Thirdmill Study Bible

Notes on Luke 4:21-6:11

Luke 4:21-27

See WLC 42.

Luke 4:21

beganby saying. Indicates that Luke only presented a summary of Jesus's teaching. fulfilled. The Old Testament promises of salvation were fulfilled in Jesus. The messianic kingdom was established with his coming (see note on 24:27, 44-47).

Luke 4:22

Initially, the men of the synagogue had a positive reaction to Jesus's message (vv. 17-21). But they were also surprised because he was only the son of Joseph.

Luke 4:23-24

Jesus knew the thoughts and hearts of those before him. In response, he quotes two proverbs. Doctor, heal yourself. In that day, medical care was a less precise and inconsistent. Some doctors were even charlatans, so medicine was sometimes looked at with skepticism. The proverb means expect a doctor to prove he can do what he claims. Because Jesus had already ministered in Capernaum, the people wanted him to perform a sign to prove what he claimed for himself (vv. 17-21). no prophet is received. Another proverb about an inability to see beyond what is familiar (v. 22). Ironically, because Israel often rejected the prophets in the Old Testament, Jesus's rejection by the people reveals him to be a true prophet (7:16, 39; 13:33-34; 24:19; Acts 3:22-23; 7:37).

Luke 4:25-27

Jesus emphasized the rejection of the prophets and their divine message. He reminded them of two well-known stories from the lives of two greatest prophet in Israel, Elijah (1 Kgs. 17) and Elisha (2 Kgs. 5). Specifically, he reminded them when Israel rejected God's message, the Gentiles still believed and were blessed. Both the widow at Zarephath and Namaan were needy and received God's grace. Though there were many needy widows and lepers in Israel, only the widow at Zarephath received food, and only Naaman received cleansing. Those in Nazareth were like faithless Israel before and were in danger of missing salvation.

Luke 4:28-29

The people's suspicion of Jesus became angry rejection. Casting someone off a cliff was sometimes seen as a form of stoning. Though stoning was seen as a legitimate form of public execution, this was mob violence, not the result of a legal verdict.

Luke 4:30

Luke is unclear on the details and one cannot know if Jesus's escape was due to a miracle or him simply managing to get away. Though on a later day he would not escape, this was not the time for his suffering and death (see 22:53; John 7:30; 8:59). Nazareth is never mentioned again in the Bible as a place where Jesus went. As far as we know, he never returned, making this his last visit home.

Teaching and Miracles - Luke 4:31-6:11

Jesus's preaching of the gospel was accompanied by many miraculous deeds. These validate the divine origin of his ministry and made visible the coming of God's kingdom.

Luke 4:31

Capernaum would serve as a center for Jesus's ministry (7:1; 10:15).

Luke 4:31 – Luke 4:31

Capernaum would serve as a center for Jesus's ministry (7:1; 10:15).

Luke 4:32

astonished. Similar to the response in Nazareth (v. 22). It did not equal faith and repentance (see 2:48; 9:43). spoke with authority. Unlike the popular teachers of the day who merely quoted from previous rabbis (Matt. 7:28-29). Jesus spoke with inherent, not derived, authority. He was God's messenger.

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