Luke 4:21
and He began by saying, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
He began
The phrase "He began" signifies the initiation of Jesus' public ministry in the synagogue. The Greek word used here is "ἤρξατο" (ērxato), which implies a deliberate and purposeful commencement. This moment marks a pivotal point in the Gospel of Luke, as Jesus transitions from His private life to His public role as the Messiah. Historically, this setting in the synagogue is significant, as it was a central place for teaching and community gathering in Jewish life. Jesus' choice to begin His ministry here underscores His connection to Jewish tradition and His role in fulfilling the Scriptures.

by saying
The phrase "by saying" indicates that Jesus is about to deliver a message of great importance. The Greek word "λέγειν" (legein) is used, which means to speak or to say. This is not just casual conversation; it is a proclamation. In the context of the synagogue, where the reading and interpretation of Scripture were central, Jesus' words carry the weight of divine revelation. This moment is a fulfillment of prophecy and a declaration of His identity and mission.

to them
The phrase "to them" refers to the audience in the synagogue, which would have included both regular attendees and religious leaders. This is significant because Jesus is addressing those who are familiar with the Scriptures and the prophecies concerning the Messiah. The direct address emphasizes the personal nature of His message and the immediate relevance to His listeners. It also highlights the communal aspect of His ministry, as He engages directly with the people of Israel.

Today
The word "Today" is crucial in this context. The Greek word "σήμερον" (sēmeron) signifies immediacy and urgency. Jesus is declaring that the fulfillment of the prophecy is not a distant future event but is happening in their presence. This word bridges the past promises of God with the present reality of Jesus' ministry. It emphasizes the "now" of God's salvation plan, inviting the listeners to recognize and respond to the momentous occasion.

this Scripture
The phrase "this Scripture" refers to the passage Jesus had just read from Isaiah 61:1-2. The Greek word "γραφή" (graphē) is used, which means writing or Scripture. This highlights the authority and sacredness of the text. By referring to "this Scripture," Jesus is identifying Himself as the fulfillment of the prophetic words, asserting His messianic identity and mission. It underscores the continuity of God's plan as revealed through the Scriptures.

is fulfilled
The phrase "is fulfilled" is a declaration of the completion of prophecy. The Greek word "πεπλήρωται" (peplērōtai) means to fill up or to complete. This indicates that what was promised and anticipated in the Scriptures has now come to fruition in Jesus. It is a powerful affirmation of His role as the Messiah and the inaugurator of God's kingdom. This fulfillment is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality in the lives of believers.

in your hearing
The phrase "in your hearing" emphasizes the personal and immediate nature of the fulfillment. The Greek word "ἀκοῇ" (akoē) refers to hearing or listening. This indicates that the fulfillment of the prophecy is not just an abstract concept but a tangible reality experienced by those present. It invites the listeners to be active participants in the unfolding of God's plan. This phrase also serves as a call to faith, urging the audience to recognize and accept Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is in the synagogue in Nazareth, declaring the fulfillment of prophecy.

2. Nazareth
The town where Jesus grew up and where this event takes place. It is significant as it represents Jesus' return to His roots.

3. Synagogue
The place of Jewish worship and teaching where Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah.

4. The Audience
The people of Nazareth, including those who knew Jesus from His youth, are present and listening to His declaration.

5. The Scroll of Isaiah
The specific text Jesus reads from, which contains prophecies about the Messiah.
Teaching Points
Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' declaration in Luke 4:21 emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This underscores the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture.

The Authority of Jesus
By claiming the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus asserts His authority as the Messiah. Believers are called to recognize and submit to His authority in their lives.

The Rejection of Jesus
Despite the clear fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus faced skepticism and rejection in His hometown. This serves as a reminder that following Christ may lead to misunderstanding or rejection by those closest to us.

The Present Reality of Salvation
Jesus' use of the word "Today" signifies the immediacy of God's salvation. Believers are encouraged to live in the present reality of Christ's redemptive work.

The Role of Scripture in Understanding Jesus
Jesus uses Scripture to reveal His identity and mission. This highlights the importance of studying the Bible to understand God's plan and purpose.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' declaration in Luke 4:21 challenge our understanding of His identity and mission?

