As Jesus steps out of the boat, a man from among the tombs comes to meet him.

The man is described as living in extreme isolation and torment. Chains have failed to restrain him, and he cries out among the tombs and hills.

He falls before Jesus. When Jesus commands the unclean spirit to leave, the response identifies itself as Legion because many demons are present.

The demons beg not to be sent away and ask permission to enter a nearby herd of pigs.

Jesus permits it. The herd rushes down a steep bank into the lake and drowns.

The herdsmen report what happened, and people from the surrounding area arrive.

They find the formerly possessed man sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. Instead of celebrating, the crowd becomes afraid and asks Jesus to leave their region.

As Jesus enters the boat, the restored man begs to accompany him.

Jesus tells him instead to return home and tell his people how much the Lord has done for him and how he has received mercy.

The man goes throughout the Decapolis proclaiming what Jesus has done, and the people are amazed.