Mark 5:1
And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The Gadarenes (also called Gerasenes in some manuscripts) lived in the Decapolis, a confederation of ten Greco-Roman cities east and southeast of the Sea of Galilee. This region was culturally Hellenistic with significant Gentile population, though some Jews also resided there. Archaeological excavations at Gadara (modern Umm Qais) reveal extensive Roman ruins including theaters, baths, and temples to pagan deities. The presence of pig herds (v. 11) confirms this was Gentile territory, as Jews considered pigs unclean (Leviticus 11:7). First-century Jews generally avoided Gentile regions to prevent ritual defilement. Jesus' willingness to enter this area was countercultural and foreshadowed the church's mission to the Gentiles. The journey across the Sea of Galilee took several hours, making this a deliberate mission rather than accidental encounter.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' deliberate journey through a storm into Gentile territory to save one demon-possessed man reveal the value God places on every individual soul?
- What 'other side' territories—culturally, relationally, or geographically—is Christ calling you to cross with the gospel?
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Analysis & Commentary
And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. This verse transitions from Jesus' calming the storm (4:35-41) to confronting demonic forces—both demonstrating Christ's authority over supernatural powers. 'The other side of the sea' (τὸ πέραν τῆς θαλάσσης, to peran tēs thalassēs) refers to crossing the Sea of Galilee from Jewish territory to Gentile regions. 'The country of the Gadarenes' (τὴν χώραν τῶν Γαδαρηνῶν, tēn chōran tōn Gadarēnōn) identifies the Decapolis region—predominantly Gentile territory where pigs were raised (forbidden in Jewish law).
Jesus' deliberate journey into Gentile territory reveals His mission's universal scope—salvation extends beyond ethnic Israel to all nations. The fact that He crossed a dangerous storm (4:37) to deliver one demon-possessed man demonstrates the infinite worth of every soul and Christ's determination to seek and save the lost. This geographic movement anticipates the gospel's global expansion recorded in Acts. Reformed theology emphasizes that Christ's saving work encompasses elect persons from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 5:9). The narrative that follows showcases Jesus' absolute authority over Satan and demons—no spiritual force can resist His command.