A. Preaching and Healing in Nazareth and Capernaum (4:14-44)

In the power of the Spirit Jesus began his ministry in Galilee. It is not certain that he was an ordained rabbi, but he did expound the Scriptures in the synagogues. At Nazareth (vv.14-30) he claimed to be the Anointed One of Isa 61:1-2 and therefore by implication the Messiah. His mission, he declared, was to the poor and oppressed. At first his preaching met with admiration. But when he spoke of the ministry of Elijah and Elisha to the Gentiles, there was an attempt on his life.

At Capernaum (vv.31-44) he displayed authority as both Teacher and Healer (vv.32, 36). His message was the good news, or evangel (Gk. euangelion), of the kingdom of God (v.43). People reacted to his activities with amazement (vv.32, 36). But when the demons he expelled recognized him as the Holy One of God and the Son of God, he told them to be silent (vv.33-35, 41).