2. In what ways can we experience the "today" of God's promises in our own lives, as Jesus mentioned?

3. How does the reaction of the people in Nazareth reflect common responses to Jesus' message today?

4. What role does prophecy play in affirming the truth of the Gospel, and how can we use this in our witness to others?

5. How can we apply the authority of Jesus in our daily decisions and interactions with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 61:1-2
Jesus reads from this passage, which speaks of the anointed one bringing good news to the poor and proclaiming freedom. This connection highlights the fulfillment of messianic prophecy.

Luke 4:18-19
The verses immediately preceding Luke 4:21, where Jesus reads the prophecy, setting the context for His declaration of fulfillment.

Matthew 13:54-58
This passage describes a similar event where Jesus teaches in His hometown, and the people question His authority and identity.

John 1:14
This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh, which ties into Jesus' role as the fulfillment of prophecy.

Acts 13:32-33
Paul speaks of the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus, echoing the theme of prophecy fulfillment.
Preaching At NazarethAlexander MaclarenLuke 4:21
Christ's Sermon in NazarethR.M. Edgar Luke 4:14-30
A Full TextT. T. Munger.Luke 4:18-22
Christ Alone Can Heal the BrokenheartedDr. Talmage.Luke 4:18-22
Christ the EmancipatorH. W. Beecher.Luke 4:18-22
Christ the Fulfilment of ProphecySunday School TimesLuke 4:18-22
Christ the Great HarmonizerLuke 4:18-22
Christ the Healer of the Broken-HeartedC. Bradley, M. A.Luke 4:18-22
Christ the True Liberator and Enlightener of the WorldFreeman.Luke 4:18-22
Christ's Method of EmancipationH. W. Beecher.Luke 4:18-22
Deliverance Both Physical and MoralT. T. Munger.Luke 4:18-22
Ministry for the PoorW. E. Channing, D. D.Luke 4:18-22
Nazareth and its Good NewsH. Bonar, D. D.Luke 4:18-22
Prayer Helps EmancipationLuke 4:18-22
Preaching the GospelC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 4:18-22
The Acceptable Year of the LordA. B. Bruce, D. D.Luke 4:18-22
The Acceptable Year of the Lord: Jubilee YearJ. M. Wilson, M. A.Luke 4:18-22
The Cold Comfort of Worldly PhilosophyDr. M'Cosh's "Certitude, Providence, and Prayer."Luke 4:18-22
The Gospel and the PoorCanon Liddon.Luke 4:18-22
The Gospel JubileeBishop Daniel Wilson.Luke 4:18-22
The Interrupted SermonH. R. Haweis, M. A.Luke 4:18-22
The Joy of Acquiring LibertyHenry R. Burton.Luke 4:18-22
The Jubilee Spirit in ChristianityJ. M. Wilson, M. A. .Luke 4:18-22
The Matter of Christ's PreachingG. Brooks.Luke 4:18-22
The Power of Christ's SympathyChristian JournalLuke 4:18-22
The Slavery of UnrestE. Irving, M. A.Luke 4:18-22
The Work of ChristJ. Venn, M. A.Luke 4:18-22
People
Elias, Elijah, Eliseus, Elisha, Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus, Joseph, Naaman, Simon
Places
Capernaum, Galilee, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Sidon, Wilderness of Judea, Zarephath
Topics
Ears, Fulfilled, Hearing, Proceeded, Scripture, To-day, Writing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 4:21

     1611   Scripture, inspiration and authority
     2351   Christ, miracles
     2422   gospel, confirmation
     3269   Holy Spirit, in Christ

