The Difficulty
Matthew says “Gadarenes,” Mark and Luke say “Gerasenes” (some manuscripts read “Gergesenes”). Gadara is about 6 miles from the Sea of Galilee; Gerasa (modern Jerash) is over 30 miles away. Matthew mentions two demoniacs; Mark and Luke mention one.
Responses
Textual / Geographical Resolution
Tradition: Patristic / Conservative Summary: The confusion likely involves a now-lost village name near the shore, within the broader regions named.
Origen (c. 230 AD) proposed “Gergesa” (possibly modern Kursi) as the original reading. Archaeological excavations at Kursi have uncovered a Byzantine church with a steep slope directly into the lake — matching the Gospel description. “Gadarenes” and “Gerasenes” may refer to broader administrative regions.
Strengths
- Archaeological support from Kursi is strong
- Historically the most common solution since Origen
Weaknesses
- Requires positing a now-lost village
Further Reading
- Origen, Commentary on John 6.41
- Vassilios Tzaferis, “The Archaeological Excavation at Kursi-Gergesa,” Atiqot (1983)
- Bruce Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament (UBS, 2nd ed., 1994), on Mark 5:1
Two vs. One Demoniac
Tradition: Conservative / Evangelical Summary: Matthew includes both; Mark and Luke focus on the prominent one for narrative purposes.
This is a recurring Synoptic pattern (cf. two blind men in Matt 20:30 vs. one “Bartimaeus” in Mark 10:46). Ancient biographical convention regularly simplified by focusing on the principal figure.
Strengths
- Consistent with known ancient literary practices
- The pattern recurs across multiple episodes
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t explain why Mark/Luke would omit a person rather than add one
Further Reading
- Michael Licona, Why Are There Differences in the Gospels? (Oxford, 2016)
- Craig Blomberg, The Historical Reliability of the Gospels (IVP, 2007), ch. 4
Theological Reading
Tradition: Mainline / Academic Summary: The geographical and numerical details serve each evangelist’s theological purposes.
Mark’s extended narrative serves his theme of Jesus’ cosmic authority over evil. The Decapolis setting emphasizes Jesus’ mission beyond Jewish territory. Matthew’s two demoniacs may echo his pattern of doubling witnesses (Jewish two-witness requirement).
Strengths
- Explains the differences positively rather than defensively
- Enriches preaching
Weaknesses
- Can seem to dodge the historical question
Further Reading
- Joel Marcus, Mark 1–8 (Anchor Yale, 2000), on Mark 5:1–20
- R.T. France, The Gospel of Mark (NIGTC, 2002)
- Rikki Watts, Isaiah’s New Exodus in Mark (Baker, 2000)