks to fill this gap, providing an in-depth look at Paul's letters and what they teach on the subject. For perspective, he examines first-century Greek, Roman and Jewish beliefs as well as Jesus' teaching about magic, sorcery and divination. Arguing against many recent interpretations that have seen principalities and powers as impersonal social, economic and political structures, Arnold contends that the New Testament view is that such forces are organized, personal beings which Jesus defeated at the cross and will bring into full subjection at his return.
In his concluding section Arnold suggests practical ways in which Christians today can contend with the forces of evil.
Features & Benefits
includes subject index, author index, and an index of biblical references
includes bibliography looks at Paul's letters and what they say about the issue
looks also at Jesus' teachings discusses past and present beliefs offers practical help for dealing with such things today
Table of Contents
AbbreviationsPrefaceIntroduction
includes subject index, author index, and an index of biblical references
includes bibliography looks at Paul's letters and what they say about the issue
looks also at Jesus' teachings discusses past and present beliefs offers practical help for dealing with such things today
Table of Contents
AbbreviationsPrefaceIntroduction
Part I: First-Century Belief in the Powers
1. Magic and Divination
2. Greco-Roman and Oriental Religions
3. Astrology
4. Judaism
5. The Teaching of JesusPart
II: Paul's Teaching on the Powers
6. What Are the Powers?
7. The Defeat of the Powers at the Cross
8. A New Kingdom and Identity for Believers
9. The Influence of the Powers on Believers
10. Christ and No Other
11. Spiritual Warfare
12. Christ's Final Defeat of the Powers
Part III: Interpreting the Powers for Today
13. Reality or Myth?
14. The Powers and People
15. The Powers and Society
Conclusion: Contending with the Powers
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Author Index
Index of Biblical Passages
Subject Index
