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Demonology of the Early Church
During the first two centuries after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and before the canonization of the Holy Bible as it is known today, the apostolic fathers made known their beliefs on the Christian doctrine of demons and their origins. The letters of these men are some of the very earliest accounts we have concerning the beliefs of early Christians about demons, the characteristics, of demons, and their origins. Some of these men were pupils of the very disciples of Jesus, such as Ignatius, and are near direct messengers concerning the teachings of Christ about the nature of the Enemy.
This list contains information on the origin, physical traits, abilities, and social order of demons with sourced material for your personal study.
Origin of Demons
Demons are the offspring of fallen angels and human women. They were the giants mentioned in the Book of Genesis whose fleshly bodies were killed in the great flood during the time of Noah. They now exist in spirit form, as they also had spirits. [2] [6] [7] [62]
Traits of Demons
Composed of a spirit-like structure similar to air, fire or a reflection of matter [7] [8] Incorporeal spirits with no physical body or form [6] Shape-shifters [6] [9] Ability to take on a visual appearance [1] [9] [38] [42] Capable of eating [61] Mortal, but not like flesh [10] [11] Can reproduce with the aid of humans [2] Dwell on/in the earth and in the air [13] Communicate via telepathy or by impressing thoughts [19] Rational and intelligent beings [21] Have freewill and can choose to do good or evil [21] [30] They are fallible entities with limited knowledge [22] Require certain offerings and sacrifices for survival (incense and liquid offerings such as blood and wine) [32] [49] Direct enemies of God and Christians [26] [28] [36] They are imitators and impersonators (especially of God, prophecy, and Christians) [33] [35] [37] [53]
Other Characteristics
There is a large number of demons found in all areas on the Earth [5] Demons have given names, and they also assume aliases [3] [4] Prone to lying and story-telling [16] [27] Also known as “familiar spirits” [12] Have a deceptive nature [23] Have a wicked and disrespectful nature [24] Demons have unnatural passions [31] Known to cause confusion [29] [35] Prone to accusations [29] They created the doctrine of fate (Astrology) [45] Make false prophecies by making educated guesses [34] [57] They taught humans magical arts and aid them in magical operations [44] [48] [49] [51] [53] Prone to defile, corrupt, and terrorize [46] [49]
Christian Demonology Poll
Abilities of Demons
Able to cloak themselves and appear or disappear at will [9] Can appear as ghosts of the deceased via any sensory perception [1] [9] Ability to perform magic [15] [47] [56] Able to lie [16] Capable of performing acts similar to those they were created to perform [14] Ability to speak through humans and animals [17] Able to occupy bodies and objects, and to control them [50] [54] Capable of being evicted from bodies and objects which they occupy [41] Can appear in dreams, cause dreams, and communicate in dreams [18] Can communicate through magical tools and items [20] Able to enslave and abuse humans [40] [47] [54] Capable of teaching [49] [51] Can cause immorality, injustice, and even criminal and violent behavior [25] [39] [40] [46] [47] Able to influence people, officials, and whole nations or peoples [39] [44] [47] [52] Ability to cause disease including mental disease [54] [55] Can create their own laws and rules which they require humans to follow [58]
Social Order of Demons
Both heavenly spirits (angels) and earthly spirits (demons) hold various offices and rank. No specific rank of authority is given, but Clement of Alexandria does mention that there are at least three orders besides the offices listed by Irenaeus. Authority seems to be divided up by order of creation, nature, and geographic location. Below is a list of those offices: [3] [14] [43] [59]
Angels
Archangels
Thrones
Dominions
Powers
Virtues
Principalities
In addition, all fallen angels and demons are subject to the authority of Satan, who is the ruler over them. Demons, who are the offspring of angels and women, appear to be subordinates of the fallen angels. Both fallen angels and demons are subject to the authority of Christ. [3] [38] [41] [59] [60]
Notice
You may freely disseminate this article or the information given herein provided that you link to it and give proper attribution for the research that has gone into this material. You are encouraged to read the sourced material for a more in-depth study.
Sources
First Apology of Justin Martyr, Chapter V; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 1, Pgs. 249-250; Address of Tatian to the Greeks, Chapter XVI; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 2, Pg. 111
Athenagorus, A Plea for the Christians, Chapter XXV; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 2, Pg. 225; Athenagorus, A Plea for the Christians, Chapter XXIV; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 2, Pg. 224; Irenæus, Against Heresies Book IV, Chapter XXXVI; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 1, Pgs. 865-866; Irenæus, Against Heresies Book IV, Chapter XVI; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 1, Pg. 803; Second Apology of Justin Martyr, Chapter V; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 1, Pg. 298
Second Apology of Justin Martyr, Chapter V; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 1, Pg. 298; Athenagorus, A Plea for the Christians, Chapter XXV; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 2, Pg. 225
First Apology of Justin Martyr, Chapter V; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 1, Pgs. 249-250; First Apology of Justin Martyr, Chapter IX; Roberts & Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 1, Pg. 251
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First Apology of Justin Martyr, Chapter XXIII;…