MPV Commentary

Jesus Entering on His Public Ministry, Makes a Circuit of Galilee--Rejection at Nazareth.

A significant gap occurs in the narrative here, covering events in Galilee and Jerusalem recorded in John 1:29-4:54, which took place before John's imprisonment (John 3:24). In contrast, the events described here occurred after that event (Matthew 4:12, 13). We consider the visit to Nazareth in Matthew 13:54-58 and Mark 6:1-6 to be the same as this initial one. It is unlikely that the Nazarenes would have been so enraged at Jesus' display of wisdom on a second occasion, only to wonder about it and ask how He came by it as if they had never witnessed it before.

16. As was his custom (compare Acts 17:2).

He stood up to read in the synagogue.

18-19. Selecting a passage announcing His divine mission and special endowments would have been unsuitable at this early stage of His ministry. Instead, Jesus chose a passage that expressed His sublime object, its divine character, and His unique qualifications for it. This passage is from Isaiah's prophecies about the mysterious "Servant of the Lord," who would be despised by humanity but revered by kings (Isaiah 49:1-26). The quotation is primarily based on the Septuagint version used in synagogues.

19. An acceptable year refers to the jubilee year, a time of universal release for people and property (Leviticus 25:10; Isaiah 49:8; 2 Corinthians 6:2). As Jesus announced Himself as the Healer of humanity's maladies – poverty, broken-heartedness, bondage, blindness, and bruisedness – He stopped short of mentioning "the day of vengeance," which would come upon those who rejected His message (John 3:17). The first words, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me," demonstrate an exemplary illustration of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost working together in salvation.

20. The synagogue officer or minister was present.

All eyes were fixed on Jesus as He made these claims.

21. Jesus began to say that this passage applied to Him, perhaps also referencing other similar prophecies.

22. His words were gracious, conveying both the richness of His message and the sweetness of His manner (Psalm 45:2).

Is not this, &c.? (see Matthew 13:54-56). They knew Jesus had not received a traditional rabbinical education, and they seemed incapable of understanding anything supernatural.

23. This proverb is similar to our saying "Charity begins at home."

Whatever rumors have reached you about my actions in Capernaum, why has none of this power been exercised here in Nazareth? His choice of residence in Capernaum since entering public life was already well-known in Nazareth. When He did come there, giving no displays of His power despite being famous elsewhere, it wounded their pride. Jesus had indeed healed a few people privately (Mark 6:5), but this was done quietly due to the general unbelief.

24. And he said, &c.? He replied with another proverb, equally familiar – "Too much familiarity breeds contempt." Our Lord's long residence in Nazareth as an ordinary townsman made Him too common, rendering them incapable of appreciating Him as others did who were less familiar with His everyday demeanor in private life.

25-27. But I tell you, &c.? Jesus fell back on the examples of Elijah and Elisha (Eliseus), whose miraculous power often expended itself on those at a distance, even among heathens. As He intended to feed the poor and cleanse lepers like them, He pointed to these miracles of mercy rather than their other feats.

Three years and six months is the period during which Elijah was fed by ravens (James 5:17). Sarepta, or Zarephath, was a heathen village between Tyre and Sidon (1 Kings 17:9; Mark 7:24).

28-29. When they heard these allusions to heathens, just as Paul would later do (Acts 22:21, 22), they became enraged.

They rose up, broke up the service irreverently, and rushed forth to seize Him with violence, treating Him like a prisoner.

Their brow was bruised, likely from being thrown off a cliff. Nazareth is surrounded by hills, making this mode of capital punishment possible (2 Chronicles 25:12; 2 Kings 9:33). This was the first insult Jesus received, and it came from those who should have been His closest supporters.

30. Passing through the midst of them, &c.? Jesus escaped in a miraculous way, perhaps noiselessly, leaving them to wonder what spell had come over them (similar escapes are not unprecedented).

31. Down to Capernaum – It lay on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:13), whereas Nazareth was situated higher up.