Satan's Evolution: From Accuser to Mastermind

The concept of Satan evolves significantly from the Hebrew Bible to the New Testament. Initially, Satan is portrayed as an accuser, a role applicable to various figures within the scriptures. In the books of Job and Zechariah, a more defined character emerges, referred to as 'the Satan,' representing a member of God's council rather than an evil being. As we transition into the New Testament, Satan becomes a prominent antagonist explicitly tempting Jesus in the desert and mentioned frequently across the Gospels. This rapid transformation into a recognized character of evil correlates with antecedent influences, such as the sacred Jewish community's earlier perceptions of a 'Prince of Darkness' opposing prevailing Jewish authority. The narrative of Jesus, therefore, is significantly influenced by these prior conceptions, especially seen in the context of the Dead Sea Scrolls.