Mark 5:20
And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
Mark 5:20 (KJV)
Context
This verse concludes the account of Jesus healing a man possessed by a legion of demons in the region of the Gerasenes. After the demons were cast out and sent into a herd of swine that drowned in the sea, the man was restored to his right mind. He wanted to remain with Jesus, but the Lord sent him home with a specific mission: to declare what God had done for him (Mark 5:19).
Meaning
The man departed and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him. The Greek word translated “publish” is kēryssein, meaning to proclaim or herald, the same term used for preaching the gospel. His testimony was not a private report but a public declaration. Decapolis was a league of ten Gentile cities east of the Jordan, so his witness reached a predominantly non-Jewish population. The people’s response was amazement, though the text does not specify whether this led to faith.
Biblical connections
The parallel account in Luke 8:39 says he proclaimed throughout the whole city what Jesus had done for him. This verse also echoes the Great Commission, where Jesus sends His followers to be witnesses “unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The man’s simple testimony, without formal training, demonstrates that God can use anyone to spread the good news.
Application
This passage encourages believers to share their own experiences of God’s grace, trusting that God can use simple testimony to reach others. It also highlights the importance of obedience to Christ’s specific instructions, even when they differ from our own desires. The man’s transformation from a violent, isolated outcast to a public witness is striking evidence of Jesus’ power and compassion.
Obedience and Testimony: The healed man obeyed Jesus’ command to share his testimony, teaching us the importance of following God’s instructions in our lives.
Power and Compassion of Jesus: Mark 5:20 highlights Jesus’ authority over the spiritual realm and His desire to use ordinary individuals to spread the news of His saving work.
The Great Commission: This verse reminds us of the call to go into all the world and share the Gospel, encouraging us to be bold witnesses for Christ regardless of our background or past.
Reflection
By studying this verse, we gain insight into the transformative power of Jesus, the significance of sharing our testimonies, and the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission. The man’s obedience and the people’s marveling remind us that God’s works are worthy of proclamation, and our own stories of grace can point others to Him.
