Mark 5:20

Publish. Gr. kemsso, literally, “to herald”; hence, “to proclaim.” In the brief hour or so during which Jesus had remained with these two men great things had happened. They had an inspiring story to tell, and in the interval before the people came out from the city Jesus no doubt instructed them in the fundamental truths of the gospel story. As they proclaimed their message throughout the region of Decapolis, what they said was confirmed by the report of the swineherds, which must have spread throughout the vicinity of Gergesa (see on v. 1) with lightning speed. Men everywhere must have listened with eager interest when these, for whose benefit the miracle had been performed, came with the gospel story. Their own former reputation as madmen must also have been widely known (see Matt. 8:28).

Decapolis. See p. 46. The various cities of the Decapolis had been Hellenistic since the time of Alexander the Great, but were subdued by the Jews under the Maccabees. They were liberated from Jewish rule by the Roman general Pompey, who distributed the land among veterans of his army.

All men did marvel. As the two men, now under the control of the Spirit of God, told their story, people everywhere listened in surprise and astonishment. The results of their ministry should bring great encouragement to those who may feel that their own ability and training are not sufficient to enable them to bear effective witness for Christ. Those who sincerely love Christ, and whose lives have been transformed by His power, need simply to tell others “how great things the Lord hath done” for them (v. 19), and men will be won to Christ.

This probably took place late in the autumn of A.D. 29 (see on Luke 8:1). When Jesus returned to Decapolis some nine or ten months later (see on Matt. 15:32), thousands flocked to see and hear Him (cf. DA 340, 341). Those who came out to hear Jesus upon that later occasion were almost entirely Gentiles.