The Stilling of the Demoniac
Jesus Casts Out a Legion of Demons in the Country of the Gadarenes
Where to find this story in the Bible
The story of Stilling of the Demoniac is found in Mark 5:1-20 of the King James Bible (Mark and Luke and Matthew).
Books: Mark, Luke, Matthew
Historical & Cultural Context
Jesus and the disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee to the region of the Gadarenes (Gerasenes) — Gentile territory on the eastern shore. They were met by a man so violently possessed that he lived among the tombs, broke chains, cut himself with stones, and cried out day and night. The region's economy was partly based on pig farming (forbidden to Jews but common among Gentiles). The herd of about 2,000 swine into which Jesus cast the demons was a massive economic asset. The local population's response — asking Jesus to leave — shows they valued their economy over a man's freedom.
Key Characters
Key Verses
Mark 5:9
"And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many."Read in context
Mark 5:15
"And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."Read in context
Mark 5:19
"Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."Read in context
The Man Among the Tombs
When Jesus and His disciples crossed to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, they entered the country of the Gadarenes. Immediately a man with an unclean spirit came running from the tombs to meet Jesus. This man was in utter bondage — no chains could hold him, for he had broken every shackle. Night and day he was in the mountains and among the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. He was the picture of complete human devastation.
A Legion Confronted
When the demonized man saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshipped Him — or rather, the demons within him recognized Jesus' authority. They cried out, 'What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.' Jesus asked, 'What is thy name?' The answer was chilling: 'My name is Legion: for we are many.' A Roman legion consisted of thousands of soldiers — indicating the magnitude of this man's oppression.
The Swine and the Sea
The demons begged Jesus not to send them out of the country but into a nearby herd of about two thousand swine. Jesus gave them leave. The unclean spirits entered the pigs, and the entire herd rushed violently down a steep place into the sea, where they perished. The herdsmen fled to the city and told everyone what had happened.
Delivered and Commissioned
When the people came to see for themselves, they found the formerly demonized man sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed, and in his right mind. Rather than rejoicing, the people were afraid and begged Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus departed, the healed man begged to go with Him. But Jesus told him, 'Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee.' The man went throughout the Decapolis, publishing his testimony, and all who heard it marveled.
Symbolism & Typology
The Tombs
The demoniac lived among the dead — a picture of spiritual death masquerading as existence. Demonic oppression drives people into isolation, self-harm, and association with death. Jesus entered the graveyard to bring life where death reigned.
The Broken Chains
No human restraint could contain him — he broke every chain and fetter. This demonstrates that some bondages are beyond human solutions — no therapy, medication, or imprisonment could fix what was fundamentally spiritual. Only divine authority sets truly free.
Legion
The demons identified themselves as 'Legion, for we are many.' A Roman legion was 6,000 soldiers. The name reveals organized, military-like spiritual oppression. Yet even a legion of demons begged Jesus for permission — they recognized His absolute authority.
The Man Clothed and in His Right Mind
After deliverance, the man was found 'sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind.' Restoration is complete: from running to sitting (peace), from naked to clothed (dignity), from insane to clear-minded (rationality). Christ's deliverance addresses the whole person.
Cross-References
Spiritual Lessons
No Bondage Is Too Great for Jesus
A legion of demons could not resist a single word from Jesus. No power of darkness, no depth of bondage, and no human condition is beyond the reach of Christ's authority.
Transformation Is the Evidence of Deliverance
The man who had been wild, naked, and self-destructive was now sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. True spiritual deliverance produces visible transformation.
Every Believer Has a Testimony to Share
Jesus did not allow this man to follow Him on the road. Instead, He sent him home as a witness. Our personal testimony of what God has done is one of the most powerful tools of faith.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions for personal reflection, small groups, or family Bible time.
What does the story of The Stilling of the Demoniac teach us about no bondage is too great for jesus? How have you seen this truth in your own life?
Transformation Is the Evidence of Deliverance: How does this lesson from The Stilling of the Demoniac challenge the way you think or act today?
Put yourself in jesus's position. What would have been the hardest part of this experience? What would have required the most faith?
The theme of this story is "Spiritual Deliverance." Where do you see this theme playing out in the world today?
How does this story reveal something about who Jesus is and what He came to do?
If you could share one truth from The Stilling of the Demoniac with someone who has never read the Bible, what would it be?
Family Activity Ideas
Bring this story to life with hands-on activities for children and families.
📖 Scripture Memory Challenge
Memorize Mark 5:9 together as a family this week. Write it on a card, post it on the fridge, and practice saying it each morning. By the end of the week, see who can recite it from memory!
All ages🎭 Act It Out
Have family members take turns acting out different scenes from The Stilling of the Demoniac. Assign roles, create simple costumes from household items, and let everyone participate. After the performance, discuss what each character might have been feeling.
Ages 4–12📝 Story Journal
Give each family member a few minutes to write or draw their favorite part of The Stilling of the Demoniac. Share your entries and discuss what stood out to each person. Keep these pages in a family Bible journal you can look back on.
Ages 5+🍽️ Dinner Table Devotion
At dinner this week, read Mark 5:15 aloud and ask each person: "What is one thing from the story of The Stilling of the Demoniac that you want to remember?" Let everyone share — even the youngest.
All agesFrequently Asked Questions
Where is the story of Stilling of the Demoniac in the Bible?
The story of Stilling of the Demoniac is found in Mark 5:1-20 of the King James Bible (Mark and Luke and Matthew).
Where in the Bible is the story of Stilling of the Demoniac?
You can find the story of Stilling of the Demoniac in Mark 5:1-20 (KJV).
Where does the story of Stilling of the Demoniac start in the Bible?
The story of Stilling of the Demoniac begins in Mark 5:1-20. Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee and encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons. He delivers him completely, demonstrating His absolute authority over the forces of darkness.
Where was the country of the Gadarenes?
The Gadarenes (also called Gerasenes) lived on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, in a predominantly Gentile region. The town of Gadara was part of the Decapolis, a league of ten Greco-Roman cities.
Why did the demons enter the pigs?
The demons begged not to be sent into the abyss (Luke 8:31). They asked permission to enter the swine instead. Jesus permitted this, perhaps to demonstrate visibly the destructive nature of demonic power and the magnitude of the man's deliverance.
Why were the people afraid and asked Jesus to leave?
The destruction of 2,000 pigs represented a significant economic loss. The people were also terrified by the supernatural power they had witnessed. Fear of the unknown and concern for their livelihood outweighed their appreciation of the man's healing.
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