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reported how the demon-possessed man
The man in question was possessed by a legion of demons, indicating a severe case of demonic influence. This highlights the spiritual warfare theme present in the Gospels, where Jesus confronts and overcomes the forces of darkness. The term "demon-possessed" reflects the belief in personal, malevolent spiritual beings that can inhabit and control individuals, a concept consistent with Jewish and early Christian understanding of the spiritual realm.

had been healed.
The healing of the demon-possessed man demonstrates Jesus' authority over evil spirits, showcasing His divine power and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's role in liberating captives (Isaiah 61:1). The term "healed" suggests not only physical and mental restoration but also spiritual liberation, a holistic salvation that Jesus offers. This act prefigures the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus' death and resurrection, emphasizing His role as the Savior.

Luke sets the scene in real time. While the herdsmen fled and the townspeople hurried out (Luke 8:34–35), this single word keeps us in the flow of events, reminding us that nothing is random. Jesus had just driven out a legion of demons, and the timeline continues without pause. Like Mark’s account—“The herdsmen ran off and reported it in the town and countryside” (Mark 5:14)—Luke signals that the ripple effects of Christ’s work begin immediately.

Eyewitnesses matter. God anchors the Gospel record in verifiable testimony:

• Multiple observers confirm the miracle (Deuteronomy 19:15;2 Peter 1:16).

• The crowd later finds the man “clothed and in his right mind” (Luke 8:35), validating these witnesses.

• John later writes, “What we have seen with our eyes… this we proclaim” (1 John 1:1–3). The faith we hold is built on real, historical events attested by real people.

They did more than gape; they spoke. Faithful reporting spreads the fame of Jesus:

• In Mark’s parallel, the witnesses “described what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs” (Mark 5:16).

• Jesus Himself tells the delivered man, “Return home and describe what God has done for you” (Luke 8:39).

• Testimony—whether from shepherds at Bethlehem (Luke 2:17) or from a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4:29)—moves hearts and minds toward Christ.

Luke insists the man was truly demonized, not merely ill or misunderstood. Scripture treats demonic oppression as literal, and so do we:

• Before the miracle, he lived among tombs, driven by destructive forces (Luke 8:27).

• Jesus often confronted demons directly, distinguishing them from ordinary sickness (Matthew 12:22;Luke 4:41).

• Behind the scenes rages a real spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12), and the Gospel brings decisive authority over it.

The Greek word Luke chooses, though not cited here, conveys wholeness. Jesus does more than expel evil; He restores:

•Acts 10:38 summarizes His ministry: “He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.”

• Isaiah’s prophecy—“He has sent Me to release the oppressed” (Luke 4:18)—finds vivid fulfillment.

• The man becomes an instant witness, picturing what happens when anyone encounters Christ: bondage replaced by freedom, chaos by peace (1 John 3:8).

Luke 8:36 captures the chain reaction of a miracle: eyewitnesses watch Jesus’ absolute authority over demons, then immediately publicize what they saw. Their truthful report validates the reality of demonic oppression, the compassion of Christ, and the completeness of His healing power. In a single sentence, Luke assures us that Jesus still liberates, still restores, and still deserves to be proclaimed by all who have truly seen what He can do.

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