Luke 4:15

KJV

And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he {G846} taught {G1321} in {G1722} their {G846} synagogues {G4864}, being glorified {G1392} of {G5259} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He taught in their synagogues, and everyone respected him.

Berean Standard Bible

He taught in their synagogues and was glorified by everyone.

American Standard Version

And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:15 succinctly describes a crucial early phase of Jesus' public ministry in Galilee, highlighting His widespread activity and the overwhelmingly positive reception He received from the people. This verse captures Jesus' consistent practice of teaching in Jewish synagogues, which served as central community hubs, and notes the universal acclaim and honor bestowed upon Him by those who heard His words and witnessed His presence. It paints a picture of a burgeoning reputation, where His authority and message resonated deeply with the populace before significant opposition arose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' return to Galilee, having successfully endured a period of intense temptation in the wilderness and having begun His ministry "in the power of the Spirit" ([Luke 4:1-14](/luke/4-1-14 "Luke 4:1-14 - Jesus' Temptation and Return to Galilee")). Luke 4:15 functions as a summary statement, broadly describing Jesus' initial activities throughout the region. It sets the stage for the pivotal and more detailed account of His sermon in the synagogue of Nazareth, His hometown, which begins just a few verses later ([Luke 4:16-30](/luke/4-16-30 "Luke 4:16-30 - Jesus Preaches in Nazareth")). This summary verse emphasizes the general positive reception that preceded the specific, and ultimately hostile, reaction He would face in Nazareth, providing a crucial contrast.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, synagogues were indispensable community institutions, serving as centers for worship, prayer, reading and teaching of the Torah and Prophets, and social gatherings. Unlike the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the sole place for sacrificial worship, synagogues were local and ubiquitous, providing accessible venues for religious instruction and community life. Jesus' consistent choice to teach "in their synagogues" demonstrates His engagement with established Jewish religious life and His desire to reach the people where they gathered. Galilee itself was a diverse region, a crossroads of cultures, and its inhabitants, though often looked down upon by those in Judea, were deeply religious and familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, making them receptive to a new, authoritative teacher.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 4:15 contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **inauguration of Jesus' public ministry**, demonstrating His active engagement in proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Secondly, it highlights Jesus' **divine authority in teaching**; the phrase "being glorified of all" suggests that His words carried an unparalleled weight and truth, distinguishing Him from traditional scribal teaching ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching")). This authority is a recurring theme throughout the Gospels. Thirdly, the verse establishes the theme of **initial popular reception and widespread acclaim** for Jesus, which stands in stark contrast to the growing opposition and rejection He would later face, particularly from religious leaders and even in His hometown ([Luke 4:28-29](/luke/4-28-29 "Luke 4:28-29 - Rejection in Nazareth")). This dynamic of acceptance followed by rejection is a significant narrative arc in Luke.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taught (Greek, _didáskō_):** This verb signifies a regular, authoritative, and systematic instruction, rather than casual conversation or mere opinion. It implies the role of a teacher imparting knowledge and principles to disciples or students. Jesus' teaching was not just informative but formative, aimed at shaping understanding and behavior according to the truth of God's Kingdom.
* **synagogues (Greek, _synagōgḗ_):** Derived from a word meaning "an assemblage of persons," this term refers specifically to the Jewish gathering place for worship, study, and community. Its use here emphasizes Jesus' strategic choice to engage with the established religious and social structures of His time, bringing His message directly to the heart of Jewish communal life.
* **glorified (Greek, _doxázō_):** This powerful verb means "to render (or esteem) glorious," "to honor," "to praise," or "to magnify." In this context, it indicates that the people held Jesus in high esteem, recognizing His exceptional qualities, the profound truth of His words, and perhaps even the divine power evident in His ministry. It suggests a widespread admiration and respect for His person and message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he taught":** This phrase immediately establishes Jesus' primary mode of public ministry: teaching. While He performed miracles and healed the sick, His foundational work involved the authoritative proclamation and explanation of God's truth, particularly concerning the Kingdom of God. This highlights His role as the ultimate Prophet and Teacher.
* **"in their synagogues":** This specifies the setting for Jesus' teaching. By consistently teaching in the local synagogues, Jesus demonstrated His respect for the existing Jewish religious framework and strategically positioned Himself to reach a broad and diverse audience, engaging with the very heart of Jewish community life and scripture.
* **"being glorified of all":** This clause describes the widespread and overwhelmingly positive response to Jesus' teaching and presence. "Glorified" here conveys a sense of deep respect, honor, and admiration. It indicates that His words and actions profoundly impressed the people, leading them to hold Him in high regard and acknowledge His unique authority and wisdom. It signifies His burgeoning reputation and the initial widespread acceptance of His ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:15, though concise, employs several literary techniques. The primary device is **Summary**, as Luke condenses a period of extensive activity into a single, impactful statement, providing a broad overview before delving into specific events. This conciseness allows the narrative to move efficiently. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the widespread "glorification of all" subtly sets up a dramatic contrast with the subsequent rejection Jesus would face, particularly in His hometown of Nazareth, and later from the religious authorities. Finally, the phrase "glorified of all" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Generalization**, indicating a universal or widespread positive reception rather than a literal, every-single-person glorification. This emphasizes the remarkable impact Jesus had on the Galilean population at this early stage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:15 is rich with theological implications, underscoring the nature of Jesus' ministry as one of authoritative revelation and the dynamic of human response to divine truth. It reveals Jesus as the preeminent Teacher, whose words carry inherent power and demand a response. His engagement with the synagogues signifies God's continued work within the established covenant community, even as a new era of the Kingdom is inaugurated. The initial widespread "glorification" speaks to the innate human recognition of divine truth and authority, yet it also subtly sets the stage for the later, more complex, and often negative, reactions to Jesus' claims, highlighting the tension between popular acclaim and true spiritual understanding. This verse establishes the pattern of Jesus' public ministry: a powerful, Spirit-anointed proclamation that elicits a profound, though not always lasting, impact.

