Luke 4:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But passing through their midst, he went away.

NIV: But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.

NASB: But He passed through their midst and went on His way.

CSB: But he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.

NLT: but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.

KJV: But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

NKJV: Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.

Jesus' earthly ministry was meant to lead Him to death on a cross (Philippians 2:8; Matthew 16:21). Prior to that moment (Matthew 26:45–47), Jesus would not allow Himself to be killed by hostile crowds. John's gospel records a few incidents where Jesus makes what appears to be a miraculous escape (John 8:59; 10:39). Here, Luke records a moment that strongly appears to be supernatural. The crowd was able to force Jesus out of the synagogue, but then He "[passed] through" that same crowd.

The reason for the mob's attack was Jesus' claim that God would favor Gentiles with His truth (Luke 4:25–27). This was part of Jesus' answer to the skepticism of His childhood neighbors in Nazareth (Luke 4:16–22).

Luke 4:14–30 records the earliest days of Jesus' public ministry. He begins teaching in synagogues before returning to His hometown of Nazareth. There, He reads a prophecy from Isaiah and claims that He has fulfilled it. When those familiar with Him imply that Jesus has no place making such claims, Jesus implies that God will send signs to Gentiles if Israel refuses to believe. This results in an uproar, though Jesus makes what seems to be a miraculous escape.

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 5/2/2024 1:01:59 PM