Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 8:34

"And when they that fed them saw what had come to pass, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country." — Luke 8:34 (ASV)

When the demons entered the swine, they were carried into the lake. In ancient thought, the water of the sea or a large lake was one form of the Abyss, though that may not be Luke’s intention here.

The episode of the pigs is integral to the present narrative in two ways.

Theologically, it completes the cycle just described . Psychologically, it is essential for understanding the complex response of the townspeople. The report of what happened to the swine first triggered the people’s fear, which merged into overwhelming awe on seeing the former demoniac “dressed and in his right mind.” But what about the ethical aspect of the pigs’ destruction? Obviously the good of the man was more important than that of the pigs. Moreover, the demons themselves insisted on entering the pigs; Jesus permitted them to do this but did not actively send them there. Inevitably the discussion moves from exegesis to theology and the problem of evil—why it exists and why God in his wisdom, power, and love permits evil in this world.

Once the demons are off the scene, attention centers on the man and Jesus.

Now healed and a new man, the former demoniac is commissioned by Jesus, not to go with him as a disciple, but to be a witness where he lived. Jesus has different ways for different believers to serve him (cf. Jn 21:21-22).