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The concept of Evil One in Christianity

The Evil One in Christianity is predominantly identified with Satan, representing a personal embodiment of malevolence and the ultimate adversary of God. This term denotes a force of darkness that seeks to lead believers away from faith and into sin. It is mentioned in the Lord's Prayer as a source from which deliverance is sought. Recognized across various interpretations, including Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy, the Evil One signifies opposition to good, temptation, and chaos within the moral realm, making it a central figure in discussions of evil and spiritual struggle.1
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Synonyms: Villain, Malevolent being, Wicked one, Fiend, Scourge, Antagonist, Malefactor, Demon, Devil, Foe, Monster, Scoundrel., Wicked spirit

In Finnish: Paha; In Malay: Jahat; In Swedish: Omde; In Dutch: Boze; In Spanish: Malvado; In German: Der Böse; In French: Le Malin

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Evil One'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This refers to a negative entity, and the text mentions that what is more than the faithful saying yea and nay is from this being.[1] (2) This phrase identifies the source of anything beyond simple affirmation or negation, implying that such additions originate from a malevolent entity.[2] (3) Wickedness is prevalent due to these entities, which exert influence, potentially leading individuals towards harmful and misguided beliefs.[3] (4) This is the source from which all coveting originates, influencing individuals to desire what is not rightfully theirs.[4] (5) The evil one is mentioned as being this world, as well as all things in it, which are placed there like objects imprisoned in the portion of the wicked one.[5]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) Refers to the enemy in the context of the parable of the darnel, representing forces that oppose the kingdom of heaven.[6]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This represents a force of darkness, and is seen as the ultimate adversary of God, and the source of evil in the world.[7] (2) This refers to the embodiment of wickedness and malevolence, the source of all things bad, the devil himself.[8] (3) The evil one is a person who would exercise their power until the Christ should come to destroy him, and whose appearance and oppression of believers were prevented by a restraining force or person.[9] (4) This term is used to designate Satan, appearing in the New Testament, and some scholars suggest it might be used in the Lord's Prayer, such as deliver us from the evil one.[10] (5) This is a term used in the epistles to represent the opposition to faith, and it is something to be repelled absolutely and to the uttermost, along with 'the world' and 'antichrist'.[11]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This is a reference to the Devil, with whom the religious authorities believed Jesus was in commerce with, attributing his goodness to this association.[12] (2) The detrimental actions and behaviors of Saul, which ultimately led to negative consequences, including the loss of his life and kingdom.[13] (3) A reference to the personal embodiment of evil, often associated with temptation and opposition to God's people.[14]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) This is one of the many names used to describe the primary antagonist, indicating the malicious nature and influence exerted by this figure against others.[15]

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) Refers to the fallen angels who defied God’s commands and faced punishment for their rebellion against His authority.[16]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) Referring to Satan or demonic forces that seek to lead believers away from God and into sin.[17]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Gnostic concept of 'Evil One'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) This term is used to describe the figure who spoke through the serpent, and deceived Eve, suggesting the presence of a malevolent force influencing human actions.[18] (2) Refers to Typhon, depicted as a malignant entity in Egyptian mythology, contrasting with other deities.[19]

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) A reference to hostile and envious powers that the Cross aims to conquer.[20]

Plural form: Evil ones.