Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:The term "Legion" in the context of the Bible refers to a group of demons that possessed a man in the region of the Gerasenes, as recounted in the Synoptic Gospels. This account is a significant demonstration of Jesus Christ's authority over demonic forces and His power to deliver those who are oppressed. Biblical Account: The primary account of Legion is found in the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke. In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit after crossing the Sea of Galilee to the region of the Gerasenes. The man lived among the tombs and exhibited superhuman strength, breaking chains and shackles, and was in constant torment, crying out and cutting himself with stones. When Jesus confronts the unclean spirit, He asks for its name. The response is, "My name is Legion, for we are many" (Mark 5:9). The term "Legion" is a reference to a Roman legion, which could consist of several thousand soldiers, indicating the multitude of demons possessing the man. The Demons' Request: The demons, recognizing Jesus' authority, beg Him not to send them out of the region. Instead, they request to be sent into a nearby herd of pigs. Jesus grants their request, and the demons enter the pigs, causing the entire herd to rush down a steep bank into the sea and drown (Mark 5:11-13). Reaction and Aftermath: The herdsmen, witnessing the event, flee to the city and countryside to report what happened. The people come to see for themselves and find the formerly possessed man sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. This transformation causes fear among the witnesses, and they plead with Jesus to leave their region (Mark 5:14-17). The man who had been possessed begs to accompany Jesus, but Jesus instructs him to return to his home and tell his friends what the Lord has done for him. The man obeys and begins to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and all the people were amazed (Mark 5:18-20). Theological Significance: The account of Legion underscores several key theological themes. First, it highlights the reality and presence of demonic forces in the world, acknowledging their capacity to oppress and torment individuals. Second, it demonstrates the supreme authority of Jesus Christ over the spiritual realm, as even a multitude of demons must submit to His command. Third, it illustrates the transformative power of Christ's deliverance, as seen in the radical change in the man's condition and behavior. Related Passages: · Matthew 8:28-34 provides a parallel account, noting two demon-possessed men and emphasizing the fear of the townspeople. · Luke 8:26-39 also recounts the event, focusing on the man's restoration and his subsequent testimony to the power of Jesus. Conclusion: The account of Legion serves as a powerful testament to the authority of Jesus over evil and His compassion for those in bondage. It invites believers to trust in Christ's power to deliver and transform lives, while also recognizing the spiritual battle that exists in the world. Nave's Topical Index Mark 5:9,15And he asked him, What is your name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. Nave's Topical Index Library The Legion of Demons. The Lord of Demons Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ... Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs. Comparison of Christ's Power Over Winds and Waves with Moses' ... Whether Divination Practiced by Invoking the Demons is Unlawful? What we Should Believe Concerning the Transformations which Seem ... Of the Deeds of Sylla, in which the Demons Boasted that He had ... Agency of Evil Spirits. Agency of Evil Spirits Resources What is the Anglican Church, and what do Anglicans believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are marine spirits? | GotQuestions.org Can angels die? Can angels be hurt? | GotQuestions.org Legion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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