Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Mark 1:24

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

What then, doth no demon call upon God's Name? Did not the demoniacs say, "We know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God?" Did they not say to Paul, "these men are the servants of the Most High God?" They did, but upon scourging, upon compulsion; never of their own will and without being scourged.

Homilies On First Corinthians 29.3 ↗

Ignatius of Antioch

There was concealed from the ruler of this world the virginity of Mary and the birth of our Lord, and the three renowned mysteries which were done in the tranquillity of God from the star. And here, at the manifestation of the Son, magic began to be destroyed, and all bonds were loosed; and the ancient kingdom and the error of evil was destroyed. Henceforward all things were moved together, and the destruction of death was devised, and there was the commencement of that which was perfected in God.

Syriac Second Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians ↗

Irenaeus

And through the Word Himself who had been made visible and palpable, was the Father shown forth, although all did not equally believe in Him; but all saw the Father in the Son: for the Father is the invisible of the Son, but the Son the visible of the Father. And for this reason all spake with Christ when He was present [upon earth], and they named Him God. …

Against Heresies Book IV ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Moreover, how great is the power which the lowliness of God, appearing in the form of a servant, has over the pride of devils, the devils themselves know so well, that they express it to the same Lord clothed in the weakness of flesh. For there follows, And he cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth, &c. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Ambrose of Milan

I do not accept the devil's testimony but his confession. The devil spoke unwillingly, being compelled and tormented.

Letter 22, To His Sister ↗