We’re starting our new series on demons in the bible by diving into one of the wildest stories in the New Testament — Jesus casting out Legion and sending the demons into a herd of pigs in Mark 5.

You’ve probably heard the story before, but what’s actually going on here? Why did the demons beg not to be tormented, and why choose swine?

🔥 In This Episode:

➡️ Why Mark, Matthew, and Luke differ in their accounts of the Gerasene demoniac

➡️ The meaning of “unclean spirits” and why demons name Jesus the “Son of the Most High God”

➡️ The role of pigs in Greco-Roman and Mesopotamian rituals (and why this matters for Mark 5)

➡️ Jewish and pagan exorcism practices — and how Jesus is utterly different

➡️ Why demons are said to hate water and what that reveals about the abyss and judgment

➡️ What this story shows about the supremacy of Christ

🔥 This isn’t just about pigs—it’s about power, authority, and the supremacy of Christ over the unseen world. By examining the cultural background, ancient demonology, and gospel tensions, we gain a deeper appreciation of why Mark included this dramatic event.

📚 Sources Referenced in this Episode:

- R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 2002)

- R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew (New International Commentary on the New Testament, 2007)

- Word Biblical Commentary (Matthew/Mark volumes)

- Barry Beitzel, The Moody Atlas of the Bible (2015 edition)

- Jacob Milgrom, Leviticus 1–16 (Anchor Yale Bible Commentary, 1991)R. Campbell Thompson, The Devils and Evil Spirits of Babylonia (1904)

- M. J. Geller, Evil Demons: Canonical Udug-hul Incantations (2007)

- John Hull, Hellenistic Magic and the Synoptic Tradition (SCM Press, 1974)

- The Testament of Solomon (early Jewish pseudepigrapha)

- Greco-Roman Magical Papyri (PGM IV and others)

- Book of Tobit (Apocrypha)1 Enoch (Jewish apocalyptic literature)

- Archaeology Magazine / Atikot journal report on pig remains at Legio (2023)

🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf this episode deepened your understanding, share it with someone curious about the Bible’s stranger stories.***** we apologize for some technical difficulties. We are working on getting it fixed, so if you notice them in the next few episodes please give us grace. If you didn't even notice.....nevermind i guess!