Mark 5:15

θεωροῦσιν. Much stronger than the previous ἰδεῖν. Cf. Mark 3:11; Mark 12:41; Mark 15:40.

τὸν δαιμονιζόμενον. This is their view of him; to them he is still “the demoniac,” unless the participle be imperf. Contrast ὁ δαιμονισθείς (Mark 5:18) and see on Mark 1:32. The three participles which follow form a climax. He was sitting quietly, instead of roaming and raving; that was not much, for he had his quiet moments. He was clothed; that was still more, for he had for a long time worn no clothes (Lk.). Above all, he was no longer controlled by diabolical influences, but could control himself. Lk. adds that they found him “at the feet of Jesus.” In contrast to all this, τὸν ἐσχηκότα τὸν λεγιῶνα is added. Syr-Sin. omits it as superfluous, but it has point. They had come out at the report of a great disaster, and they find the proof of a marvellous cure.

ἐφοβήθησαν. See on Mark 4:41. Evidence of the presence of supernatural power again inspires fear.