Satan is depicted as the prince of this world, having power over demons and over godless people. He is, however, subject to God's sovereignty and therefore his power is limited and his rule temporary.
Satan's power
He has power in the world
1 John 5:19 See also John 7:7, John 8:44, John 14:17, John 15:18–19, John 16:20, John 17:14; Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; Colossians 1:13; 1 John 2:15–16, 1 John 4:4–5; Revelation 13:12
We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.
He claims power over this world
Matthew 4:8–9 parallel Luke 4:6
He is called the prince'' or thegod'' of this world
John 12:31 John 14:30, John 16:11; 2 Corinthians 4:4
Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.
He is responsible for some illnesses
Luke 13:16 See also Job 2:7; Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul's “thorn in the flesh” may or may not have been a physical illness.
Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?”
He is responsible for death
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,
Satan's kingdom
He has a kingdom
Matthew 12:26 parallel Luke 11:18Colossians 1:13 See also Acts 26:18; Ephesians 2:2
If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
He has a throne
I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits, yet you hold fast to My name. You did not deny your faith in Me, even in the days of My faithful witness Antipas, who was killed among you where Satan dwells.
He is the prince of demons
Matthew 9:34 The name Beelzebub is used elsewhere to name the prince of the demons. This name was used also to identify Satan. See also Matthew 12:24 parallels Mark 3:22, Luke 11:15
But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that He drives out demons.”
Satan's authority is limited
He cannot do more than God allows
Job 1:12 See also Job 2:6; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Revelation 12:12, Revelation 20:3
“Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
His rule is temporary
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.