ContradictionsReading order 483Bible context 2 min read
Who can cast out devils in the name of Jesus?
Exorcism accompanies belief in Mark's promise, but other passages prevent treating it as an exclusive or sufficient credential.
- Textual conflict
- Weak contradiction
- The supplied passages do not establish incompatible claims. Different events, meanings, or conditions may account for the difference.
- Importance
- Supporting
- A supporting event, teaching, or biographical claim.
Exorcism accompanying belief does not make it exclusive to believers or sufficient for acceptance, and outsiders need not lack belief.
An editorial assessment of the quoted passages. Importance describes the stakes; it does not increase certainty. Reading order weighs both.
Believers will cast out devils in Jesus' name
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:17
Translation / edition: King James Version (KJV)
Read the full chapter:Mark 16
Outsiders and rejected claimants also invoke Jesus in exorcisms
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.