Mat 13:54, Luk 2:40, 52 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 54. Into his own country . That is, into Nazareth. Mark, who has also recorded this, , says that it took place on the Sabbath. It was common for our Saviour to speak in the synagogues. Any Jew had a right to address the people, if called on by the minister; and our Saviour often availed himself of the right to instruct the people, and declare his doctrines. See . (t) "And when"

Matthew 13:54

Verse 54. Into his own country. That is, into Nazareth. Mark, who has also recorded this, Mk 6:1-6, says that it took place on the Sabbath. It was common for our Saviour to speak in the synagogues. Any Jew had a right to address the people, if called on by the minister; and our Saviour often availed himself of the right to instruct the people, and declare his doctrines. See Mt 4:23.

(t) "And when" Mk 6:1, Lk 4:16

Luke 2:40

Verse 40. Strong in spirit. In mind, intellect, understanding. Jesus had a human soul, and that soul was subject to all the proper laws of a human spirit. It therefore increased in knowledge, strength, and character. Nor is it any more inconsistent with his being God to say that his soul expanded, than to say that his body grew.

Filled with wisdom. Eminent for wisdom when a child--that is, exhibiting an extraordinary understanding, and wise to flee from everything sinful and evil.

And the grace of God, &c. The word grace in the New Testament commonly means unmerited favour shown to sinners. Here it means no more than favour. God showed him favour, or was pleased with him and blessed him. It is remarkable that this is all that is recorded of the infancy of Jesus; and this, with the short account that follows of his going to Jerusalem, is all that we know of him for thirty years of his life. The design of the evangelists was to give an account of his public ministry, and not his private life. Hence they say little of him in regard to his first years. What they do say, however, corresponds entirely with what we might expect. He was wise, pure, pleasing God, and deeply skilled in the knowledge of the divine law. He set a lovely example for all children; was subject to his parents, and increased in favour with God and man.

(w) "filled with wisdom" Isa 11:2,3, Lk 2:52

Luke 2:52

Verse 52. In favour with God. That is, in proportion to his advance in wisdom. This does not imply that he ever lacked the favour of God, but that God regarded him with favour in proportion as he showed an understanding and spirit like his own. Happy are those children who imitate the example of Jesus--who are obedient to parents--who increase in wisdom--who are sober, temperate, and industrious, and who thus increase in favour with God and men.

(b) "increased in wisdom" 1Sam 2:26, Lk 2:40 (5) "stature", or "age"