Luke 4:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 4:38
38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.
Chapter Context
Luke 4 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, sacrifice, hope. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-44: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 4:38
38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.
Analysis
And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever. After the synagogue exorcism, Jesus goes to Peter's home. The detail that Peter had a wife's mother confirms Peter's married status (mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:5). The phrase synechomenē pyretō megalō (συνεχομένη πυρετῷ μεγάλῳ, gripped by a great fever) indicates serious illness—Luke, the physician, notes the fever's severity.
And they besought him for her. The phrase ērōtēsan auton peri autēs (ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν περὶ αὐτῆς, they asked him concerning her) shows the family's faith. Having just witnessed Jesus' authority over demons, they immediately seek His help for physical illness. This demonstrates growing faith—they expect Jesus can and will heal.
Historical Context
First-century households were multi-generational, so Peter's mother-in-law living with Peter and his wife was normal. Capernaum homes were modest structures built around courtyards. Peter's house has been excavated, showing a typical fisherman's dwelling that was later converted into a house-church. The family's immediate appeal to Jesus reveals the intimacy developing between Jesus and His disciples. Peter's home became a ministry base where public teaching in the synagogue extended into private miracles in the home. This pattern continues—Jesus ministers in both public and private spheres.
Reflection
- What does the family's immediate appeal to Jesus reveal about the relationship between witnessing Jesus' power and exercising faith?
- How does Jesus' willingness to heal in a private home demonstrate that His ministry extends beyond public religious settings?
- What does Peter having a wife's mother teach about the normalcy of marriage among Jesus' disciples?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 15:23, John 11:3, 11:22, 1 Corinthians 9:5