Within the Matrix, the machines uphold rules and control through the use of programs called Agents, which have the ability to bend the rules of the computer system in a similar way to Neo.  They have superhuman abilities and can shift from person to person, taking control of their bodies as they wish.  In the second and third movie, Agent Smith takes a much more prominent role, becoming able to free himself from the control of the machines, enter the 'real' world and duplicate himself by infecting other programs.  Smith's role as the central evil figure in the Trilogy parallels man's sin and temptation and many critics have even connected him to Satan or the Devil.

We first hear Agent Smith in the opening line of the movie talking to Cypher about his betrayal of the crew, for which he promises to 're-plug' Cypher back into the Matrix.  From this very first scene, a connection is made to the anti-Christian forces who tempted Judas as well as the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden.  Also, in a later scene of the movie, when Smith is interrogating Mr. Anderson, he tells him three distinct lies and manipulates Mr. Anderson's thoughts to believe Morpheus is evil.  The temptation and deciet shown in these two scenes relate Agent Smith's incredibly evil personality and intentions to destroy Neo (Jesus) and the rest of mankind.  

In the scene mentioned above, Thomas Anderson later demands a phone.  "Agent Smith, in turn, demonstrates his total power over Thomas by literally sealing his mouth, or 'shuttuing him up'.  Smith's power over man represents Satan's natural dominion over the sinner.  A lost man is utterly powerless to overcome Satan with natural strenght, willpower and abilities.  Satan's goal is to mute the lost man through intimidation and power so that he will fear attempting to cry out to God.  From another angle,  'scripture has shut up all men under sin,' exposing our sinful ways so that we would agree that we need God's salvation.

Continuing from the above notion that no man is strong enough to defeat the Devil alone, once Neo realizes his true abilities, him and Agent Smith enter into an endless battle for control of the Matrix.  Both take on an immortal role and during the fights, both 'die' many times.  Agent Smith kills Neo in the Matrix at the end of the first movie but as mentioned, Neo is resurrected and proceeds to kill Smith.  However, he also does not ‘die’ and returns at the beginning of the second film, stronger then before.  This endless battle represents the endless war of good vs. evil this is a dominant theme in Christianity.  Neo and Smith are fighting over mankind and the souls of the oblivious, as Jesus/God and the Devil fight for souls on Earth. contro

“One interesting parallel with the three agents is that in the Book of Revelation there is an ‘unholy trinity’ made up of Satan, the First Beast and the Second Beast who are defeated by the risen Christ just as the risen Neo defeats the agents.”¹¹

l of the Matrix.  Both take on an immortal role and during the fights, both 'die' many times.  Agent Smith kills Neo in the Matrix at the end of the first movie but as mentioned, Neo is resurrected and proceeds to kill Smith.  However, he also does not ‘die’ and returns at the beginning of the second film, stronger then before.  This endless battle represents the endless war of good vs. evil this is a dominant theme in Christianity.  Neo and Smith are fighting over mankind and the souls of the oblivious, as Jesus/God and the Devil fight for souls on Earth.