Mark 5:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 5:17
17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
Chapter Context
Mark 5 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, creation, grace. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 5:17
17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
Analysis
And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. This shocking response reveals the tragedy of valuing temporal comfort above eternal salvation. 'They began to pray him' (ἤρξαντο παρακαλεῖν αὐτόν, ērxanto parakalein auton) uses the same verb (parakalein) employed for earnest pleading—the same intensity used by those seeking healing. Yet here it expresses the opposite desire: 'depart out of their coasts' (ἀπελθεῖν ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν, apelthein apo tōn horiōn autōn)—leave our region.
Why would people who witnessed supernatural deliverance reject the Deliverer? Fear of further economic disruption, unwillingness to acknowledge Jesus' authority, or preference for familiar bondage over costly discipleship. This mirrors those who prefer comfortable slavery to demanding freedom (Exodus 14:11-12). The Gadarenes valued their pigs and predictable lifestyle above the Prince of Peace. Their rejection fulfilled Jesus' teaching that 'the gate is narrow and few find it' (Matthew 7:14). Reformed theology emphasizes that regeneration is necessary for willing response to Christ—natural man resists divine authority and prefers autonomy to submission. This passage warns against rejecting Christ when He disrupts comfortable sin patterns.
Historical Context
Jesus' miracle threatened the region's economic foundation. Pig farming was lucrative in Gentile territories where Jewish dietary laws didn't apply. The herdsmen and pig owners faced substantial financial loss, creating community-wide anxiety about Jesus' continued presence. Would He disrupt more industries? Challenge more practices? First-century economic systems were less diversified than modern economies—losing one industry could devastate a region. The townspeople faced a choice: economic stability or spiritual transformation. Their choice to prioritize economics echoes throughout history—Ephesian silversmiths rioted when Paul's preaching threatened their idol-making business (Acts 19:23-28). Early church fathers noted the irony: these Gentiles rejected Jesus while He would eventually be embraced by Gentiles worldwide. Jesus respected their free will, departing when explicitly rejected, though leaving the healed demoniac as ongoing witness.
Reflection
- What economic interests, comfortable patterns, or familiar systems might you be protecting that prevent full surrender to Christ's lordship?
- How does the Gadarenes' rejection of Jesus despite witnessing His power warn against prioritizing temporal security over eternal transformation?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Mark 1:24, 5:7, Matthew 8:34, Luke 5:8, 8:37, Acts 16:39