* [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching")
* [Mark 1:39](/mark/1-39 "Mark 1:39 - Jesus Preaching in Synagogues")
* [John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:15 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Jesus' consistent practice of teaching in the synagogues, the central community spaces of His day, reminds us of the importance of meeting people where they are, bringing the transformative message of the Gospel into accessible and relevant contexts. His teaching was not merely informative but carried an unparalleled authority, resonating deeply with His listeners and prompting their "glorification." For us, this highlights that true spiritual impact comes not from human eloquence alone, but from the power of the Holy Spirit accompanying the proclamation of God's truth. We are called to speak with conviction, rooted in scripture, and to rely on divine enablement to make our words effective. While initial positive reception can be encouraging, Jesus' journey also reminds us that popularity can be fleeting, and faithfulness to the message, even in the face of future opposition, is paramount. Our ultimate aim should be to glorify God through our lives and words, reflecting the truth and love of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' method of teaching in synagogues inform our approach to sharing the Gospel in various community settings today?**
* **What does it mean for our words and lives to "glorify" God, and how can we cultivate a presence that honors Him?**
* **In what ways might initial positive reception of truth be a setup for later opposition, and how should we prepare for such shifts in our own witness?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of synagogues in Jesus' time?**

Answer: Synagogues served as central community hubs for Jewish people, primarily for prayer, reading and teaching of the Torah and Prophets, and community gatherings. They were not places of sacrifice, which was reserved for the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus' use of them highlights their role as accessible centers for religious instruction and community engagement, allowing Him to reach a broad audience with His message of the Kingdom of God ([Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom of God")).

**Why was Jesus "glorified of all" at this point in His ministry?**

Answer: Jesus' "glorification" stemmed from the profound impact of His teaching, which was delivered with unparalleled authority ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching")). Unlike the scribes, He spoke with inherent power and insight, often accompanied by miraculous signs and wonders (though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, they are part of His broader ministry context, e.g., [Luke 4:40-41](/luke/4-40-41 "Luke 4:40-41 - Jesus Heals Many")). The people recognized something uniquely divine and compelling in His words and presence, leading them to hold Him in high esteem and honor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:15, with its depiction of Jesus teaching authoritatively and being "glorified of all," powerfully foreshadows and participates in His ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus' consistent presence and teaching in the synagogues establish Him as the ultimate Prophet and Teacher, the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), who perfectly reveals the Father's will and truth. His initial widespread glorification by the people points to His inherent divine glory as the Son of God, a glory that, while partially veiled in His earthly ministry, would be fully unveiled through His redemptive work on the cross, His triumphant resurrection ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalted Christ")), and His glorious ascension to the right hand of God ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted at God's Right Hand")). This early ministry, marked by authoritative teaching and popular acclaim, is a vital step in His mission to establish the Kingdom of God, culminating in the new covenant where He, as the Head of the Church, continues to teach and guide His people through His Spirit and Word ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Christ Gives Gifts to the Church")). The "glorification of all" in Luke 4:15 is a microcosm of the universal worship and adoration that will ultimately be rendered to Christ by "every tongue confess[ing] that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:11](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Tongue Confess Jesus is Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 4:23

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Matthew 9:8

But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Luke 13:10

¶ And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

Mark 1:27

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine [is] this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Matthew 13:54

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this [man] this wisdom, and [these] mighty works?

Mark 1:39

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Isaiah 55:5

Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.