Why Evil Spirits Are Called Powers and Principalities

So, besides the ideas we set out above, we can see clear reasons why they are called principalities or powers. It is because they rule and preside over different nations, and at the least hold sway over lower spirits and demons. The Gospels give us evidence of these, through the demons’ own confession that there are legions of them. For they could not be called lords unless they had some over whom to exercise lordship, nor could they be called powers or principalities unless there were some over whom they could claim power. We find this pointed out very clearly in the Gospel by the Pharisees in their blasphemy: “He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of the demons.” We also find that they are called “rulers of darkness,” and that one of them is called “the prince of this world.” But the blessed apostle declares that hereafter, when all things are made subject to Christ, these orders will be destroyed. He says: “When he has handed over the kingdom to God the Father, when he has destroyed all principalities and powers and dominions.” And this can certainly take place only if they are removed from rule over those whom, as we know, powers and dominions and principalities have charge of in this world. [a]