Luke 4:14-37
RTNT 2021. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about Him went out through all the surrounding country. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. (vv. 14-15) I like reading two or three translations – they often are quite different. Today’s NASB is different in these two verses from the ESV quoted above. First, the NASB says “…news about Him spread…, which sounds more “global” to me than “…a report about Him…”. Second, the NASB has “…was praised by all” whereas the ESV has “glorified”. To me Jesus being glorified would be something more connected to His deity, whereas being praised points to His humanity. (Nod to John S.) With either translation, however, these two verses sound to me like “transition verses”. I have led groups through Acts of the Apostles a number of times and have noted transition verses at the end of chapters 2, 4, and 5 (and probably elsewhere, but less prominent). These transition verses point to a longer period of time and imply a lot of unreported activity therein. I believe that’s what Luke is saying here about Jesus’ Galilean ministry – He has moved around to a number of cities and villages and visited and taught in a number of synagogues. We cannot expect Luke to be writing chronologically any longer.
See also: February 7 / Luke 4:14-30; February 9 / Luke 4:31-37
Good points all around, Fred.
Luke 4:16, Jesus went to synagogue every Sabbath “as was his custom”, no excuses for us!
Casting out demons, known as fallen angels in rebellion? Demonic possession and deliverance services are much more common in Uganda and other places in the Anglican Global South, than here or in Western countries. Our Uganda team talked about this difference often, as we attended these with Eric Twine and prayed for deliverance of parishioners. Jesus spoke and acted with authority over sin, evil, death, sickness, weather, and…demons. In today’s politics, people call the “other side” evil and demonic. We demonize others, even other Christians, for what they do or don’t agree with. Satan laughs at this twisted thinking. Praise God that Jesus has authority!