ACC ~ Luke 8 v32 - 33

THE DEMONS ENTERED THE SWINE

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: The Gadarenes established a ruling for themselves that they would not come out or view the signs of our Lord. Consequently he drowned their swine so that they would have to come out against their will. “Legion,” which had been chastened, is a symbol of the world. He commanded the demons to enter the swine and not the man. He, concerning whom they had said, “It is by Beelzebub that he casts out,” [1] engaged in battle against Satan on the mountain and against Legion, the chief of his force. [2] When they entered the swine, he drowned them at that very moment. The force of the merciful One who was keeping watch over this man was known by this. They were begging him not to send them out of that region and not to send them to Gehenna. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 6.26. [3]

[1] Lk 11:15.

[2] Cf. Mk 5:13.

[3] ECTD 127-28*.

THE DEMONIAC LIVES LIKE A SWINE, SO SWINE RECEIVE HIS DEVILS

AMBROSE: People are the authors of their own tribulation. If someone did not live like a swine, the devil would never have received power over him. If he did receive power, it would be power not to destroy but to test him. After the Lord’s coming, the devil could already not corrupt the good, so perhaps he now does not seek the destruction of all people but only of the fickle. A mugger does not lie in wait for armed men but for the defenseless. He who understands that the strong will despise him or the powerful destroy him troubles only the weak with wrongs. Someone says, “Why does God permit this to the devil?” I say, “So that good people may be tested and the wicked punished, for this is the punishment of sin.” This is also according to the law, because the Lord sends fever, trembling, evil spirits, blindness, and all scourges according to the punishment of sinners. [1] EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 6.48-49. [2]

[1] See Deut 28:59.

[2] EHG 210**.