The Agency of Demons in Temptation

Holy ones are sent; and toward the punishments of lawless men, demons are sent. Listen: When Paul remembers the holy angels, he says, 'Are not all they liturgical spirits, sent for service for those about to inherit salvation?' It is therefore clear that the holy angels serve the salvations of men, while the bitter demons serve the punishments of sinners. For David says that he sent a wrath, an anger, and a tribulation into Egypt, a sending through evil angels.

Thus the wicked and unclean demons, even if they have been dismissed from their own purpose, lie under the yoke of slavery, and are commanded as slaves to perform what is commanded. And do not marvel if God commands demons. The apostles have used the devil as a slave. Paul says, 'Because some strayed concerning the faith, I delivered these to Satan, so that they might be disciplined not to blaspheme.' And again concerning one who had committed fornication and owed a penalty, what does the same Paul say? 'Having gathered your spirit and mine, with the power of the Lord Jesus, I judged him who did this thing, to deliver this one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord.'

In order that the demons may not think that they have reigned always according to divine authority, they are commanded even while disobeying to do what is commanded—not things contributing to uprightness, but things bringing punishment. Did you not see also the rulers among us, when they invite someone with honor, how they send runners called Roman messengers; but when they drag some with dishonor, they send out others, unbridled and harsh soldiers? So also God sends ministerial angels to the holy ones for salvation; but when He wishes to punish, He permits it to the demons. Because of this, when it was decided against Ahab...

God says, 'Who will go and deceive Ahab, and fall?' And an evil spirit answered, 'Here I am.' For it is known that the devil has been appointed for this purpose. Therefore, these demons—and forgive me, for I am discussing invisible and imperceptible matters; indeed, I would not have attempted to speak of such things from the beginning unless I were taking my starting points from the Holy Scripture, for it is not within human intellect to separate the invisible from the sensible, but since it is impossible to contradict what God has said, we follow what is written, whether we wish to or not—therefore, the most wicked demons are sent privately to exact punishment from the wicked, but they are also sent toward the righteous, not to punish them, but to tempt them.

Since a holy angel is not commanded to serve in temptation (for God does not command anything unworthy of an angel), demons are permitted this temptation. And do not marvel if demons are sent toward the righteous; for the Master of all things was once led from the Jordan into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. If the devil tempted the Lord and Savior of all things, why should you marvel if a demon is sent toward a righteous man for the gymnasium of endurance? It is sent, not by God commanding it, but by Him permitting it.

The Scripture fashions the word as if in personification. For a voice from God does not move toward an evil demon, nor is it worthy of that transgressive intent. For His nature is good, but the intent is evil; thus, it is not worthy of the unblemished voice. If, however, you say, 'The Lord said to the devil; I will tell you from David,' or 'To the sinner God said, Why do you recount my rights?'—did He then utter a voice toward the sinner? No; but through the things through which He speaks, He speaks toward the unworthy via those very things. God commanded the sea monsters. Did He send a voice, or a command...