Satan is a personal agent of sin and evil who opposed Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11).
The Gospel of Matthew refers to this being as:
“Satan,” which means adversary or opponent (4:10)
the "tempter” (4:3)
the "prince of demons” (9:34)
“Beelzebul” (12:24)
“the enemy” (13:39)
Jesus' mission to announce and bring the kingdom of God on earth led to conflicts with Satan's forces. This included removing demons who possessed people (exorcism) (see Matthew 8:16–17; 9:32–34; 10:1, 7–8; 12:22–29; Mark 5:1–20). Matthew notes that Satan has power over kingdoms (Matthew 4:8–9; 12:26). He also commands angels (25:41).
Satan's main method of causing harm is temptation. His purpose is to make people disobey God (Matthew 4:1–11; 6:13; 16:23). As God's agent for human salvation, Jesus encountered strong attacks from Satan (Matthew 4:1–11; John 13:27). Yet, Jesus has defeated Satan and will eventually remove all his powers (Matthew 25:41; John 12:31; Revelation 20:1–10).
Passages for Further Study
Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; Zechariah 3:1–2; Matthew 4:1–11; 13:19; 16:23; Luke 10:17–20; 13:16; 22:3, 31–32; John 12:31; 13:27; Acts 5:3; 26:17–18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:13–14; 1 Timothy 2:14; 5:15; Revelation 12:9; 20:1–10