A Tale of Two Storms

March 15

Immediately after calming the storm in Mark 4, Jesus arrived at the region of the Gerasenes (also called the Gadarenes or the Gergesenes). Sadly, about a thousand years ago, someone decided to put a chapter break in the text between these events, because if you’re reading one chapter at a time, you might miss the fact that Mark presents the story of Jesus and His disciples calming one physical storm and immediately arriving at another one.

Upon arrival, they encounter a demonized man living in the tombs who was so tormented by an unclean spirit that he could not be controlled by those around him. (5:2) They tried to restrain him with chains, but the chains were too weak and broke. He constantly cried out and cut himself with stones. (v. 5) When Jesus asked for the demon’s name, the response was, “My name is Legion for we are many.” Now, consider that, at this time (the first century A.D.), a Roman legion consisted of some 5,000-6,000 men as heavy infantry, plus 120 cavalry. This poor man then was tormented not by one unclean spirit but thousands!

Note: I use the term demonized, rather than demon-possessed or demon-oppressed, because that is the proper rendering of the Greek word δαιμονίζομαι, which appears in verse 15 and numerous other places throughout the Gospels. Oftentimes, well-meaning Christians use the terms “possessed” and “oppressed” to distinguish between demonic affliction in an unbeliever versus a believer. The former term, they argue, only applies to unbelievers since believers cannot ever be totally controlled by demons since the Holy Spirit resides within them.

That is certainly true. But, the argument is frequently taken one step further, alleging that Christians can never be inhabited by demons because they could not possibly dwell in the same body as the Holy Spirit. The Bible, however, makes no such a statement. That is an argument from silence and big “no-no” in theology.

Still confusing is the fact that the word “possessed” implies ownership and total control. Now, while that might be the case in a number of demonic encounters recorded in the Gospels, it’s certainly not the case in all of them, and the boy who had a mute and deaf spirit and the bent-over woman with a disabling spirit are two quick examples. (Mark 9:25; Luke 13:11)

Complicating things further is the fact that the word “oppressed” implies that the demonization of the individual is an external affliction, rather than internal one. The trouble here is that ALL demonization in Scripture is internal. Every time the verb δαιμονίζομαι is used a demon is in someone—not outside of them, around them, etc. AND, demons are always “cast out” out of people—never “cast off.” No exceptions.

See how quickly the waters get muddied when we deviate from God’s word choices? His word δαιμονίζομαι (“demonize”), by the way, simply means “to have a demon.” So, let’s keep it simple and use His word, instead of splitting hairs and complicating the matter.

Returning to the demonized man now, one thing we must not miss is that he was so incredibly strong he broke chains and shackles and cut himself with stones. You may know someone or may have heard of someone involved in self-harm, which can be related to deeply-rooted anger, depression, self-esteem, and body dysphoria. However, self-harm (along with overwhelming strength) can be strong signs of demonization. If you know anyone exhibiting these behaviors, it may be due to demonization. If so, they need specialized help by someone experienced in dealing with these issues.

Legion asked to be cast into a herd of some two thousand pigs nearby, and Jesus obliged them. After this large herd of demonized pigs rushed into the sea, and the local people begged Jesus to leave the region. It seems that they were more concerned with their financial stability than with Jesus’ influence and this poor man’s condition.

Finally, the demonized man begged to accompany Jesus and His disciples. Jesus told the man, however, “Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” (v. 19) The man then went and proclaimed what Jesus had done for him across ten towns (the Decapolos). Wow, what a testimony and influence this man must have had!

Application

All this talk of demons might have raised the question in your mind, “So, can Satan just go and torment someone whenever he wants?” The answer: no.

I refer you to the book of Job, where Job was tormented by Satan himself. Here we read that Satan approached God requesting to torment Job. God first said he could touch anything belonging to Job, but could not lay one finger on the man himself. (Job 1) Satan then requested another round with job. This time God allowed Satan to bodily afflict Job but not take his life. (Job 2)

The point here is that Satan was/is not a free agent. Neither he nor his demons can do a single thing apart from the sovereign permission of God! (1 Kings 22:19-23 demonstrates that demons are limited in the same way as Satan.) Never in Scripture is there a question as to who has more authority between God and Satan, and never is there a question about who is always on the throne.

Do not fear Satan then. He can only do what God allows. And, remember when you are tempted that God always gives His people a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

© Copyright 2026 Craig Beaman