Do you think it is possible that magic existed in Biblical times?

Question

Does anyone think it is possible that people were able to perform magic tricks and illusions of the same level of expertise as David Blaine, David Copperfield and Derren Brown? Would they been able to convince people they were a profit from God by doing this? Or maybe even claim they were God? Is this possible?

Answer 1

all fairy tales

Answer 2

Parlor tricks, Prestidigitation, Stage Magic, Illusions, YES.

What is sometimes called "real" magic, NO. It doesn't exist. Black magic, white magic, summoning spirits....this only exists in the delusional mind of the so-called magician. None of it is real. There is no power granted by Satan because Satan doesn't exist. Demons don't exist. Ghosts don't exist.

But in regard to the magicians of old, their abilities did not even come close to the magicians of today. David Copperfield, David Blaine, and Criss Angel are all products of the evolution of magic over thousands of years. Magicians build new tricks upon the old tricks of those before them. That is why every generation produces better and better magicians.

It is definitely possible that in the past those with magical abilities used their skills to delude the masses. That is why it is called "magic" in the first place, because the name is really a misnomer. The proof is in the fact that it still happens today. Criss Angel in particular knows very well that many of his deluded fans think he's really magic. I hear it all the time. And that's precicely how he markets himself.

One of the first books written on this subject was The Discoverie of VVitchcraft by Reginald Scot in 1584. Whereas previously, stage magicians were accused of being in league with the devil or of being witches, Scot exposed the common illusions of the day as being nothing more than parlor tricks, complete with diagrams. For having written this, the book was condemned by James the I (who preferred instead to believe that witches were real) and almost all known copies were burned.

Answer 3

Of course. People have been claiming things and tricking people since the beginning of time. They're called hustlers, psychos and brain washers. Magic has always existed as a means of answering questions humans did not have the answers for, and at that time did not have the resources to prove or disprove claims. Some still believe in magic, but David Blaine et. al. are in the entertainment business. They entertain people. Remember that.

Answer 4

There is a difference between Magic and Illusion.
Magic, is when the hand is quicker than the eye.
Illusion is when the mind is quicker than the eye.
Both have been practised throughout the ages.
In the east there is a practise of super normal abilities, and these are called "siddhis", which have been brought to the west over the last 50-60 years. Matter can be altered by the use of siddhis, but this relates to the physical realm only.
God has sent his Prophets to dispel all the darkness in man, and all of these Prophets were forbidden to practise these arts.
These arts are practised today for material gain. Prophets had no need of magic or illusion, as they were sent to earth as Gods emissaries to enlighten man regarding their relationship to God, and further instill faith in mankind........

Answer 5

While "magic" in the sense of "parlor tricks" has been around for generations, it would be difficult to explain many of the Bible miracles as being such.

While Cooperfield might be able to make Dexter is duck appear and disappear, I have not seen him be able to to make flocks of birds appears on a regular schedule so that thousands of people could feed on them daily for a period of 40 years. That is a little beyond a "parlor trick".

Answer 6

There would have been illusionists around at the time, but as to their creativity or skill, I wouldn't know. A lot of things these days are done by cameras etcetera, which obviously weren't around then. I guess they did tricks and illusions that were of equal awe to the people of that time. If people believed they were a god, then more fool them!

Answer 7

Well yes just think of Moses and the snake. Its an easy trick, all you need to do is hypnotise a snake. Pass it off as a very beautiful staff and and unhypnotise it at the right time. What's that if not a conjuring trick?

Answer 8

The guys you refer to are illusionists, not magicians. Is it possible that there is some physical, external power derived from "evil"? I'm not sure, but whenever I knowingly do something wrong, maybe that's my way of empowering it. Would that be magic? I'm just asking, because I think your question is good and could make for an interesting discussion.

Answer 9

There is reference in the bible to magic!
Aaron's Staff Becomes a Snake
8 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 9 "When Pharaoh says to you, 'Perform a miracle,' then say to Aaron, 'Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,' and it will become a snake."
10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh's heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
This is found in Exodus 7 and related to the story about Moses setting the Hebrews free.

Answer 10

All witchcraft so to put it more clearly it is all done by Demon's. Yes read how did Saul died. Leave this before it get to much to you. Anything from God is not magic and doing miracles is never wrong I do not know of even one trick these people did that was from God. God stated clearly in His word ( Bible) that you should not have anything to do with predicting future, contacting the dead or witchcraft. God Bless

Answer 11

I think its entirely possible. The ancient egyptians had magicians thousands of years BC. It seems the most likely explaination for Jesus being able to turn water into wine and suchlike.