Reference: Exorcist
Easton
(Ac 19:13). "In that sceptical and therefore superstitious age professional exorcist abounded. Many of these professional exorcists were disreputable Jews, like Simon in Samaria and Elymas in Cyprus (Ac 8:9; 13:6)." Other references to exorcism as practised by the Jews are found in Mt 12:27; Mr 9:38; Lu 9:49-50. It would seem that it was an opinion among the Jews that miracles might be wrought by invoking the divine name. Thus also these "vagabond Jews" pretended that they could expel daemons.
The power of casting out devils was conferred by Christ on his apostles (Mt 10:8), and on the seventy (Lu 10:17-19), and was exercised by believers after his ascension (Mr 16:17; Ac 16:18); but this power was never spoken of as exorcism.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: what ye have received gratis, give gratis.
and if I by Beelzebub exorcize devils, by whom do your children exorcize them? wherefore even they shall be your judges.
Upon this occasion John address'd himself to Jesus, saying, master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, tho' he did not belong to us, for which reason we opposed him.
they that believe shall be endued with these miraculous gifts: in my name they shall cast out demons: they shall speak new languages:
Then said John to Jesus, master, we saw one casting out demons in your name, and we oppos'd it, because he does not follow you with us. but Jesus said to him, don't oppose it: for he that is not against us, is for us.
At length the seventy return'd with great joy, saying, Lord, even the demons have been made subject to us by virtue of your name. upon which he said to them, I beheld satan falling, like lightning, from heaven. read more. I have authoriz'd you to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and triumph over all the power of the enemy; so that nothing shall be capable of doing you any mischief.
One Simon was then resident in that place, who pretended to be something extra-ordinary, and by his magical practices had so enchanted the people of Samaria,
Having travers'd the isle as far as to Paphos, they found a Jew there nam'd Barjesus, who was a false prophet and magician:
this she did for several days, till Paul tir'd with it turn'd about, and said to the spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ I command you to quit her; and instantly he came out.
Upon this, certain vagabond Jews, who were exorcists, pretended to cure demoniacs by pronouncing the name of the Lord Jesus: their form being this, "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches."
Smith
Exorcist,
one who pretends to expel evil spirits by conjuration, prayers and ceremonies. Exorcism was frequently practiced among the Jews.
David, by playing skillfully on a harp, procured the temporary departure of the evil spirit which troubled Saul.
The power of casting out devils was bestowed by Christ while on earth upon the apostles,
and the seventy disciples
Lu 10:17-19
and was, according to his promise,
exercised by believers after his ascension.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: what ye have received gratis, give gratis.
and if I by Beelzebub exorcize devils, by whom do your children exorcize them? wherefore even they shall be your judges.
they that believe shall be endued with these miraculous gifts: in my name they shall cast out demons: they shall speak new languages:
this she did for several days, till Paul tir'd with it turn'd about, and said to the spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ I command you to quit her; and instantly he came out.
Upon this, certain vagabond Jews, who were exorcists, pretended to cure demoniacs by pronouncing the name of the Lord Jesus: their form being this, "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches."