Mark 5:16

Mark 5:16 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the healing of the Gerasene demoniac, highlighting the immediate aftermath of Jesus' powerful miracle and the local community's reaction. It emphasizes the role of eyewitnesses in spreading the news of what transpired.

Context

This verse follows the dramatic account of Jesus casting out a multitude of demons, who identified themselves as "Legion" (see Mark 5:9), from a man who had long been tormented. The demons, by Jesus' permission, entered a herd of about two thousand swine, which then rushed down a steep bank into the Sea of Galilee and drowned (Mark 5:13). The herdsmen, who witnessed this astonishing event, fled to the nearby towns and countryside to report what they had seen. Verse 16 describes the content of their report, focusing on both the man's deliverance and the economic impact of the swine's destruction. The people then came out to see the healed man, now "clothed, and in his right mind" (Mark 5:15), a stark contrast to his previous wild and uncontrollable state.

Key Themes

• Eyewitness Testimony: The verse underscores the importance of those who "saw it" bearing witness to the incredible events. Their telling of the story is crucial for others to understand the magnitude of Jesus' power. This act of reporting sets the stage for the community's response, whether in fear or faith.
• The Power of Jesus over Demonic Forces: The central miracle is the complete liberation of the man from severe demonic oppression. The herdsmen's account validates Jesus' supreme authority not only over spirits but also over the natural world, as evidenced by the fate of the swine. This demonstrates Jesus' divine power to restore sanity and peace.
• The Cost of Deliverance: While miraculous, the healing came with a significant local economic cost due to the loss of the pigs. This aspect of the report highlights that spiritual victory can sometimes involve material consequences, prompting varied reactions from those affected.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil" simply means "what happened to the man who was demon-possessed." The original Greek uses a straightforward narrative style, emphasizing the directness of the report. The term "possessed with the devil" (daimonizomenō in Greek) clearly indicates a state of being under the control of an evil spirit, a common affliction described in the Gospels that Jesus frequently addressed with authority.

Practical Application

Mark 5:16 reminds us of several enduring truths. Firstly, it highlights the importance of sharing personal testimonies of God's work in our lives. Just as the herdsmen reported what they saw, believers are called to be witnesses to the transformative power of Christ. Secondly, it reinforces the reality of spiritual warfare and Jesus' ultimate victory over all forces of darkness. No human condition, however severe or hopeless, is beyond His power to heal and restore. Finally, the varied reactions to Jesus' miracles—some with fear, others with wonder, and some with concern over material losses—reflect the diverse ways people still respond to the Gospel today. It challenges us to consider what our priorities are when confronted with God's miraculous intervention.