besought . Greek. parakaleo. See App-134 . Not the same word as in verses: Luke 8:28 , Luke 8:37 , Luke 8:38 . the deep . Greek abussos; not the sea as in Luke 5:4 . Occurs nine times: here, Romans 10:7 . Revelation 9:1 , Revelation 9:2 , Revelation 9:11 ; Revelation 11:7 ; Revelation 17:8 ; Revelation 20:1 , Revelation 20:3 . read more
And they entreated him that he would not command them to depart into the abyss.As Ash observed:The demons recognized that when Jesus commanded they must obey, and that the abyss was the fate for which they were destined (cf. Revelation 9:1-11; 11:7; 17:8; and Revelation 20:1-3). The ABYSS symbolized the chaos in opposition to which the world was fashioned (Genesis 1:2).[17] read more
Luke 8:31. And they brought him, &c.— It seems from Daniel 10:13; Dan 10:20 that different evil genii presided over distinct legions, by the directionsof Satan their prince. These, who perhaps were spirits of distinguished abilities, might be appointed to reside hereabouts, to oppose as much as possible the beneficial designs of Christ; and having made their observations on the character and circumstances of the inhabitants, they might judge themselves capable of doing more mischief here... read more
F. Jesus’ mighty works 8:22-56This section is quite similar to Mark’s account. Luke chose miracles that demonstrated Jesus’ power over nature, demons, and illness and death to show Jesus’ authority as the divine Savior. Again he stressed the powerful word of Jesus. These miracles also revealed Jesus’ compassion and willingness to save people in need. read more
2. The deliverance of a demoniac in Gadara 8:26-39 (cf. Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20)The raging of this demoniac was even worse than the raging of the waters of Galilee (cf. Psalms 65:7). Demonic power was evident in the Hellenistic world of Luke’s original readers. The fact that this incident happened in predominantly Gentile territory suggests that Luke may have seen in it a preview of the church’s ministry to Gentiles (cf. Acts 26:18). In his account of this incident Luke stressed the saving... read more
Jesus was probably asking the name of the demon who indwelt the man for His disciples’ benefit. "Legion" was not a proper name but the name of a Roman military unit that consisted of about 6,000 soldiers. The name "Legion" communicated that thousands of demons indwelt the man (cf. Luke 8:2; Mark 5:13). The "abyss" refers to the final confinement place of the devil and his angels (cf. Romans 10:7; Revelation 9:1-3; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:1-3). The Jews thought of it as a... read more
8:31 besought (d-3) Or 'he besought.' pit. (e-17) The word elsewhere translated 'abyss;' Romans 10:7 ; Revelation 9:1 , &c. read more
Parable of the Sower. The Demoniac of Gadara1-3. Tours through Galilee. The ministering women (peculiar to Lk).2. Mary called Magdalene] see on Matthew 27:56.Seven devils] Mark 16:9. The ’seven’ indicates the greatness of her disease, not of her previous wickedness. There is no evidence that the persons possessed with devils in the NT. were specially wicked, or that Mary Magdalene had ever been a woman of evil life.3. Joanna] see Luke 24:10. Our Lord did not, like the Pharisees,’ devour widows’... read more
(26-39) And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes.—See Notes on Matthew 8:28-34, and Mark 5:1-20. Here again St. Mark and St. Luke agree in their order, and differ from St. Matthew. The better MSS. give “Gerasenes” or “Gergesenes.” See Note on Matthew 8:28 for the localities.Which is over against Galilee.—St. Luke’s description of the region, which the other two Gospels name without describing, is characteristic of a foreigner writing for foreigners. read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Luke 8:26-39
58. Demon power overcome at Gadara (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39)Another place that Jesus visited was the district to the east and south of the Lake of Galilee known as Gadara. The people were mainly Gentiles and were known as Gadarenes (sometimes as Gerasenes, after the chief town of the district, or even Gergesenes, after another local town) (Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:1). Jesus was met there by a man whose body had been cruelly taken over by demons. To release the man from his... read more