How many demons went into the pigs? Luke 4:29), Girard comments: "But in these cases it is not the scapegoat who goes over the cliff, neither is it a single victim nor a small number of victims, but a whole crowd of demons, two thousand swine possessed by demons. Click to see full answer.
How many pigs were sent into the sea by the demons?
Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, the demons ask Jesus not to torment them but to send them into a herd of pigs. Jesus obliges and the unclean spirits enter roughly 2,000 pigs who rush down a steep bank and drown in the sea.
What happened to the demon-possessed men in the pigs?
So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus.
How many pigs were killed by unclean spirits in the Bible?
Jesus obliges and the unclean spirits enter roughly 2,000 pigs who rush down a steep bank and drown in the sea. This incident raises many questions: Can swine be possessed by demons?
Why did Jesus dump so many spirits on the pigs?
But these differences are typical of eye-witness reports and only irritate skeptics. The tricky bit is finding the correct reason why gentle Jesus dumped hundreds of murderous, unclean spirits on so many swine. Catch-22: Jesusʼs sole option! One possible reason the Son of David chose the pigs was that he had no choice.
What did God say about pigs?
In Leviticus 11:27, God forbids Moses and his followers to eat swine “because it parts the hoof but does not chew the cud.” Furthermore, the prohibition goes, “Of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch; they are unclean to you.” That message is later reinforced in Deuteronomy.
What does Legion mean in the Bible?
Legion is a demon or group of demons, particularly those in two of three versions of the exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac, an account in the New Testament of an incident in which Jesus performs an exorcism.
What is the meaning of Matthew 8 31?
In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads: So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. The New International Version translates the passage as: The demons begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs."
How many years had the woman had an issue of blood?
twelve yearsThe incident occurred while Jesus was traveling to Jairus' house, amid a large crowd, according to Mark: And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.
How many guardian angels does a person have?
two guardian angelsAccording to many Muslims, each person has two guardian angels, in front of and behind him, while the two recorders are located to the right and left.
What's a group of angels called?
Angels are organized into several orders, or "Angelic Choirs". As referred to in the theological doctrine of the communion of saints, in paradise there is a common and unique vision of the truth and contemplation of the face of God, without any kind of difference between angels or human souls.
What is the meaning of Matthew 8 29?
Analysis. The initial expression of the demons MacEvilly interprets as, "We only torment sinners. We have nothing to do with Thee, the Son of God, who art infinite sanctity, incapable of sin." MacEvilly also points out that from the expression "Son of God" it appears that the demons knew exactly who Jesus was.
What the Bible says about a woman's period?
In the third book of the Pentateuch or Torah and particularly in the Code of legal purity (or Provisions for clean and unclean) of the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11:1-15:33), it is stated that a woman undergoing menstruation is perceived as unclean for seven days and whoever touches her shall be unclean until evening (see ...
What is the real name of the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible?
VeronicaVeronica: The Woman With The Issue of Blood (Women Who Met Jesus Book 2) Kindle Edition. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Veronica is a young girl from a chaotic family who falls in love with handsome and yet awkward Nathanial who lives out his dream of becoming a fisherman.
What does take up your cross mean?
To "take up our cross," however, means to lay our strengths aside. It means to lay our "ego strength" aside. Taking up our cross means, instead, picking up those weaknesses that we so often try to run away from in life.
Why do the demons beg to be allowed to enter the swine?
It could be because they didn’t want to leave the area where they had been successful in doing their mischief among the people. Perhaps they were drawn to the unclean animals because of their own filthiness.
What did Jesus do when the demons begged him to let them go into a herd of pig
When the demons begged Jesus to let them go into a herd of pigs, He gave them permission. They entered the pigs, rushed down the steep bank into the lake, and were drowned. Jesus thereby made known His authority and thwarted whatever evil purpose the demons had.
What did the healed demoniacs do?
