Mark 5:20

Mark 5:20, in plain English

The man doesn't just tell his family — he goes through the entire Decapolis region telling everyone what Jesus did for him. And everyone who hears it is amazed.

Why it's here

He went above and beyond what Jesus asked, spreading the good news across ten cities. His life — before and after — was the most compelling sermon anyone could preach.

Who's speaking

Mark describes the healed man's enthusiastic obedience to Jesus' command.

Where it sits in the story

From tomb-dweller to traveling preacher. This man's transformation was so dramatic that his story alone was enough to amaze entire cities. Your story of what God has done matters too.

The scholarly reading

The man exceeds his commission, proclaiming (keryssein) throughout the entire Decapolis — ten Hellenistic cities — rather than just his household. He substitutes 'Jesus' for 'the Lord,' explicitly identifying Jesus as the source of divine mercy.

Language and setting

The man's Decapolis-wide preaching prepares the ground for Jesus' later return to the region (7:31), where he will be welcomed. His obedient proclamation creates a Gentile mission field.

Voice

Mark narrates the healed man's expansive response to Jesus' commission.

Significance

The man becomes a one-man evangelistic mission, traveling throughout ten Gentile cities telling everyone what Jesus did for him. His testimony leaves everyone amazed and prepares the region for Jesus' return.

18As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by the demons begged to go with Him.

19But Jesus would not allow him. “Go home to your own people,” He said, “and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy He has shown you.”

20So the man went away and began to proclaim throughout the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed.

21When Jesus had again crossed by boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him beside the sea.

22A synagogue leader named Jairus arrived, and seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet

Read all of Mark 5 — A man possessed by a thousand demons, a woman who has bled for twelve years, a father whose daughter has just died — all healed in a single chapter.