The List of Principalities in the Bible is a compilation of various territories or regions mentioned in the holy book that held political or governmental authority during different periods of history. These principalities played significant roles in shaping the religious, social, and cultural aspects of the biblical narrative.
The list consists of numerous principalities, each characterized by unique features and importance. Some of the well-known principalities mentioned in the Bible include:
1. Edom: This principality was located to the southeast of ancient Israel and is often associated with Esau, the brother of Jacob. Edom was known for its rocky, mountainous terrain and was a significant trade
Principalities and powers in the Bible are levels of demons or the presence of demonic activity. These beings are real, and their primary goal is to kill, injure, worry, destroy, vex, harass, irritate, confuse, frustrate, and bother humans. This is all to get back at God for kicking the devil out of Heaven (Luke 10:18) and sealing his fate to hell and then transference into the lake of fire.
It is important to remember that Paul states that we battle principalities in heavenly places in Ephesians 6:12. First of all, there is a problem between us right now. My second argument is that this passage of scripture was composed following Jesus’ resurrection. Thirdly, these principalities have not yet been imprisoned on earth; they are still in heavenly realms. The Greek word for principality also denotes magistrate, authority, and control. The Greek term for powers also denotes strength, authority, jurisdiction, and power. It is evident that principalities and powers retain the authority and power that their names suggest.
List Of Principalities In The Bible
Satan as the Prince of Darkness
In the Bible, Satan is often referred to as the Prince of Darkness. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” This verse speaks to the idea that Satan is the ruler of the forces of darkness and evil in the spiritual realm.
The Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 refers to Jesus as the Prince of Peace, stating, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This verse highlights Jesus as the ultimate authority and source of peace in the world.
Principalities and Powers
Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” This verse speaks to the authority and power that God has over all creation, both visible and invisible.
The Prince of the Air
Ephesians 2:2 refers to Satan as the prince of the power of the air, stating, “in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” This verse underscores the idea that Satan has influence over the world and the spiritual realm.
The Prince of This World
In John 12:31, Jesus refers to Satan as the prince of this world, saying, “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” This verse speaks to the temporary authority that Satan has over the world, which will eventually be overthrown by God.
Overall, the Bible is full of references to different principalities and powers in the spiritual realm, highlighting the ongoing battle between good and evil and the ultimate authority of God over all creation.
Which principalities and powers are mentioned in the Bible?
Principalities and powers are two names or titles given to spiritual forces, along with authorities, and rulers. Depending on the version of the Bible being used, the words “principalities” and “powers” occur more or less frequently. The King James Version and its derivatives (NKJV, MKJV) use the words principalities and powers most frequently. These spiritual forces are mentioned in six different Scripture passages.
The first instance can be found in Romans 8:37–39. Paul emphasizes in this chapter that believers are inextricably linked to God’s love, regardless of what happens on earth or in heaven. Among the things that are unable to keep us from God are principalities and powers. Principalities and powers in this sense can refer to demonic forces themselves, or they can refer to false prophets and teachers who have been given the authority by demonic forces to oppose the truth and mislead humanity. The passage makes it quite evident that they will fail in both scenarios.
The second occurrence is in Colossians 1:16, which says that principalities and powers are among the created beings, made by God for His purposes. The fact that God made and sustains the very enemies that rebel against Him is a mind-boggling reality that may never be fully clear to us. He is the King, and has a purpose for everything—even for evil principalities and powers (Proverbs 16:4; Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 46:10-11).
Again in Colossians, we see that principalities and powers have been defeated and shamed by Jesus Christ’s work on the cross (Colossians 2:15). The verse says they have been “disarmed” and that Jesus “made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15 NIV). Satan’s goal has always been to steal the affections of mankind from God, and to then destroy His beloved creation. But Jesus made it possible for all who believe to be reconciled to God—apart from the law, and in spite of any and all sins by which Satan has tempted them (Romans 3:21-28).
Two more references to principalities and powers are found in Ephesians. The first passage talks about the heavenly powers and authorities, who see the church, Christ’s body, advancing through the world and understand something about God’s wisdom by what they see (Ephesians 3:10-11). This concept is seen again in 1 Peter 1:12, as Peter speaks of the gospel as something “into which angels long to look.” These principalities and powers are holy, good, and powerful, and they love to see the display of God’s work and wisdom on the earth. Conversely, the unholy principalities and powers are unhappy to see God’s work and wisdom through humanity, and they struggle against us to defeat us (Ephesians 6:12). That being so, they will not win. As Martin Luther’s famous hymn, A Mighty Fortress, says: The Prince of Darkness Grim / We tremble not for him / His rage will not endure / For lo, his doom is sure / one little Word shall fell him (Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:10).