The healed demoniac, on the other hand, demonstrated the true faith and repentance of a changed heart and begged to be allowed to follow Jesus.
Why were the demons drawn to the unclean animals?
Perhaps they were drawn to the unclean animals because of their own filthiness. The demons may have made this strange request because it was their last chance to avoid confinement in the Abyss, the place of confinement to which evil spirits are doomed ( Revelation 9:1-6 ).
Where is the story of Jesus casting the legion of demons into a herd of pigs?
Answer. The story of Jesus casting the legion of demons into a herd of pigs is found in Matthew 8:28–34; Mark 5:1-20; and Luke 8:26–39. Only Matthew mentions the more prominent of the two demoniacs involved. Demoniacs were persons whose minds came under the control of an evil spirit or spirits.
Why were Demons so prominent during the days of Christ's ministry?
That such phenomena were especially prominent during the days of Christ’s earthly ministry is consistent with Satan’s efforts to counteract God’s program. It also allows us to witness the spiritual warfare in which our Savior was constantly engaged. Demons knew exactly who Jesus was—"Son of God"—and were aware of their ultimate doom ...
Can demons do anything without Jesus' permission?
Whatever their reasoning, it is clear from the account that demons had little power of their own and were unable to do anything without Jesus’ permission. As Christians, we can take comfort in the knowledge that the forces of the enemy of our souls are under the complete control of God and can only act in ways He allows.
Why did the Son of David choose the pigs?
One possible reason the Son of David chose the pigs was that he had no choice. Indeed, some believe that Jesusʼs single option was to let Legion loose on the animals. Their line of reasoning supposes that Jesus wanted to save the man (men) but too many unclean spirits meant Jesus had to “negotiate” to get them to move out . And the only real bargaining chip — according to this interpretation — was offering them the two thousand big pink chips.
Where did Jesus meet the demons?
The real-estate on the east side of the lake of Galilee where Jesus met the demons and the swine was also part of Israel-proper. Years earlier, when the ancient Israelis came to the border of the Promised Land, part of the eastern shore was controlled by the Geshurites (and the Maakathites) but Joshua told Israel to possess their land ( Joshua 13:11-13 ). The other part of the eastern shoreline was controlled by Og, king of Bashan, but it and sixty walled cities were taken from them by Moses and given to the tribes of Israel ( Deuteronomy 3:1-7, 16; compare with 1 Kings 4:13 ).
Why does God limit righteous people to a select group of clean/pure animals?
The main reason God limits righteous people to a select group of clean/pure animals is for the purpose of holiness. And holiness means salvation, as Paul wrote in two different letter, “without holiness no man [or woman] shall see God” ( Hebrews 12:14 and Romans 6:22 ). Sadly, GotQuestions misses the point, or they lie, saying that “being distinct” was all important to God. They do not bother mentioning Scriptureʼs emphasis on being holy before God. That amazing phrase, “all of you be holy for I am holy” did not start with Peter ( 1 Peter 1:16 ), because the apostle is quoting Leviticus. Why do I say that book? Because in all of Holy Writ, the phrase first appears in Leviticus 11 ( Leviticus 11:44) right after God talks about clean/pure meats. And then God Himself repeated it five more times in the same book: Leviticus 11:45, Leviticus 19:2, Leviticus 20:2, Leviticus 20:7-8 and Leviticus 20:26! These are tremendously important facts that GotQuestions is ignorant of, or they prefer to spread disinformation about, this important Biblical truth that, in the mind of the Almighty, holiness is bound to what we eat.
Why is the Bishop of Hippo not biblical?
