He
went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone marveled.
Mark 5:20
Mark 5 [18.] As he was entering into the boat, he who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. He didn’t allow him, but said to him, “Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.”
Mark 5 [20.] He went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone marveled.
Mark 5 [21.] When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea. Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, and begged him much, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.”
Meaning:
Mark 5:20 closes the story of the man freed from a legion of spirits. Jesus had told him to go home and tell what the Lord had done (Mark 5:19). He did that and more. He began to proclaim throughout the Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone who heard was amazed. One short verse shows a former outcast becoming a herald of the good news in a Gentile land.
- The Decapolis
The name means “Ten Cities.” It referred to a group of Greek-style cities, most of them east of the Jordan and south-east of the Sea of Galilee, including Gadara, Hippos, Gerasa, Pella, Scythopolis and Philadelphia (modern Amman). After the Roman general Pompey conquered the region in 63 BC, these cities enjoyed a measure of self-government under Rome. They had theatres, temples to Greek gods and a mainly Gentile population, along with some Jewish residents.
To many Jews, the Decapolis was foreign and unclean territory. Yet crowds from “beyond the Jordan” had already come to hear Jesus (Mark 3:8). Isaiah had promised that “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). In this man the light began to shine across the whole region.
- “He Began to Proclaim”
Mark uses the same verb, proclaim or preach, that he uses for John the Baptist (Mark 1:4) and for Jesus himself, who came “preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom” (Mark 1:14). This man had no training and no title, but he became a preacher. He did not argue theology; he told what had happened to him. His message was personal, concrete and centred on Jesus.
Notice the small shift between the two verses. Jesus told him to tell what “the Lord” had done; he told what “Jesus” had done. He understood that the mercy of God had come to him in the person of Jesus.
- “Everyone Marveled”
The people who had asked Jesus to leave now had a living reminder among them. They could not deny the change in a man they had all known as uncontrollable. Wonder is not yet faith, but it opens hearts to listen. Through one transformed life, the region that had sent Jesus away was being prepared to receive him.
The Significance of Mark 5:20
- Ordinary Witnesses, Extraordinary Results
God often spreads the gospel through ordinary people telling their own stories. Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Believers are “ambassadors on behalf of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), whatever our background.
- Let Your Life and Words Agree
The man’s words had power because his changed life backed them up. Jesus said, “let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our testimony is strongest when it is gentle, honest and gracious: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).
Cross-References:
Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek." The gospel reached the Greek cities of the Decapolis through one grateful man.
2 Corinthians 5:20: "We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." Every believer represents Christ.
Matthew 5:16: "Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." A changed life gives weight to our words.
Mark 16:15: "Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation." The man of the Decapolis was an early example of the mission Jesus gave his church.
Conclusion: Mark 5:20 shows the power of a simple testimony. A man who once terrified his neighbours now amazed them with the story of what Jesus had done. He did not need special training, only gratitude and obedience. Every believer can do the same: tell, with joy and humility, what great things Jesus has done for us.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible