Luke 4:31-41
4:31 a Jesus moved from Nazareth to make Capernaum his base of operations during his Galilean ministry (see Mark 2:1 b).4:33 c an evil (literally unclean) spirit: Unclean means “defiled” or “wicked”; hence, the NLT translation “evil spirit.”
4:34 d Have you come to destroy us? Though there was only one demon present, the plural us suggests that all of Satan’s forces were aware and fearful of Jesus’ coming.
• I know who you are: A common ancient belief held that naming a spiritual power gave a person authority over it. The demon might have been attempting to gain power over Jesus.
4:36 e What authority and power this man’s words possess! Magicians and exorcists often used elaborate rituals and incantations. The people were amazed that Jesus merely spoke a word on his own authority and cast out the demon.
4:38 f Simon’s home: Simon was from Bethsaida (John 1:44 g), but his present home and fishing business were in Capernaum.
• Simon’s mother-in-law: Peter was married (see 1 Cor 9:5 h), but his wife is not named.
4:39 i he rebuked the fever: The same Greek word was used when Jesus rebuked the demon (4:35 j). Jesus has full authority over physical and spiritual forces.
4:41 k You are the Son of God! This was a title for the Messiah (see 2 Sam 7:14 l; Pss 2:7 m; 89:26-27 n). Luke often links the titles “Christ” and “Son of God” (Luke 9:35 o; 22:66-71 p; Acts 9:20 q, 22 r).
• he ... refused to let them speak: Jesus often showed his authority over demons by silencing them. He wanted to reveal his identity in his own way, not through their announcement.
Copyright information for
TNotes