Powers of Darkness

Powers of Darkness
Principalities & 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

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