Luke 8:38Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He experienced such clarity of thought that he acknowledged Jesus and desired to remain with Him. He likely feared that being apart from Jesus might lead him to succumb once more to the influence of evil spirits.

But why does Christ refrain from accepting the man who has been freed from demons, instead directing him to go back to his home? This is likely because He seeks to prevent any cause for praise and to provide an example to those lacking faith, illustrating that our true abode is at home. The healed individual, who had previously been ensnared in the abyss of his soul, received the directive to rise from the graves and tombs, returning to his spiritual sanctuary, so that he might become a dwelling of God, as noted in 1 Cor. 3:16.

The inhabitants of the region of the Gerasenes pleaded with Him to leave, as they were overwhelmed with profound fear. This can be understood further in the twelfth chapter of Matthew's Gospel. He then boarded a boat and set sail back. The man from whom the unclean spirits had departed sought to accompany Him, but Jesus instructed him to return home and share what God had accomplished in his life. He then went and proclaimed throughout the entire city all that Jesus had done for him. Mark provides a similar account in his fifth chapter, where you can find a thorough explanation of the reasons for the man's desire to stay with Jesus and why Jesus permitted him to leave, among other details.

It is suggested by some that the man who received healing sought to remain with Jesus Christ, fearing he might again fall under the influence of demons after their separation. However, since Jesus Christ's response does not indicate any concern about fear, it appears more plausible that he desired to serve as a minister of Jesus Christ in gratitude for the blessings he received.

Filled with gratitude for his redemption, the man desired to accompany Jesus. However, since he was chosen to testify about the miracle that had taken place in his life, Christ instructed him to return to his own community and share the great things the Lord had done for him, including the mercy he had received.

Upon witnessing this event, they were filled with dread. However, their fear stemmed not from the astounding miracle itself but from the profound loss they experienced in its occurrence. The demise of two thousand pigs was a grave matter, as these animals held greater value in their eyes than humanity or the blessings that could be received from the divine Guest. Consequently, they implored Christ, with a shameful consensus, to leave their region. The Lord had previously cautioned His disciples against sharing sacred gifts with those who are unworthy or casting valuable treasures before swine, “lest they trample them with their feet, and turn round and tear them up.” Therefore, He chose to depart from that unwelcoming land.

The narrative of the Lord's time in the region of the Gerasenes aligns closely with that of Luke, which in turn is consistent with Mark’s depiction found in Mark 5:1-20. Mark’s account is mirrored in Luke’s, while Matthew provides a more concise and slightly varied version.

Upon witnessing the events that unfolded, the shepherds hurried to share the news with all those in the city and nearby villages. This remarkable revelation prompted the townsfolk to rush to the scene to discover what had transpired. When they approached Jesus Christ, they encountered the man who had been possessed by many demons, now sitting peacefully at His feet, clothed, and in a sound mind, which filled them with fear. Those who had directly observed the miracle recounted the story of the demon-possessed man and the fate of the pigs, intensifying their dread; they were afraid of incurring further suffering and, lamenting their loss, rejected the presence of the Lord, as noted by Blessed Theophylact.