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IVP New Testament Commentary Series – Jesus' Authority over Demons (8:28-34)
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IVP New Testament Commentary Series
Matthew
JESUS RULES NATURE-AND DISCIPLES (8:1-9:38)
Jesus' Authority over Nature and Disciples (8:23-9:17)
Jesus' Authority over Demons (8:28-34)
Jesus' Authority over Demons (8:28-34)
- Even Demons Know Who Their Lord and Judge Is (8:28-29)
- The Kingdom Is "Already" As Well As "Not Yet" (8:29)
- Jesus Values People More Than Animals or Property (8:30-32)
- Most People Value Property More Than God's Deliverance (8:33-34)
The setting builds suspense. Gadara and (Mark's) Gerasa were both part of the Decapolis, a primarily Gentile area with a large Jewish population (Jos. War 1.155). That tombs were unclean (for example, m. Nazir 3:5; 7:3; t. Baba Batra 1:10-11) and considered the usual haunts of demons and magic (PGM 101.1-3; Nineham 1977:153) increases the audience's suspicion that these demons are inordinately powerful-hence the narrative's opening suspense and christological impact.
IVP New Testament Commentaries are made available by the generosity of InterVarsity Press.