Decapolis
The Decapolis was a league of ten Greco-Roman cities east of the Jordan River, characterized by Hellenistic culture, architecture, and governance under Roman influence during the first century. Jesus ministered in this Gentile region, where he healed a man severely possessed by demons who had lived among tombs, as described in Mark 5 and Matthew 8, after which the restored man proclaimed the miracle throughout the Decapolis. This event, along with later references in Mark 7, illustrates Jesus extending his ministry beyond Jewish territories. Its significance lies in demonstrating the Gospel's reach to non-Jewish populations and foreshadowing the broader mission to all nations in Scripture.
Details
- Region
- Canaan
- Modern Location
- Northwestern Jordan and northeastern Israel/Syria
Key Passages
Jesus Heals the Demoniac
Mark 5:1-20
Jesus delivers a man possessed by a legion of demons in the Decapolis - then sends him home as the first missionary to this Gentile region.
1nd they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
Great Multitudes from Decapolis
Matthew 4:25
Crowds from the Decapolis follow Jesus - the healed demoniac's testimony has prepared this Gentile territory to receive Jesus' ministry.
25nd there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.