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Bible Encyclopedias
Energumens
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (ἐνεργούμενοι ), persons possessed, and, in the narrower and more usual sense, persons possessed by an evil spirit. In the early Church such persons constituted a distinct class, bearing some relation to the catechumens and the faithful, but differing from them in this, that they were under the special care of exorcists, while they took part in some of the religious exercises of both classes. Catechumens who became disordered in mind during their term of probation were not baptized until thoroughly recovered, except in cases of sickness. Should any among the baptized become thus afflicted, they were excluded from the Christian assembly during the worst stages of their disease, being compelled to remain in the area of the church. From this circumstance they were called χειμαζόμενοι, exposed to the weather. When partially recovered they were permitted to join in public worship, but were not permitted to partake of the Lord's Supper till they were properly restored, except in the immediate prospect of death. — Bingham, Orig. Eccl. book 3, chapter 4, § 6, 8.
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Energumens'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/e/energumens.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
