Matthew writes of two demonized men while Luke writes of only one. The name of the city is different in each account, but they are clearly referring to the same place and event. Is there a contradiction here?
The answer is a resounding, No.
Luke 8:26 says Gadarenes, and Matthew 8:28 says Gergesenes. The words mean: Reward at the end (Gadarenes) / A stranger drawing near (Gergesenes), Strong's Concordance #G1046, #G1086.
Although Gadarenes and Gergesenes are derived from different Greek words, they are essentially referring to the same area. The city of Gadara and its surrounding area are referred to as the Gadarenes. The region is located east of the Jordan River and southeast of the Sea of Galilee.
Although the account in Matthew chapter eight tells of two demonized persons living in the tombs, there is no contradiction between Matthew’s account and Luke’s.
Matthew gives a generalized overview and never says both people received deliverance. We know from Luke's account that only one great deliverance took place. It is Luke who provides the details, and his account deals only with the one man who had the devils cast out.
The Bible is silent on why the second person did not receive deliverance as well, but we know that Jesus did not always give miracles to everyone who needed one. In Matthew 13:57-58, the Bible tells us, that when Jesus visited his hometown, many in that area received no healing or miracle because their familiarity with Jesus instigated contempt and unbelief. “And they were offended in him But Jesus said unto them A prophet is not without honor save in his own country and in his own house And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
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