What does oppressed mean?

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil… (Acts 10:38 ESV).

What does “oppressed” mean in the verse above? It says Jesus “went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil”. An understanding of the word “oppressed” as used in this verse will open your eyes to the reality of Satanic activities in our lives.

The meaning of the word “oppressed”, as used in our scripture, will become evident upon closer consideration of the context surrounding it. We know that the “good” Jesus was doing, further described as “healing”, refers to the physical healing of the sick. The verse also tells us that Jesus was healing those who were oppressed of the devil, therefore; we may conclude that the devil oppresses people through sickness. A word of caution: this does not imply every sickness is caused by evil spirits, but it clearly states that sickness can be an instrument of oppression by the devil. Other means by which Satan oppresses humanity include sin, addiction, fear, and many others.

The dictionary definition of “oppress” is to “keep (someone) in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority”(Apple online Dictionary). Satan does not have to possess God’s children, but he can oppress us through many avenues. It is your responsibility as a believer to be discerning, and not accept his works as just part of life. Fight every form of Satanic oppression in your life.

MEDITATE

What is the difference between “oppressed” and “possessed”? Can Satan oppress someone without possessing them?

APPLY THE WORD

I personally struggled with fear for a long time, and later understood that I was under Satanic oppression without realizing it. Fear could grip me almost as if an invisible force was holding me bound. The Word brought my freedom. Refuse any form of satanic oppression in your own life.