Where in the Bible does it talk about the authority to trample on all the power of the enemy?

Jesus said, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on… all the power of the enemy,” precisely in the Gospel of Luke 10:19. This promise is not about recklessly testing God, but about Christ’s spiritual victory over Satan and his forces.

The words often quoted as “I give you authority to trample on all the power of the enemy” were spoken after the return of the seventy disciples whom Jesus had sent out to preach the Kingdom of God. The disciples were rejoicing because even the demons were subject to them in Jesus’ name. Christ affirmed their experience, but at the same time redirected their attention away from the power and success of their ministry toward what matters most: salvation.

Where exactly these words are recorded

The Lord’s full statement is found in Luke 10:19:

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19

Just before this, the disciples had told Jesus that the evil spirits were subject to them through His name:

“Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” Luke 10:17

Thus, this authority was not an inherent ability of the disciples, nor did it belong to them. It was granted by Christ and operated through His name—that is, through faith, obedience, and participation in His mission. The source of victory is not human effort, emotions, or special religious rituals, but the risen Lord.

What “serpents,” “scorpions,” and the enemy’s power mean

In biblical language, serpents and scorpions can refer to physical dangers, but in this context, they primarily symbolize the powers of evil. Jesus speaks directly of “all the power of the enemy”—that is, Satan’s opposition to the Kingdom of God. Prior to this, Christ had said:

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Luke 10:18

Satan is a defeated foe in the light of Christ’s victory, even though he continues to tempt, deceive, and exert spiritual pressure. Therefore, the promise does not mean that a Christian will never face suffering, sickness, persecution, or hardships. It assures us that no power of darkness can ultimately separate a child of God from Christ, so long as they cling to Him by faith.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that the believer’s true battle is not against human beings:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Eph 6:12

Therefore, Christian victory does not consist in aggression toward other people. It is revealed in resisting sin, renouncing the occult, practicing forgiveness, walking in truth, praying, and faithfully bearing witness to Jesus.

Not a reason to test God

Some people mistakenly use Luke 10:19 as a license to deliberately handle venomous snakes or foolishly put themselves in harm’s way. Yet Jesus never called His followers to prove their faith through reckless actions. When the devil tempted Christ to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, Jesus answered:

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Matt 4:7

True faith does not seek out danger for the sake of a spectacle. It trusts God, faithfully carries out its calling, and leaves the outcomes in His hands. The Lord can miraculously protect His servants when they are walking in the path of service, but He has never promised to endorse self-reliance or presumption.

What authority is given to followers of Jesus

The authority Jesus speaks of is intimately connected with His great victory and the mission of the church. After His resurrection, He proclaimed:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matt 28:18

On this basis, Christ sends His disciples to teach all nations. The believer has the privilege to approach God in prayer in the name of Jesus, to resist temptation, to proclaim God’s Word, and not to live in fear of the powers of darkness. The Apostle James offers a simple and powerful path:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Jas 4:7

Notice the order: first submit to God, and only then resist the devil. Without a daily, living connection with Christ, talk about spiritual authority can easily turn into spiritual pride. Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that the strength to overcome sin and Satan comes solely through personal faith in Christ, fervent prayer, and obedience to God’s Word.

The greatest reason for joy

Jesus did not allow the disciples to focus solely on the fact that the demons were subject to them. He told them:

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

This is the core lesson of the passage. The greatest blessing is not experiencing the supernatural, but belonging to Christ and having the assurance of eternal life. God’s power is granted not for self-exaltation, but for service, love, and the salvation of souls.

Put this promise into practice today: start your day with a prayer of surrender to Jesus, spend time reading a passage of God’s Word, turn away from any practices associated with the occult or superstition, and in moments of temptation, turn immediately to Christ. Do not fear the enemy, but do not rely on your own strength either: stand firm in the power of the Lord and rejoice that your life belongs to Him.