Mark 5:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The residents of that town, astonished by the miraculous event, approached Jesus, and upon hearing the full account, they were filled with even greater fear.

The deacon shall proclaim, “Depart in peace.” Once they have exited, it should be uttered, “Pray for those afflicted by unholy spirits!” We will collectively pray fervently for them, that the compassionate Lord, through Christ, may bring judgment upon unclean and malevolent spirits, and liberate those possessed at Christ's behest from the grasp of the adversary.

They approached Jesus and observed the man who had once been wild and caused them great fear now sitting peacefully at Jesus' feet, dressed and restored to a sound mind. This man, previously tormented by demons to the point of breaking chains, had not been clothed (Luke 8:27); it was undoubtedly the disciples of Jesus who had provided him with garments. Those who arrived found him in his right mind, as they had engaged in conversation with him and recognized his mental clarity. The shepherds who had returned also participated in the discussion and, as witnesses, shared their account with those who came. Many from the surrounding area of the Gerasenes were present, as noted in Luke's account. However, these were rugged individuals; their hardened hearts and unyielding minds could not grasp the significance of the event. They were overwhelmed with great fear and filled with dread.

Filled with wonder at this remarkable occurrence, the shepherds hurried to share the news in the towns and villages, prompting people to gather from all around to witness this extraordinary visitor to their land. They discovered that even the most fearsome man, possessed by demons and a source of terror to all, had experienced a miraculous transformation. The astonishing visitor had healed him, and he now sat in serene composure like a child. A compassionate hand had draped a garment over his bare and soiled body, and he was now seated at the feet of his Redeemer, fully restored to his right mind. Upon witnessing this, the onlookers were filled with fear. Yet their fear stemmed not from the profound miracle itself, but from the significant loss they felt as a result of it.

"Seated and dressed," the man who once had broken his chains and shackles, likely tearing his garments in a fit of madness, was now transformed. After the unclean spirit was cast out and his mind restored, he sat in humility, fully clothed—this was the first evident indication of the miracle that had occurred in his life. They were "afraid" of this extraordinary divine power; their fear stemmed primarily from an awareness of their sinful and lawless existence, as those who undergo a deep moral decline often regard the presence of the holy with trepidation (cf. note on Matthew 8:34).

Upon witnessing the events, the shepherds hurried to share the news with all in the town and surrounding areas. This remarkable report prompted many to rush to the site to discover what had taken place. When they approached Jesus Christ, they encountered the man possessed by a multitude of demons, now seated at His feet, clothed and restored to sanity, which filled them with fear. Those who witnessed the miracle recounted to the others the details of the possessed man’s transformation and the fate of the pigs. This account deepened their terror; they feared further calamity and, lamenting their losses, rejected the presence of the Lord. The entire community around Gadarene, along with those from the town, pleaded for Him to leave their region. Thus, as St.