8:30
More detail is given about this exorcism than most others, maybe this was a more entrenched case of demon possession. Jesus asked the man his name, but it was the demon that replied. The demon is referred to as singular (see v29), but the demon replies that its name is Legion because many demons had entered the man. We see here the terrible things that can happen to a person, but we will also see that notwithstanding that, Jesus still set him free. No matter how desperate our circumstances, Jesus is our effective salvation. Perhaps that is why this incident is dwelt on. Many times the dealing with demons by Jesus is dealt with in a matter of fact manner, but if are the one who is suffering we can think of a thousand and one reasons why although someone else can be helped by Jesus, our situation is so bad, or we are so bad, that Jesus would not want anything to do with us, or is unable to help us. Jesus can rescue anyone from anything.
8:31-33
The Abyss is the place of confinement for evil spirits. This was almost certainly in Gentile territory, for Jews were not allowed to keep pigs. The demons begged to be allowed to go into the pigs. Now at this point animal rights folk will get very upset, well tough! A man is more important than many pigs. Jesus did not make them enter the pigs, but maybe it was because these “unclean” animals were being kept that Jesus let them enter the pigs. Anyway, we need to have a proper perspective on animals. We are to look after animals well, but there is no way at all that animals are anywhere near as valuable as people. Anyway, the demons went into the pigs, and the pigs went over the cliff and drowned. Poor little pigs!
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