Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 8:26

"And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee." — Luke 8:26 (ASV)

“They sailed” connects this episode with the previous one, suggesting the accomplishment of the goal stated in v.22. If the purpose of the trip across the lake was to liberate the demoniac (no other activity is recorded in the region of the Gerasenes), it is possible to understand the storm at sea as the deliberate attempt of evil forces to prevent Jesus’ arrival.

The miracle in this section took place in Gentile territory (see comment on Mk 5:1), a fact especially important to Luke as validating the Christian mission to Gentiles. Verse 27 implies that the man was right by the shore when Jesus arrived.

In vv.27 and 29 we have a classic description of demon possession. The symptoms of such possession are like those of certain psychic illnesses known today, but Luke does not confuse illness with demon possession (cf. 4:40–41).

Certain effects of demon possession cited in this passage are (1) disregard for personal dignity (nakedness), (2) social isolation, (3) retreat to the simplest kind of shelter (caves, often containing tombs), (4) demons’ recognition of Jesus’ deity, (5) demonic control of speech, (6) shouting, and (7) extraordinary strength. The basic tragedy of the demoniac lay in his being controlled by powers totally antithetical to God and his kingdom.

The term "Most High God” is used here as a general term for deity apart from worship (contrast 1:32, 35, 76 with Ac 16:17). The words "fell at his feet” do not indicate worship: the plea “I beg you, don’t torture me!” along with the dialogue in vv.30–31 make it clear that the man’s words and actions are not his own. The "torture” is presumably that of being cast into the “Abyss” (cf. Revelation 20:1–3).