Commentaries:
People's Commentary (NT)
Matthew 4:23
Jesus went about all Galilee. In Matthew 4:23-25 are condensed the
labors and teaching of a long period, of which a detailed account is
given in the following chapters.
Teaching in their synagogues. The synagogues, the Jewish houses
of worship, where the Jews met every Sabbath, furnished Jesus a
congregation and a suitable place for teaching. It was customary to
read the Old Testament in course, and after the reading, a teacher or a
rabbi, was usually called on to speak. The custom gave Jesus, and his
apostles after him, a fine opportunity to declare the New Covenant.
THE SYNAGOGUE is so often named in the New Testament that one ought
to clearly understand its character. It corresponded to the Christian
"congregation". Wherever ten Jews were found it was their duty to form
a synagogue. It had elders, of whom the president was called the
"ruler" of the synagogue. The ruler presided over the worship, and all
the elders sat on raised seats. These were "the chief seats" that the
Pharisees liked to sit it. There was a set lesson from the Scriptures
for each Sabbath, for they were read in order. The reader was appointed
by the ruler and might be any member. On one occasion we learn that
Jesus was the reader. After the reading and prayers, there was an
opportunity for any Jewish theological teacher to speak. Of this
opportunity Jesus, and later, Paul often availed themselves. The
service of the synagogue in our times is, in many respects, similar to
that of the time of Christ. The officers of the synagogue had the power
of scourging, of suspending, or of excommunicating (casting out)
offenders.
Preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Gospel means "good news".
He announced the good news of the speedy advent of the long expected
kingdom of the Messiah. He did not, however, at this time proclaim
himself to be the Messiah.
Healing all manner of sickness. He sympathized with all human
affliction and healed the body in order that he might heal the soul.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Matthew 4:23
Mark 1:14
Luke 4:43
Luke 18:18-30
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