This study has been undertaken on the assumption that when Paul spoke of principalities, authorities, powers, world-rulers, and elemental spirits, he was using mythological language to describe spiritual realities with which he and his fellow Christians had personal acquaintance. The first three chapters trace the history of three Jewish beliefs which contribute to Paul's theology: that God had set the pagan world under the authority of angelic governors, that the Law was given and guarded by angels, whose history strangely resembles that of Satan, and that the powers of nature are not entirely subservient to God's sovereignty. In each case the powers represent a divine authority corrupted by human sin. The last chapter attempts to show how Paul envisaged the cross as a victory over the powers.

The conception of “powers” and “principalities” in Paul’s thought has been amply explored—but how did the powers “work” in the Pauline community? Robert Ewusie Moses argues that Paul's conception of the powers is best understood through examining the practices he advocates for the early believers. In this detailed study, Moses shows that Paul believed certain practices guarded believers from the dominion of the powers while others exposed humans to the work of powers of darkness. Moses traces the distinct function of “power-practices” in each of Paul’s letters and draws illuminating comparisons with traditional African religious practices.

Satan worship. Witches. New Age channelers. The last two decades have witnessed a vast upsurge in occult activity. Scores of popular books have warned Christians of the dangers and urged them to do battle against these spiritual forces. Few books, however, have developed a careful biblical theology on demons, principalities and powers. Clinton Arnold seeks to fill this gap, providing an in-depth look at Paul's letters and what they teach on the subject. For perspective, he examines first-century Greek, Roman and Jewish beliefs as well as Jesus' teaching about magic, sorcery and divination. Arguing against many recent interpretations that have seen principalities and powers as impersonal social, economic and political structures, Arnold contends that the New Testament view is that such forces are organized, personal beings which Jesus defeated at the cross and will bring into full subjection at his return. In his concluding section Arnold suggests practical ways in which Christians today can contend with the forces of evil. A thoughtful, biblical look at an urgent challenge facing the church.