Luke 8:38
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Luke 8:38
38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
Chapter Context
Luke 8 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, wisdom, faith. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-56: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 8:38
38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
Analysis
Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, The healed demoniac's response contrasts sharply with the crowd's rejection. "Now the man out of whom the devils were departed" (edēito de autou ho anēr aph' hou exelēlythei ta daimonia, ἐδεῖτο δὲ αὐτοῦ ὁ ἀνὴρ ἀφ' οὗ ἐξεληλύθει τὰ δαιμόνια) identifies him by his deliverance—his defining characteristic is now freedom from demons, not possession by them. "Besought him that he might be with him" (edēito autou einai syn autō, ἐδεῖτο αὐτοῦ εἶναι σὺν αὐτῷ) expresses intense desire for discipleship, to remain in Jesus' company permanently.
His request seems reasonable—why shouldn't the most dramatically delivered person become Jesus' follower? Yet "Jesus sent him away" (apelysen auton, ἀπέλυσεν αὐτὸν) redirects his calling. The verb apelysen (sent away, dismissed, released) indicates authoritative commission to different service. Not every delivered person is called to follow Jesus geographically; some are commissioned to testify where they are. The man wanted to be with Jesus; Jesus wanted him to be His witness in the Decapolis.
This passage teaches that deliverance creates obligation to testify. The man's dramatic transformation—from naked, violent, demon-possessed tomb-dweller to clothed, peaceful, sound-minded disciple—gave him unique credibility as a witness. His testimony among people who knew his previous condition would be more powerful than an unknown itinerant preacher's words. Jesus strategically deploys witnesses where they'll have maximum impact. Sometimes discipleship means staying home and testifying, not leaving everything to follow geographically.
Historical Context
The Decapolis was predominantly Gentile territory where Jesus had limited ministry during His earthly life. His primary focus was "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24), though He occasionally ministered to Gentiles (Centurion's servant, Syrophoenician woman, Gadarene demoniac). By commissioning the healed man to testify in Decapolis, Jesus planted gospel seeds in Gentile soil that would bear fruit in Acts as the church expanded beyond Jewish boundaries.
Mark 5:20 records the man's obedience: "he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel." The verb "publish" (κηρύσσω) means to proclaim as a herald—formal, public announcement. His testimony prepared the region for later ministry. When Jesus returned to Decapolis (Mark 7:31-37), crowds brought the deaf and mute for healing, suggesting the healed demoniac's witness had created receptivity.
Early church missionary strategy often followed this pattern: convert individuals, commission them to witness in their communities, return later to build on established awareness. Paul's missionary journeys demonstrate this methodology—initial evangelism, commission local believers to testify, return to strengthen churches. The healed demoniac becomes the first Gentile missionary, commissioned to evangelize his own people using the powerful testimony of personal transformation.
Reflection
- What does Jesus' refusal of the man's request to follow Him teach about different callings and forms of discipleship?
- How does personal testimony about transformation often carry more weight than external preaching in reaching skeptical communities?
- In what ways does Jesus strategically deploy witnesses where they'll have maximum impact rather than keeping all delivered people near Him?