Luke 4:14

καὶ ὑπέστρεψεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς. St Luke here omits that series of occurrences which is mainly preserved for us by the Apostle who recorded the Judaean ministry—St John; namely the deputation of the Sanhedrin to the Baptist (Luke 1:19-28), and his testimony about the baptism of Jesus (29–34); the call of Andrew and Simon (35–43); of Philip and Nathanael (44–51); the First Miracle, at Cana, and visit to Capernaum (Luke 2:1-12); the Passover at Jerusalem and first cleansing of the Temple (Luke 2:13-25); the secret visit of Nicodemus (Luke 3:1-21); the baptism of the disciples of Jesus, and the Baptist’s remarks to his disciples (Luke 3:22-36). St Luke has already mentioned by anticipation the imprisonment of John the Baptist (Luke 3:19-20), which probably hastened the return of Jesus to Galilee; but St John alone preserves the deeply interesting revelation to the Woman of Samaria, and the preaching among the Samaritans (John 4:4-42). This must have occurred during the journey from Judaea to Galilee mentioned in this verse.

εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν. This district was the starting-point and main centre of our Lord’s ministry: see Acts 10:37, “which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee.” Luke 23:5, “He stirreth up the people, beginning from Galilee.” For the order of the narrative from this point to Luke 9:51 see the introductory analysis. It is not possible to arrange this section of the gospel (Luke 4:14 to Luke 9:50) with reference to the gathering and deepening opposition as Ritschl does. It is rather to be divided with reference to the gradual development of the work in Galilee. Godet divides it into four cycles:

1.

4:14–44. To the call of the first Disciples.

2.

5:1–6:11. To the nomination of the Twelve.

3.

6:12–8:56. To the first mission of the Twelve.

4.

9:1–50. To the departure of Jesus for Jerusalem.