Mark 5:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 5:15
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
Chapter Context
Mark 5 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, worship, prayer. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
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 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 5:15
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
Analysis
They found the formerly possessed man 'sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind'—complete transformation. 'Sitting' (καθήμενον) contrasts with previous violence and wandering. 'Clothed' (ἱματισμένον) contrasts with nakedness (Luke 8:27). 'In his right mind' (σωφρονοῦντα) contrasts with demonic insanity. The transformation is comprehensive: physically peaceful, socially restored (clothed), mentally sound. The phrase 'him that was possessed with the devil' (τὸν δαιμονιζόμενον) uses perfect participle indicating past state—he's no longer possessed. Their response: 'they were afraid' (ἐφοβήθησαν). Paradoxically, they feared healed sanity more than violent madness—divine power disturbed them more than demonic destruction.
Historical Context
The transformation's completeness authenticated exorcism. Ancient exorcisms, when successful, sometimes left victims disoriented or traumatized. Jesus' exorcisms produced complete, immediate wholeness. The man sitting peacefully 'at Jesus' feet' (Luke 8:35) indicates grateful discipleship posture. Clothing represents restored human dignity and social reintegration—naked madman becomes respectable community member. 'In his right mind' meant restored rationality, self-control, normal function. The townspeople's fear reveals uncomfortable truth: divine intervention disrupts comfortable status quo. Early church emphasized salvation's transforming power. Church history records countless dramatic conversions producing similar radical transformation.
Reflection
- How does the man's complete transformation demonstrate salvation's comprehensive nature—spiritual, mental, social, physical?
- What does the townspeople's fear reveal about human resistance to divine intervention's disturbing power?
- How does your life evidence Christ's transforming power, and what areas still need His healing touch?
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Luke 10:39
- Evil: Mark 5:18, Luke 8:27
- Parallel theme: Mark 5:9, 1 Samuel 16:4, 1 Chronicles 15:13, Job 13:11, Psalms 14:5, Colossians 1:13