The hard-hearted views of the Bishop of Hippo are not biblical because righteous people are obliged by God to be considerate to all animals, even wild animals , as discussed below. And sadly, neither of the two Johns considered Godʼs extreme love for His Creation when giving their interpretations. But if one cared to examine all of Godʼs Word, the only possible reason for Jesus to destroy the pigs in the exorcism seems to be connected to Godʼs opinion about ham. Yes, you read that right. The normally merciful Messiah destroyed the pigs in accordance with Godʼs Law about clean and unclean meat. That's why Jesus's motivation to kill the herd was more than obvious to the Tedious Twelve and the gospel writers. Of course this “kosher” interpretation is just as obvious — painfully obvious — to John MacArthur and Piper, yet I've never seen either refute the issue or deal honestly with their doubts. But should you also doubt, my friendly blog reader, read on. Seven Biblical facts await you that prove Jesus was obliged to love all creatures, except that a higher command forced him to partially judge the Jews who owned the two thousand poor pigs.
Who said precious people useless swine?
The pastorʼs “precious-people useless-swine” principle was previously dreamed up by the 3rd century church father, St. Augustine of Hippo (quoted by Spalde and Strindlund ), and he ran with it. Mr. Hippo read Mark 5 and convinced himself that Jesus did not care about swine, or any other animals, and therefore, spread a church doctrine that Christians have no genuine duty to animals. While animal-abuse cases arenʼt normally rampant among church-goers, itʼs no thanks to this bishopʼs official policy.
Who was the shepherd in 2 Samuel 17?
David, the son of Jesse, was another selfless, compassionate shepherd. In 2 Samuel 17 we read of the young boy who would be king risking everything for one lamb. David ran after the lion that had grabbed his sheep and with just his staff, and his wits, he forced the lion to drop it. David did the same to a bear that took a sheep. (Quite likely David would have let the lion and the bear free, if not for the fact that they came back at him: 2 Samuel 17:35 ). Despite all the dangers to himself, David wouldnʼt allow any to be hurt. Thus, in him, God found “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14 and 1 Samuel 16:1).
Did the Jews have land wars?
For centuries, land wars are a type of a national sport among Middle Eastern nations. But the Jews were promised and re-promised their land by God throughout the Law: Genesis 15:7, Leviticus 20:24, Numbers 33:52-53, Deuteronomy 1:8 are just a few examples. The borders are fairly clearly drawn up. Therefore we know that when Jesus helped the Syrophoenician woman (not a Jewess, but she came to him), he and the woman were both in Israeli territory.
Why did the demons kneel before Jesus?
Noteworthy is that the demons recognized who Jesus was (the Son of the most high God), even from some distance away (Mark 5:6), and they knelt down before Jesus, not as an act of worship, but out of respect or homage to one of a higher power than themselves.
Can pigs swim?
Just running into the sea should not have caused their death, since pigs can swim. One writer suggested they made a conscience choice to commit suicide, figuring that it was better to die than to live with the demons. 27 I’m sorry, but I can’t buy that answer; pigs can’t think and reason like humans.
What happened to the demons after the pigs drowned?
We are not told exactly what happened to the demons after the pigs drown, but they may have been banished to hell. At the very least, the story suggests that they were disabled from causing more harm. [1] .
How many evil spirits did Jesus cast out?
Fourth, this incident helps reveal the true identity of Jesus. For Jesus to cast out a legion of 6,000 evil spirits reveals his unparalleled power. Demons were often cast out through magical incantations, or by praying to God for intercession, but Jesus cast them out through his own power.
What did the demons ask Jesus to do?
Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, the demons ask Jesus not to torment them but to send them into a herd of pigs. Jesus obliges and the unclean spirits enter roughly 2,000 pigs who rush down a steep bank and drown in the sea.
How many soldiers were in the Roman Legion?
The demons identify themselves as “Legion,” which would cause first-century readers to think of a Roman legion, which was made up of 6,000 soldiers. This man was absolutely tormented day and night by an immeasurable force of evil.
Where did Jesus go with his disciples?
Jesus, Demons, and Pigs. All three Synoptic Gospels record the story of Jesus traveling with his disciples to the region of Gerasenes, alongside the Sea of Galilee ( Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-10; Luke 8:26-39 ). They encounter a man possessed by numerous demons who is tormented day and night. He cried out among the caves, ...
