The Adversary and Accuser | Satan in the Old and New Testaments

When we think of Satan, our minds often go to a powerful and malevolent figure opposing God and humanity. But the way Satan is described in the Bible offers a much deeper and more nuanced picture. From his origins in the Old Testament as the “accuser” to his full unveiling in the New Testament as the chief of fallen angels, Satan’s role is not one of equal power to God but of a creature who has chosen rebellion.

Let’s start with the basics. The name “Satan” comes from a Hebrew word that means “adversary” or “accuser.” Early on, this title didn’t necessarily refer to a supernatural being. For example, in the Old Testament, it could be used to describe human opponents, like someone acting against King David. But as the Scriptures progress, the term begins to take on a more specific and sinister identity.

Satan in the Old Testament: The Adversary and Tester

One of the clearest depictions of Satan in the Old Testament is in the Book of Job. Here, Satan appears as a member of God’s heavenly court, almost like a prosecuting attorney. He isn’t operating independently; instead, he acts with God’s permission to test Job’s faith. This scene might seem strange to us today because it doesn’t match our modern idea of Satan as purely evil. But it’s an important foundation. In Job, Satan functions as a tester, someone who challenges humanity to prove their loyalty to God.

We also see hints of Satan’s character in the serpent of Genesis. While the serpent isn’t explicitly called Satan in Genesis, later texts like Revelation identify him as such. The serpent tempts Adam and Eve, introducing sin into the world. This moment sets the stage for Satan’s broader role as the tempter and deceiver—a role that becomes more pronounced in later biblical texts.

The Shift: Intertestamental Ideas About Satan

Between the Old and New Testaments, during what’s called the Intertestamental period, Jewish thought about Satan began to develop further. By this time, he was no longer just an accuser or a tester but a malevolent force leading other evil spirits in rebellion against God. This shift likely reflects the growing influence of apocalyptic literature, which emphasized cosmic battles between good and evil. By the time we get to the New Testament, this expanded understanding of Satan is fully in view.

Satan in the New Testament: The Tempter and Ruler

In the New Testament, Satan steps into the spotlight as a personal adversary to Christ and His mission. He tempts Jesus in the wilderness, challenging Him to misuse His divine power and abandon His trust in God. This scene is pivotal because it highlights the essence of Satan’s strategy: deception and manipulation. He twists truth, offering what seems good on the surface but ultimately leads to destruction.

Jesus also refers to Satan as the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31) and describes him as a murderer and the father of lies (John 8:44). These titles underline his influence over fallen human systems and his role in spreading sin and rebellion. Yet, even as Satan is portrayed as powerful, the New Testament makes it clear that his power is limited. He is a creature, not a rival god.

Christ’s Victory Over the Adversary

Here’s the heart of the matter: while Satan is depicted as a serious threat, the New Testament never loses sight of the bigger picture. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has defeated Satan and broken his power. Revelation vividly portrays this victory, describing Satan’s ultimate defeat and punishment.

For Christians, this victory means that Satan’s influence, though real, is not final. Believers are equipped with spiritual protection—what St. Paul calls the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11). We’re called to resist Satan’s temptations, standing firm in the knowledge that he is already defeated.

The Takeaway

Satan’s story in the Bible is a sobering reminder of the reality of evil. He is not a myth or a mere symbol but a real and personal adversary. Yet, his power is limited, and his fate is sealed. By looking at his portrayal across Scripture—from the adversary in Job to the tempter in the Gospels and the defeated enemy in Revelation—we see a consistent message: Satan opposes God, but he can never overcome Him.

As we navigate the challenges of life, this truth offers hope. Yes, the adversary is at work, but Christ has already claimed the final victory. And that changes everything.