Mark 5:1 Commentary and Bible Study

The ship comes to shore on the east side of Galilee, in what Mark and Luke call the country of the Gadarenes, and Matthew calls the country of the Gergesenes – a more specific, local designation. Gadara was one of the ten cities of Decapolis, a region settled for Gentile and Greek culture, and was to the south east of Galilee. Hendriksen says that the description of the locality probably identifies the landing place with modern Khersa [or Kursi] since hills descending to the sea and caves, possibly housing tombs described in the passage, are found there. We are going to be considering the healing and the conversion experience of this demon possessed man. Matthew mentions two men, but Mark and Luke bring it down to one, probably because they focus on the one most extensively blessed – we will focus on this one man. The man came rushing down to the lake and met Christ. It is a very enigmatic account. He comes suddenly, having seen the Lord Jesus from far away. It is hard to account for, especially as he knew exactly who Christ was without being told. He had been like this a long time; he could get no release, or improvement. Not a day passed without these terrible features of his condition showing themselves. He lived in the graveyard among the tombs, preferring the company of the dead to the company of the living. He knew no warmth, no comfort, no home. He ran around naked – filthy. If he was offered food or clothing or if he was called by his name to try to draw out some kindred response of affection, he would respond with abuse or violence. He was ‘exceedingly fierce’, too dangerous to approach, and the local people were glad of one thing – he was not with them. They had stopped going anywhere near the area where he lived, and treated him like some wild animal that was too dangerous to approach.