What did Jesus take away from the pigs?
But he also takes away a herd of pigs — the livelihood, the wealth, from some in the community. He forces a choice: prosperity over love, money over Jesus, human resources over divine power — that is, the power and grace of Jesus to give life and hope, or the love of possessions and wealth to be had from these pigs.
What do demons call Jesus?
The demons know who Jesus is. They call him the “Son of God” ( Matthew 8:29 ). 2. They know that he has absolute power over them and can choose either to cast them out or not, and to decide where they go.
What is the triumphant over unclean spirits?
Jesus is triumphant over unclean spirits. Jesus liberates the captive, and gives hope to hopeless people — even Gentile people. But Jesus demands a choice: love him and his salvation, or love your prosperity and your wealth — namely, your pigs. They failed; they failed the test.
What did Satan ask Job to do?
Satan asks permission to afflict Job, and God gave Satan permission, which proved to be a test of Job’s faithfulness to God. Job would face the choice: you can love God and trust him, or you can love your possessions and your family and your health more, and curse God for taking them away.
What did the disciples cry in terror?
They cried in terror and had to wake up the Master as the storm raged. Jesus quietened the storm and they made it over. No one was there to meet Jesus’s party that except one man, who was very different from the rest - possessed by multiple demons. Everybody else who no doubt knew about Jesus didn’t bother to come.
What did the villagers ask Jesus to do?
The villagers requested Jesus and His party to depart and leave them alone - a request which was complied with. However, what the devil didn’t realize was that a powerful witness had been planted that side of the lake. He would remain working and witnessing effectively.
Did they return to the demons they had previously possessed?
However, they would not have returned to the man whom they had previously possessed, based on Jesus' authority, similar to His words in another case of demon possession described in Mark 9:14-29 .
Did the demons drown in the Gospel?
Sometime later a call would be received and this time the gospel received after the ground work had been done by the one man no one could have imagined. The demons didn’t drown that day , in fact it’s impossible for spirits to die by drowning. Demons target humans not animals.
The Synoptic Parallels
- The so-called “synoptic gospels,” Matthew, Mark and Luke, often record the same events but slightly differently. Besides our passage in Matthew, this account is reported in Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39, both of which are longer than Matthew’s account. It is important for the Bible Stud…
Theological Background
- You will have to do a little bit of reading in dictionaries and theologies, whatever you have available, on this whole issue of demon-possession. To the modern skeptics of the Bible, some who claim to be Christian, demon-possession is rubbish. They might say that it was just a primitive way people had to describe psychic or social disorders. But the Scriptures are not so a…
Observations on The Text
- Well, with a little of that reading behind you, you can think some more about the details of Matthew’s account. One thing to observe is that the setting for the encounter is on the other side of the lake—across from Capernaum. A look at the political map of the day will indicate that this was largely Gentile territory. It was in this part of the land that the Decapolis was established—th…
The Analysis of The Text
- I. The Meeting with the demon-possessed Gadarenes (8:28,29).The text tells us that as soon as Jesus got out of the boat on the other side of the lake these men came running to meet him. Matthew simply mentions that they were so violent that no one could tame them. We know also people tried to tame them by chaining them, but they broke the chains. People then just avoided …
Old Testament Correlations
- I have already referred to Old Testament passages where satanic or demonic activity first began to appear and create havoc in the world. But with regard to such evil tormenting of humans, one thinks naturally of the Book of Job. Satan had been roaming in the earth, no doubt seeking whom he might devour as Peter puts it. And God challenged him with Job. Satan could try to destroy J…
Conclusion and Applications
- The main point of the passage, then, is that Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, has absolute authority over all the spirit world, over Satan, over demons, and over those whom they control. That he expelled this legion of demons shows this authority; and it was a preview of the final judgment of these evil spirits. But that final judgment would not occur until there was the victor…