Luke 4:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.

NIV: They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.

NASB: and they were amazed at His teaching, because His message was delivered with authority.

CSB: They were astonished at his teaching because his message had authority.

NLT: There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority.

KJV: And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

NKJV: And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority.

A hallmark of Jesus' teaching is His "authority." On several occasions, the Gospels record those who heard Jesus speak making special mention of this. That Jesus spoke with authority, in part, would mean an attitude of confidence and ease—He was not hesitant or insecure. It also speaks to the way in which He phrased His teachings (Matthew 7:29; Mark 1:22). Speakers of that era would refer to prior scholars when making certain pronouncements, as a way of establishing the authority of their words. In contrast, Jesus clearly claimed this wisdom as His own.

Luke notes the authority displayed in Jesus' teaching immediately before noting one of the ways in which Jesus proved that authority was legitimate: miraculous power. Jesus will supernaturally heal a demon-possessed man (Luke 4:33–34). The people will make the connection between Jesus' words and His miracles as evidence that His message is from God (Luke 4:36).

Luke 4:31–44 contains examples of Jesus healing as He teaches in Capernaum. These events include exorcising demons and curing diseases. Jesus' work is so popular that He finds it hard to be alone; the people demand He stay and continue. However, His mission includes other cities and towns. Jesus leaves to preach elsewhere, and the next passages record His calling of the disciples.

Jesus is taken into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. While fasting there, He is tempted by Satan. These temptations share an element of ignoring God in favor of what seems easier or quicker. Jesus resists all of these, citing Scripture as He does. When Jesus returns, He preaches and heals to great publicity in Judea and Galilee. While His hometown responds with stubborn skepticism, others are eager to hear His teaching and experience His miraculous power.

Chapter 3 explained how John the Baptist preached to prepare others to receive Jesus Christ. Luke then provided Jesus' earthly ancestry. Chapter 4 begins with Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. He returns to preach and perform healing miracles in Judea and Galilee. Chapter 5 shows Him calling disciples and demonstrating further proofs of His authority.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

Accessed 9/7/2024 10:06:01 PM