This is a complex theological question that requires a nuanced understanding of spiritual authority according to the Bible. At a basic level, believers do have authority over evil spiritual forces through their faith in Jesus Christ and the power of His name. However, there are also limitations to that authority that must be recognized.
First, it is clear in Scripture that Jesus Christ has supreme authority over Satan and demons. Passages like Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 1:20-23, Colossians 2:15, and 1 Peter 3:22 all speak of Christ’s sovereignty over heavenly and earthly powers. His victory on the cross defeated Satan and broke his power over humanity (Hebrews 2:14-15). Now seated at the right hand of God, Jesus reigns until all enemies are put under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25).
Second, this same authority has been delegated in part to believers in Christ. Luke 10:17-19 records Jesus giving authority over demons to His disciples. The book of Acts frequently shows the early church exercising power over demonic spirits through faith in Christ’s name (Acts 5:16, 8:7, 16:18, 19:11-17). Paul teaches that we wrestle against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), implying authority to resist the devil (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). Authority over serpents is also promised to believers (Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:19).
However, there are clear limitations set on the believer’s authority over Satan:
- Our authority is delegated from Christ and dependent on abiding in Him (John 15:1-8). We have no authority in ourselves.
- We cannot directly engage Satan but can only resist him through Christ’s provision (Ephesians 6:10-18; James 4:7).
- Nowhere does Scripture teach we can “command” Satan or demons. Only God has intrinsic authority over them.
- Our authority is primarily over the influence of evil spirits in this world, not over the spirits themselves (Matthew 10:1; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1).
- Satan still operates in rebellion against God under temporary permission (Job 1-2; Luke 22:31; 2 Corinthians 12:7).
In conclusion, believers do have delegated authority from Christ over spiritual forces of wickedness, including power to resist demonic influence and acts. But only God has intrinsic sovereignty over Satan himself. We must rely on Christ’s authority rather than presume an authority of our own over evil spirits. And Scripture nowhere teaches we can “command” or control Satan directly, only that we can resist him through Christ.
The book of Jude gives a sobering example of those who presume an authority not delegated to them: “In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’ Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them” (Jude verses 8-10).
Michael the archangel did not act on his own authority against Satan, but deferred to the Lord’s rebuke. This shows the wise limitation believers should recognize in their spiritual authority – it comes from Christ alone, not themselves. We have victory in Jesus’ name, but ultimate judgment over evil is reserved for God Himself (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30).
In claiming authority over “celestial beings” and “whatever they do not understand,” the false teachers of Jude’s day overstepped their bounds. This is a warning to believers not to presume an intrinsic authority over Satan that Scripture does not warrant. Our spiritual authority is real but delegated, dependent, and limited.
Some key Scripture passages to understand on this topic include:
- Luke 10:17-20 – Authority over demons given to disciples.
- Acts 19:13-17 – Seven sons of Sceva attempt to cast out spirits by Jesus’ name without true faith.
- Romans 16:20 – Promise that Satan will be crushed under the church’s feet.
- Ephesians 6:10-18 – We wrestle against powers of darkness by God’s armor.
- Colossians 2:15 – Christ disarmed and triumphed over demonic powers.
- James 4:7 – Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
- 1 Peter 5:8-9 – Resist the devil by faith.
- Jude 8-10 – Do not revile celestial beings or operate outside delegated authority.
- Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10 – Satan bound and later thrown into the lake of fire.
In summary, believers have real but limited authority from Christ over demonic influence, not intrinsic control over Satan himself. Our primary weapons are faith in Jesus’ name, the Word of God, prayer, and the Holy Spirit’s power – not rebuking or commanding evil spirits directly. Wise caution, humility, and reliance on God’s authority is needed in facing the powers of darkness.
The Bible makes it clear that Jesus alone has absolute victory and authority over Satan. By abiding in Christ, believers can walk in delegated authority to overcome spiritual attacks and demonic schemes – but never with an attitude of presumption or pride. Our authority is genuine but derived, not our own. We must handle it wisely, through faith, fully dependent on Jesus’ power and victory on the cross over all the powers of evil.