Luke 4:14-30

     8836   unbelief, response

Luke 4:15-33

     7456   synagogue

Luke 4:16-21

     2318   Christ, as prophet
     5467   promises, divine
     6689   mercy, of Christ
     8225   devotion

Luke 4:16-30

     8712   denial of Christ

Luke 4:17-21

     2206   Jesus, the Christ
     8402   claims

Luke 4:18-21

     2354   Christ, mission
     3224   Holy Spirit, and preaching
     4978   year
     9140   last days

Luke 4:20-21

     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching

Library
Preaching at Nazareth
'And He began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled In your ears.'--LUKE iv. 21. This first appearance of our Lord, in His public work at Nazareth, the home of His childhood, was preceded, as we learn from John's Gospel, by a somewhat extended ministry in Jerusalem. In the course of it, He cast the money-changers out of the Temple, did many miracles, had His conversation with Nicodemus, and on His return towards Galilee met the woman of Samaria at the well. The report of these things,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Temptation
4 And Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2. Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days He did eat nothing: and when they were ended, He afterward hungered. 3. And the devil said unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread, 4. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. 5. And the devil, taking Him up into an high
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Temptation of Christ
Matthew 4:1-11 -- "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Private Prayer, and Public Worship.
"And, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day."--ST. LUKE iv. 16. "He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there He prayed."--ST. MARK i. 35. These two texts set before us our Saviour's habit in regard to public and private spiritual exercise; and they suggest to us the question, What have we, on our part, to say of these two elements in our own life? These texts, we bear in mind, represent not something casual or intermittent in the life of our Lord. They
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Salvation by Faith
"By grace are ye saved through faith." Eph. 2:8. 1. All the blessings which God hath bestowed upon man are of his mere grace, bounty, or favour; his free, undeserved favour; favour altogether undeserved; man having no claim to the least of his mercies. It was free grace that "formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into him a living soul," and stamped on that soul the image of God, and "put all things under his feet." The same free grace continues to us, at this day, life, and breath,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Massillon -- the Small Number of the Elect
Jean Baptiste Massillon was born in 1663, at Hyères, in Provence, France. He first attracted notice as a pulpit orator by his funeral sermons as the Archbishop of Vienne, which led to his preferment from his class of theology at Meaux to the presidency of the Seminary of Magloire at Paris. His conferences at Paris showed remarkable spiritual insight and knowledge of the human heart. He was a favorite preacher of Louis XIV and Louis XV, and after being appointed bishop of Clermont in 1719 he
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3

Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision C. Arrival in Galilee. ^C Luke IV. 14; ^D John IV. 43-45. ^d 43 And after the two days [the two days spent among the Samaritans at Sychar] he went forth from thence [from Samaria] into Galilee. ^c 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee [Power of the Spirit here means its manifest use to perform miracles, rather than its presence, influence or direction. Jesus was always under the influence and direction of the Spirit, but did not previously perform miracles]: ^d
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Divine Healing.
The thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah is a prophecy beautifully extolling the glories and virtues of Christ's redemptive works. "The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." "It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.... Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements.
The stay in Cana, though we have no means of determining its length, was probably of only short duration. Perhaps the Sabbath of the same week already found Jesus in the Synagogue of Nazareth. We will not seek irreverently to lift the veil of sacred silence, which here, as elsewhere, the Gospel-narratives have laid over the Sanctuary of His inner Life. That silence is itself theopneustic, of Divine breathing and inspiration; it is more eloquent than any eloquence, a guarantee of the truthfulness
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

His Training.
WITH the exception of these few but significant hints, the youth of Jesus, and the preparation for his public ministry, are enshrined in mysterious silence. But we know the outward condition and circumstances under which he grew up; and these furnish no explanation for the astounding results, without the admission of the supernatural and divine element in his life. He grew up among a people seldom and only contemptuously named by the ancient classics, and subjected at the time to the yoke of a foreign
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

Standing with the People
We have found two simple and axiomatic social principles in the fundamental convictions of Jesus: The sacredness of life and personality, and the spiritual solidarity of men. Now confront a mind mastered by these convictions with the actual conditions of society, with the contempt for life and the denial of social obligation existing, and how will he react? How will he see the duty of the strong, and his own duty? DAILY READINGS First Day: The Social Platform of Jesus And he came to Nazareth, where
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

