And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
him that.
Mark 5:4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
Isaiah 49:24,25 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? …
Matthew 9:33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
and they.
1 Samuel 6:20,21 And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us? …
1 Samuel 16:4 And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
1 Chronicles 13:12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?
they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons
The man was previously tormented by a "legion" of demons, indicating a large number, as a Roman legion consisted of about 6,000 soldiers. This highlights the severity of his possession and the power of Jesus to overcome such a formidable force. The man's condition before meeting Jesus is described earlier in the chapter, emphasizing his isolation and torment.
sitting there
The act of sitting signifies peace and rest, a stark contrast to the man's previous state of unrest and violence. In biblical times, sitting was often associated with learning or being in a state of calm, suggesting the man was now receptive and at peace.
clothed
Previously, the man was naked, a sign of his shame and the control the demons had over him. Being clothed symbolizes restoration and dignity. In biblical terms, clothing often represents righteousness and being in a right relationship with God, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:22).
and in his right mind
This indicates a complete transformation, as the man was once out of control and self-destructive. Being in his right mind suggests mental and spiritual healing, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Jesus' healing power. It also signifies the restoration of the man's identity and humanity.
and they were afraid
The reaction of fear from the people can be understood in several ways. It may reflect awe at the power of Jesus, fear of the unknown, or concern over the economic loss of the pigs that drowned. This fear is a common response to divine encounters in Scripture, as seen in the reactions to angelic appearances or miraculous events. It underscores the profound impact of Jesus' authority and the challenge it posed to the status quo.
The herdsmen had fled after the pigs rushed into the sea (Mark 5:14), and now they return with townspeople in tow. Everyone heads straight for Jesus—He is the focal point of every true spiritual encounter. Luke’s parallel account confirms the scene: “When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at Jesus’ feet” (Luke 8:35). As with the frightened disciples in the storm who also “came to Jesus” (Mark 4:38-41), the right response to chaos is always to approach the Lord.
A moment earlier this man had been the terror of the region; now he is the picture of peace. The crowd’s first impression is visual—“they saw.” Scripture often highlights the transformational power of meeting Christ (John 9:8-11; Acts 4:13). People may ignore arguments, but they cannot dismiss a changed life.
Mark reminds us of the depth of bondage: a “legion,” a term for thousands. Deliverance this complete proves Jesus’ absolute authority over the unseen realm, fulfilling 1 John 3:8, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil”. Paul later writes that believers were once “dead in your trespasses…following the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:1-2), but Christ sets captives free.
The once-restless man is now calm, motionless, and settled. His posture echoes Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God”. Like Mary at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39), he takes the position of a disciple, not a menace. Redemption brings rest.
Moments earlier he was naked among the tombs; now he is properly dressed. God has always been the One who clothes the ashamed (Genesis 3:21). Salvation brings new garments: “He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me in a robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). In Christ we “put on the new self” (Colossians 3:10).
Deliverance touches the inner life as much as the outer. Soundness replaces confusion, fulfilling 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control”. Romans 12:2 calls believers to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”; this man’s renewed mind stands as living proof of that promise.
Ironically, the crowd fears the cure more than the chaos. Similar awe gripped the disciples after Jesus stilled the storm: “They were terrified and asked, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!’” (Mark 4:41). Holiness can be unsettling; Acts 5:5 notes that fear seized all who saw divine power displayed. Confronted with undeniable authority, people must decide whether to beg Jesus to leave—like these townsfolk (Mark 5:17)—or to follow Him.
Mark 5:15 showcases the total reversal Jesus brings: terror becomes tranquility, nakedness becomes dignity, madness becomes clarity. The crowd’s fear underlines the weight of divine authority, while the delivered man illustrates the comprehensive salvation Christ still offers—freedom, rest, righteousness, and a renewed mind.
(15) And had the legion.--This special form of the antithesis between the man's past and present state is given by St. Mark only.Verse 15. - And they come to Jesus, and behold him that was possessed with devils sitting, clothed and in his right mind, even him that had the legion; and they were afraid. St, Luke adds that they found him sitting at the feet of Jesus. It is likely enough that the man, as soon as he found himself dispossessed, had east himself at the feet of Jesus, and was worshipping him; but that, when hidden by Christ to sit, he chose to place himself at his feet. "He was clothed, and in his right mind." What a contrast to the previous description! "And they were afraid." They dreaded Christ's power. They saw that he was almighty; but they did not seek to know his love, and so to attain to that love which "casteth out fear."