Biblical Relevance

Gerasa’s greatest period of flourishing was contemporary with the New Testament era; thus, its name may appear in the passage in the Gospels about Jesus’ exorcism of a demon-possessed man (see Matt 8:28–34; Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–39). For a discussion of the relationship between Gerasa, Gergesa, and Gadara, see this article: Gerasenes.