Luke 7:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.

NIV: When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum.

NASB: When He had completed all His teaching in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum.

CSB: When he had concluded saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum.

NLT: When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, he returned to Capernaum.

KJV: Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

NKJV: Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.

Jesus has just finished the "Sermon on the Plain" (Luke 6:17–49). Much of His teaching involved the responsibility of God-followers to love their own persecutors. We don't know if the Sermon on the Plain is the same event that Matthew records as the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5—7). It could be, as "plain" can mean a high plateau. Most likely, Jesus would have delivered the same themes in many places as He travelled and taught (Mark 1:39; Luke 8:1).

Luke mentions that Jesus spoke "in the hearing of the people" showing that the "Sermon on the Plain" was spoken to at least the "great crowd of his disciples" if not the "great multitude," not just the Twelve (Luke 6:17). The wording reflects Jesus' comparison between those who hear His words and follow them to those who hear and don't follow (Luke 6:47–49). The people have heard Jesus' words; now they need to decide whether to do them.

Capernaum was a town in the district of Galilee which was ruled by Herod Antipas. The town sits on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee and was the home of Peter and Andrew; it served as Jesus' homebase (Mark 1:21, 29).

Luke 7:1–10 records the story of a Gentile centurion with humble faith. The centurion's servant is dying, so he sends messengers to only ask for healing, assuming Jesus doesn't need to be physically present. Jesus is amazed at his faith. Matthew 8:5–13 also records the story; John 4:46–54 is a different event. The centurion's faith contrasts Simon the Pharisee. Simon invites Jesus to a banquet without realizing his unworthiness to have such a guest (Luke 7:39–50). Jairus is another foil (Luke 8:40–42, 49–56) while the Syrian general Naaman serves as a prophetic parallel (2 Kings 5).

Luke 7 presents a chiasm: a set of themes mirrored around a reflection point. The humble centurion (Luke 7:1–10) contrasts the legalistic Pharisee (Luke 7:39–50). The widow of Nain (Luke 7:11–17) and the sinful women (Luke 7:36–38) have nothing to offer but gratitude for Jesus' blessings. In the center are John the Baptist and his disciples who struggle to trust that Jesus is worth following (Luke 7:18–23), then the sinners who do choose to follow Jesus and the religious leaders who refuse (Luke 7:24–35).

Luke 7 continues Jesus' mission primarily to the people of Galilee expressed as a series of pointed events and teachings punctuated by calls to follow Him. He has finished teaching the rigors of discipleship (Luke 6:17–45) and invited the crowd to place their faith in Him (Luke 6:46–49). Here, Luke describes different reactions to Jesus' miracles and message. Next, Jesus will reveal the mechanics of and reactions to His call (Luke 8:4–21) before showing His great authority over nature, demons, sickness, and worldly powers (Luke 8:22—9:17). After a final call to the disciples to deepen their faith (Luke 9:18–50), Jesus will turn toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51—19:27).

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.