Introduction

In the letters of Paul, the Principalities and Powers represent hostile and demonic powers opposed to Christ and the Church (Arnold, Power and Magic, 51–69; Schlier, Principalities and Powers, 14–15). Scholars debate what, precisely, these powers are meant to be. Carr has argued that the beings are neutral unless the context specifies otherwise, and understands the powers to often refer positively to the angelic host of God (Angels and Principalities, 52, 99). Wink argues: “Unless the context further specifies (and some do), we are to take the terms for power in their most comprehensive sense, understanding them to mean both heavenly and earthly, divine and human, good and evil powers” (Naming the Powers, 39; compare Caird, Principalities and Powers, 22–23). Arnold argues that Wink’s interpretation reflects a post-Enlightenment “demythologizing” of the powers, which runs counter to the common perceptions of demons, in light of the belief in magic in the Hellenistic world (Arnold, Power and Magic, 48–50).