to leave their region.
The region referred to here is the area of the Gerasenes, located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This area was predominantly Gentile, which is significant in understanding the cultural and religious dynamics at play. The presence of a large herd of pigs, animals considered unclean by Jewish law, underscores the Gentile nature of the region. The request for Jesus to leave may also reflect a cultural and religious discomfort with His Jewish identity and the power He displayed. This incident foreshadows the broader rejection Jesus would face, culminating in His crucifixion, and highlights the theme of Jesus being a stumbling block to those who do not understand His mission (1 Corinthians 1:23). Additionally, this rejection contrasts with the acceptance Jesus often found among Gentiles elsewhere, such as the Roman centurion in Matthew 8:5-13.

• This single connective word ties the verse to the dramatic deliverance of the demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-16).

• It signals an immediate reaction, showing events flowed quickly—no pause for reflection.

• Cross references: Mark 4:41 “They were terrified and asked one another, ‘Who then is this?’”; Mark 5:15-16 where eyewitnesses recount the miracle “and how it happened to the demon-possessed man.”

• Not merely the herdsmen but the wider community of the Decapolis shoreline (Mark 5:14).

• They had just seen two thousand pigs rush into the sea (Mark 5:13), a shocking economic loss.

• Their collective response contrasts with the solitary man who had been freed.

• Cross references: Luke 8:37 notes “all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Him to depart”; John 3:19 “people loved the darkness rather than the Light”; Exodus 16:2 where “the whole congregation” murmured—group reactions tend to spread fear or unbelief.

• “Began” suggests a rising groundswell; it was not one request but many voices escalating.

• “Beg” (same verb used four times in this chapter) shows urgency; in vv.10,12 demons beg; in v.18 the delivered man begs to follow; here townsfolk beg Jesus to go—three different parties, three different motives.

• Their plea acknowledges His authority—only Someone sovereign can grant or deny such a request.

• Cross references: Mark 1:40 a leper “begged Him”; Mark 5:23 Jairus “begged Him earnestly”; Philippians 2:10 every knee will ultimately bow.

• They preferred life as it was—pigs, bondage, and spiritual darkness—over the disruptive freedom Christ brings.

• Fear of further loss outweighed awe at the miracle; material concerns eclipsed eternal ones.

• Jesus never forces Himself where He is not welcomed (cf. Matthew 13:58, “He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief”).

• Cross references: Matthew 8:34 (parallel account); John 6:66 many disciples “turned back and no longer walked with Him”; Acts 16:39 officials “asked them to leave the city.”

• Emphasizes ownership: they believed the territory, economy, and routines were theirs to control.

• Jesus honors human responsibility; He steps into boats when invited and steps out when dismissed (Mark 5:18-20).

• Yet He leaves a witness behind—the healed man—so His testimony remains even after His physical departure.

• Cross references: Revelation 3:20 He stands and knocks; Matthew 10:14 disciples shake dust off where unwelcome; Acts 1:8 witnesses begin “in Jerusalem…to the ends of the earth,” showing Christ’s gospel moves on.

Mark 5:17 portrays a community that, confronted with undeniable divine power, chooses comfort over conversion. They collectively implore Jesus to depart, revealing hearts more anxious over lost livestock than liberated souls. Respecting their decision, Jesus leaves but ensures a testimony remains. The verse warns that Christ’s presence can be dismissed, yet His authority and mission press forward elsewhere.

Parallel Commentaries ...