Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 5:15

"And they come to Jesus, and behold him that was possessed with demons sitting, clothed and in his right mind, [even] him that had the legion: and they were afraid." — Mark 5:15 (ASV)

The result of the stampede and destruction of the pigs was the flight of the herdsmen to tell everyone in the area what had happened (v.14). This brought the people to the scene of the miracle. When they arrived, they could scarcely believe their eyes! The violent, demon-possessed man was now sitting quietly, dressed and in his right mind. Only the Son of God can deliver us from the tyranny of the devil.

Instead of rejoicing, the people were terrified to be in the presence of one with power to perform such a miracle.