resist him (further evidence is given in Betz p. 40, note 10; for Paul’s use of ἄγειν cf. Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18). Paul himself in this verse appears to think of demons as ravishing those who take part in heathen worship; compare 10:20. The idols themselves are lifeless—dumb, unable to give an answer to prayers addressed to them. The thought is in the Old Testament (e.g. 1 Kings 18:26–9; Ps. 115:4–8; Isa. 46:7), and was retained in Judaism. Possibly Paul means to contrast the silence of the idols