Where were the demoniacs healed? Matthew 8:28-34 (cf. Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39)
Matthew says that the place where the healing took place was the country of the Gadarenes. But Mark and Luke say it was in the country of the Gerasenes. Which is it?
Matthew 8:28 - 34
ESV - 28 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29 And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?
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Paula Fether
Supporter
Same place with varying names. Even today we often have more than one name for a place, road, or even person.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Geisler says that Gadara may have been the capital of the region, and Matthew therefore referred to the area as the “country of the Gadarenes” because the people of that region, whether they lived in Gadara or not, were identified as Gadarenes. But the important thing to note here in this passage is, "What is saving faith?" It’s not just a head knowledge or a temporary faith, it’s trusting in Christ alone for your salvation! The demons in Matthew 8:29 acknowledge in their heads that Jesus is the Son of God. Good. As far as it goes. But demons are not going to heaven! We must have more than just head knowledge. We must believe in our hearts that Jesus is the Only One who can save us. Then we can be assured that we are on the way to Heaven.
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