Luke 4:15
And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
First-century synagogues served as community centers for worship, Scripture reading, teaching, and prayer. Visiting teachers were invited to read and expound Scripture, giving Jesus ready access to audiences throughout Galilee. His teaching 'with authority' (v. 32) and accompanying miracles generated widespread fame. However, this popularity threatened religious leaders whose authority He implicitly challenged. The Galilean ministry represented a honeymoon period before mounting opposition would drive Jesus toward Jerusalem and the cross. Luke's mention that He was 'glorified of all' heightens the tragedy of His later rejection—the same people who praised Him would soon demand His crucifixion.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does human acclaim and glorification prove unreliable as a measure of genuine spiritual response to Christ?
- How should ministers of the gospel respond to seasons of popularity and public acclaim?
- What does the pattern of initial glorification followed by rejection teach about the cost of faithful gospel ministry?
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Analysis & Commentary
And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. Following His wilderness victory and initial Galilean ministry, Jesus taught systematically in their synagogues (ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς αὐτῶν, en tais synagōgais autōn)—the established centers of Jewish worship and Scripture instruction. The phrase being glorified of all (doxazomenos hypo pantōn, δοξαζόμενος ὑπὸ πάντων) indicates universal acclaim. The present participle suggests ongoing, continuous glorification—everywhere Jesus went, people honored and praised Him.
This initial popularity would prove short-lived. Within verses, His hometown of Nazareth would attempt to kill Him (v. 28-29). The fickleness of public opinion demonstrates that human glory is unreliable. Jesus' teaching combined with miracles produced amazement, but many who 'glorified' Him failed to truly believe unto salvation (John 2:23-25). The pattern continues throughout Scripture: crowds acclaim Jesus when He meets their expectations but turn hostile when He confronts their sin or challenges their assumptions.