The last reference in the Bible to principalities and powers is in Titus 3:1. This is a reference to earthly authorities and governments, who are ultimately placed over us by God’s will. We are told to submit to governments out of respect for the God who ordained their rule over us. Rebellion against earthly authority brings judgment (Romans 13:2).
List Of Principalities In The World
The Bible and Principalities
In the Bible, the concept of principalities refers to spiritual entities that govern over certain geographical regions or aspects of human life. These principalities can be either good or evil, and they play a significant role in the spiritual realm.
Definitions of principalities in the Bible:
- Ephesians 6:12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” This verse highlights the spiritual warfare that Christians face against evil principalities in the world.
- Colossians 1:16: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” This verse mentions different types of spiritual entities, including principalities, that were created by God.
- Daniel 10:13: “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.” This verse talks about the spiritual battle between the archangel Michael and the prince of Persia, a demonic principality.
Examples of principalities in the Bible:
- The Prince of Tyre (Ezekiel 28): In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from God to the Prince of Tyre, who is portrayed as a powerful and prideful ruler. The Prince of Tyre represents the spiritual principality that governs over the city of Tyre.
- The Prince of Persia (Daniel 10): As mentioned earlier in Daniel 10:13, the Prince of Persia is a demonic principality that withstood the angel sent by God for twenty-one days. This prince represents the spiritual forces of darkness that oppose God’s plans.
Overall, the Bible teaches us about the existence of principalities in the world and the spiritual warfare that takes place between good and evil entities. Christians are called to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the enemy and to overcome the principalities of this world.
How To Deal With Principalities And Powers
What Are Principalities And Powers?
Principalities and powers are spiritual entities mentioned in the Bible that seek to influence and control human beings. These forces are often portrayed as evil and opposed to God’s will.
Bible Verses About Dealing With Principalities And Powers
There are several verses in the Bible that provide guidance on how to deal with principalities and powers:
- Ephesians 6:12 – “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” This verse emphasizes the spiritual nature of the battle against evil forces.
- James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This verse highlights the importance of submitting to God and resisting evil.
- 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” This verse encourages believers to be vigilant and aware of the schemes of the enemy.
Biblical Stories About Dealing With Principalities And Powers
One of the most well-known stories in the Bible about dealing with principalities and powers is the story of the exorcism of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5:1-20. In this story, Jesus confronts and casts out the demons from the man, demonstrating his authority over evil spiritual forces.
Another powerful story is found in Acts 16:16-40, where Paul and Silas encounter a slave girl who is possessed by a spirit of divination. Through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, they are able to drive out the evil spirit and set the girl free from bondage.
These stories serve as examples of how believers can rely on God’s strength and authority to overcome principalities and powers in their lives.
Principalities (Fallen Angels)
The subject of this lesson will be principalities and powers as they are described in the Bible. Principalities and powers are fallen angels, not devils.The power of fallen angels is far higher than that of devils. We do not struggle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of this age’s darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the high realms, the Holy Spirit declares via Paul in Ephesians 6:12 NKJV.
A principality is defined as: “A state ruled by a prince, usually a relatively small state or a state that falls within a larger state such as an empire. The position or authority of a prince or chief ruler; sovereignty; supreme power.”
So a principality is actually not a fallen angel itself. A principality is actually the seat of authority or the region that the fallen angel has authority over. A prince rules over a principality. Daniel chapter ten makes it very clear that fallen angels, and angels from God are both called princes:
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. (Daniel 10:13 NKJV)
In this scripture, an angel of the Lord visits Daniel. This is not the angel Gabriel that visited Daniel in chapter eight and nine (as Daniel already knew Gabriel and referred to him by name). The angel tells Daniel that the prince (fallen angel) over Persia withstood him for 21 days. Then the angel states that the prince Michael came to help him.
A third of the angels were enticed to join Satan in his rebellion against the kingdom. There are differences among these angels’ positions in heaven. They do, however, continue to rule over the world from their positions of authority in a celestial realm. This passage from Revelation indicates that one-third of the angels have now fallen. This passage, however, is for a later day. The angels are still on Earth; they haven’t fallen yet. During the final three and a half years of this age, known as the great tribulation, these angels will be imprisoned on Earth.The three and a half-year span becomes clear when one reads Revelation Chapters 11–13 in their entirety.
And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:7-9 NKJV)