disobedience. This means that he has been given limited but direct access to the world and those who inhabit it, and he uses that access to inflict suffering and pain on humanity. The New Testament shows how Satan afflicts people with illnesses and diseases (Mark 9:17–29), tests believers with trials (Luke 22:31), possesses unbelievers (Luke 22:3), and even works to lead people into a life of idle gossip and uselessness (1 Tim. 5:13–15). His work is not limited to unbelievers. Satan can gain a foothold
Page 34