Mark 5:17

“And they began to pray him, etc..] That is, the inhabitants of the city of Gadara, and of the villages round about, very earnestly importuned him to depart out of their coasts; fearing, lest for their sins, some sorer judgment should fall upon them, than the loss of their swine; since they perceived he was a person of great power and authority; which shows great ignorance and worldly mindedness: they knew not how great a person they had among them; that he was the Son of God, and Saviour of the world: they might have known from the miracles wrought, that he was a very wonderful and extraordinary person; but then they considered him as one endued with great power, rather, to do them hurt than…”

“See this account of the demoniacs fully explained in the notes at Matthew 8:28-34. Mark 5:4 He had been often bound with fetters and chains - Efforts had been made to confine him, but his great strength - his strength increased by his malady - had prevented it. There often appears to be a great increase of strength produced by insanity, and what is here stated in regard to this maniac often occurs in Palestine and elsewhere now. Dr. Thomson (“The Land and the Book,” vol. i. p. 213) says respecting this case: “There are some very similar at the present day - furious and dangerous maniacs, who wander about the mountains, and sleep in tombs and caves. In their worst paroxysms they are quite…”

“5:17 The frightened people asked Jesus to go away. Fear and amazement are frequent responses to the mighty acts of Jesus (cp. 1:22, 27; 2:12; 4:41; 6:50-51). The response to Jesus’ saving work varied (cp. 4:14-20).”

“Mar 5:7, Mar 1:24; Gen 26:16; Deu 5:25; Kg1 17:18; Job 21:14, Job 21:15; Mat 8:34; Luk 5:8; Luk 8:37; Act 16:39 Mark 5:18”