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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Matthew 8:28 - 8:34
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mat_8:28-34
28When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. 29And they cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" 30Now there was a herd of swine feeding at a distance from them. 31The demons began to entreat Him, saying "If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine." 32And He said to them, "Go!" And they came out and went into the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters. 33The herdsmen ran away, and went to the city and reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. 34And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region.
Mat_8:28
NASB, NRSV,
JB" into the country of the Gadarenes"
NKJV "to the country of the Gergesenes"
TEV "to the territory of Gadara on the other side of the lake"
There has been much discussion over this geographical location. This place was spelled three different ways in differeing Greek manuscripts of Matthew, as well as in three different Synoptic Gospels. Apparently it was close to the city of Khersa, but the city of Gadara owned some land near the lake and it was often called the district of Gadara, even though this city was six miles away.
▣ "two men" Matthew usually has two people involved in an account where Mark and Luke only have one (cf. Mar_5:1; Luk_8:26). Another example would be the blind man/men of Jericho (cf. Mat_20:29; Mar_10:46; Luk_18:35). Some have supposed that two were mentioned because the OT required two witnesses in court (Num_35:30; Deu_17:6; Mat_18:16).
▣ "who were demon-possessed. . .coming out of the tombs" They had been ostracized by the community and this was the only place where they could find shelter. During this period small manmade or natural caves were used as burial places. Whether this location was connected with their demon possession is uncertain. There are many specific questions about demons and angels which cannot be answered because there is not enough biblical information. Our world is permeated by a personal force of evil with his servants, the fallen angels, who are out to thwart the will of God and to destroy mankind, God's ultimate creation and focus of His love and attention. See Special Topics: Personal Evil at Mat_4:5 and the Demonic at Mat_10:1.
▣ "that no one could pass by that way" See Mar_5:2-6 and Luk_8:27.
Mat_8:29 "Son of God" These demons recognized who Jesus was (cf. Jas_2:19). The title "Son of God" was used several times in Mat_4:3; Mat_14:33; Mat_16:16; Mat_27:43; Mat_27:54. It was a play on the term "son" (cf. Mat_2:15); the nation of Israel is called "son" ; Israel's king is called "son" ; and Israel's Messiah is called "son." Several times in the Gospels the demons recognize Jesus (cf. Mar_1:24; Luk_4:34). Jesus does not acknowledge their testimony. They were not saying this to help Him. Later Jesus will be accused of utilizing Satan's power (Mat_12:24). The demons'witnessing to Him would have given credence to this charge. See hyperlink at Mat_27:54.
NASB, NKJV,
NRSV, JB" Have You come here to torment us before the time"
TEV "Have you come to punish us before the right time"
The spiritual realm knows that a time has been set for God to judge the living and the dead, humans, and angels (cf. Php_2:10-11; Rev_11:15).
Mat_8:30 "a herd of many swine" It was a Gentile area shown by the presence of these hogs. Exactly why the demons wanted to go into the hogs is simply a matter of conjecture. There is not enough information. The destruction of this group of hogs does show the ultimate purpose of the demonic-death to their host. Also, the herd's destruction would have caused the townspeople to ask Jesus to leave!
▣ "the demons" See Special Topic at Mat_10:1.
▣ "if" This is a first class conditional sentence. Jesus was going to drive out the demons!
Mat_8:34 "they implored Him to leave their region" This is one of the saddest verses in all of the Bible. In the presence of the greatest man of history, these villagers were more concerned about the death of a few hogs than they were over the redemption and reclamation of two demonized persons and the spiritual potential of the gospel for their area.
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