Jesus Christ had the power and authority to drive out demons with a command. He also gave his twelve apostles that same power and authority (Mark 3:14–15) and for a limited time, he also extended it to the seventy-two (Luke 10:17). In the book of Acts, this authority is also given to those closely associated with the apostles (e.g. Philip in Acts 8:7). However, after the apostles had laid the foundation for the church through their preaching ministry (Ephesians 2:19–20), their work was done. The New Testament church would continue without apostles; instead, there would be pastors, elders, and deacons. Now, demonic forces are to be fought not with exorcisms, but with prayer and with preaching (Ephesians 6:10–20).
23 And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?