Christ the Deliverer.
"And he [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where it was written, The spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Quotations from the Old Testament in the New.
1. As it respects inspiration, and consequent infallible authority, the quotations of the New Testament stand on a level with the rest of the apostolic writings. The Saviour's promise was: "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth;" literally, "into all the truth," that is, as immediately explained, all the truth pertaining to the Redeemer's person and work. When, therefore, after the fulfilment of this promise, Peter and the other apostles expounded to their brethren
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to Germany in 1822
In 1822 John Yeardley went to reside in Germany. As his residence abroad constituted one of the most remarkable turns in his life, and exercised a powerful influence on the rest of his career, we shall develop as fully as we are able the motives by which he was induced to leave his native country. By means of his Diary we can trace the early appearance and growth, if not the origin, of the strong Christian sympathy he ever afterwards manifested with seeking souls in the nations on the continent of
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Whether in Christ There were the Gifts?
Objection 1: It would seem that the gifts were not in Christ. For, as is commonly said, the gifts are given to help the virtues. But what is perfect in itself does not need an exterior help. Therefore, since the virtues of Christ were perfect, it seems there were no gifts in Him. Objection 2: Further, to give and to receive gifts would not seem to belong to the same; since to give pertains to one who has, and to receive pertains to one who has not. But it belongs to Christ to give gifts according
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

It is the Final Court of Appeal.
It is not a question of what I think, or of what any one else thinks--it is, What saith the Scriptures? It is not a matter of what any church or creed teaches--it is, What teaches the Bible? God has spoken, and that ends the matter: "Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven." Therefore, it is for me to bow to His authority, to submit to His Word, to cease all quibbling and cry, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth." Because the Bible is God's Word, it is the final court of appeal in all things
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

Epistle xiii. To Serenus, Bishop of Massilia (Marseilles) .
To Serenus, Bishop of Massilia (Marseilles) [128] . Gregory to Serenus, &c. The beginning of thy letter so showed thee to have in thee the good will that befits a priest as to cause us increased joy in thy Fraternity. But its conclusion was so at variance with its commencement that such an epistle might be attributed, not to one, but to different, minds. Nay, from thy very doubts about the epistle which we sent to thee it appears how inconsiderate thou art. For, hadst thou paid diligent attention
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Book x. On Numbers
In truth, we interpret, however briefly, these numbers of perfect names. The mystical account of these examples makes them more honored among the blessed. I. This number refers to the unity of the divinity; in the Pentatuch: hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one. [Deut. 6:4] II. [This number refers] to the two testaments; in Kings: and He made in Dabir two cherubim in the measure of 10 cubits. [III(I) Kings 6:23] III. [This number refers] to the Trinity; in the epistle of John: three are those
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
I. NAMES AND TITLES. 1. THE BIBLE. 2. THE TESTAMENTS. 3. THE SCRIPTURES. 4. THE WORD OF GOD. II. INSPIRATION. 1. DEFINITION. 2. DISTINCTIONS. a) Revelation. b) Illumination. c) Reporting. 3. VIEWS: a) Natural Inspiration. b) Christian Illumination. c) Dynamic Theory. d) Concept Theory. e) Verbal Inspiration. f) Partial Inspiration. g) Plenary Inspiration. 4. THE CLAIMS OF THE SCRIPTURES THEMSELVES: a) The Old Testament. b) The New Testament. 5. THE CHARACTER (OR DEGREES) OF INSPIRATION. a) Actual
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

The Cornish Tinners
Saturday, September 3.--I rode to the Three-cornered Down (so called), nine or ten miles east of St. Ives, where we found two or three hundred tinners, who had been some time waiting for us. They all appeared quite pleased and unconcerned; and many of them ran after us to Gwennap (two miles east), where their number was quickly increased to four or five hundred. I had much comfort here in applying these words, "He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor" [Luke 4:18]. One who lived near
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

Wesley Begins Field-Preaching
1739. March 15.--During my stay [in London] I was fully employed, between our own society in Fetter Lane and many others where I was continually desired to expound; I had no thought of leaving London, when I received, after several others, a letter from Mr. Whitefield and another from Mr. Seward entreating me, in the most pressing manner, to come to Bristol without delay. This I was not at all forward to do. Wednesday, 28.--My journey was proposed to our society in Fetter Lane. But my brother Charles
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Exaltation of Satan.
One of the greatest mysteries in all God's creation is the Devil. For any reliable information concerning him we are shut up to the Holy Scriptures. It is in God's Word alone that we can learn anything about his origin, his personality, his fall, his sphere of operations, and his approaching doom. One thing which is there taught us about the great Adversary of God and man, and which observation and experience fully confirms, is, that he is a being possessing mighty power. It would appear, from a
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

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