Matthew 4:23
Verse
Context
Jesus Heals the Multitudes
22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.24News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed—and He healed them.
Sermons
Compilations
Bob Mumford
David Wilkerson
Jack Hibbs
Chuck SmithCompilationsSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues--These were houses of local worship. It cannot be proved that they existed before the Babylonish captivity; but as they began to be erected soon after it, probably the idea was suggested by the religious inconveniences to which the captives had been subjected. In our Lord's time, the rule was to have one wherever ten learned men or professed students of the law resided; and they extended to Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, and most places of the dispersion. The larger towns had several, and in Jerusalem the number approached five hundred. In point of officers and mode of worship, the Christian congregations are modelled after the synagogue. and preaching the gospel of the kingdom--proclaiming the glad tidings of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness--every disease. and all manner of disease among the people--every complaint. The word means any incipient malady causing "softness."
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
See here, I. What an industrious preacher Christ was; He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Observe, 1. What Christ preached - the gospel of the kingdom. The kingdom of heaven, that is, of grace and glory, is emphatically the kingdom, the kingdom that was now to come; that kingdom which shall survive, as it doth surpass, all the kingdoms of the earth. The gospel is the charter of that kingdom, containing the King's coronation oath, by which he has graciously obliged himself to pardon, protect, and save the subjects of that kingdom; it contains also their oath of allegiance, by which they oblige themselves to observe his statutes and seek his honour; this is the gospel of the kingdom; this Christ was himself the Preacher of, that our faith in it might be confirmed. 2. Where he preached - in the synagogues; not there only, but there chiefly, because those were the places of concourse, where wisdom was to lift up her voice (Pro 1:21); because they were places of concourse for religious worship, and there, it was to be hoped, the minds of the people would be prepared to receive the gospel; and there the scriptures of the Old Testament were read, the exposition of which would easily introduce the gospel of the kingdom. 3. What pains he took in preaching; He went about all Galilee, teaching. He might have issued out a proclamation to summon all to come to him; but, to show his humility, and the condescensions of his grace, he goes to them; for he waits to be gracious, and comes to seek and save. Josephus says, There were above two hundred cities and towns in Galilee, and all, or most of them, Christ visited. He went about doing good. Never was there such an itinerant preacher, such an indefatigable one, as Christ was; he went from town to town, to beseech poor sinners to be reconciled to God. This is an example to ministers, to lay themselves out to do good, and to be instant, and constant, in season, and out of season, to preach the word. II. What a powerful physician Christ was; he went about not only teaching, but healing, and both with his word, that he might magnify that above all his name. He sent his word, and healed them. Now observe, 1. What diseases he cured - all without exception. He healed all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease. There are diseases which are called the reproach of physicians, being obstinate to all the methods they can prescribe; but even those were the glory of this Physician, for he healed them all, however inveterate. His word was the true panpharmacon - all-heal. Three general words are here used to intimate this; he healed every sickness, noson, as blindness, lameness, fever, dropsy; every disease, or languishing, malakian, as fluxes and consumptions; and all torments, basanous, as gout, stone, convulsions, and such like torturing distempers; whether the disease was acute or chronical; whether it was a racking or a wasting disease; none was too bad, none too hard, for Christ to heal with a word's speaking. Three particular diseases are specified; the palsy, which is the greatest weakness of the body; lunacy, which is the greatest malady of the mind, and possession of the Devil, which is the greatest misery and calamity of both, yet Christ healed all: for he is the sovereign Physician both of soul and body, and has command of all diseases. 2. What patients he had. A physician who was so easy of access, so sure of success, who cured immediately, without either a painful suspense and expectation, or such painful remedies as are worse than the disease; who cured gratis, and took no fees, could not but have abundance of patients. See here, what flocking there was to him from all parts; great multitudes of people came, not only from Galilee and the country about, but even from Jerusalem and from Judea, which lay a great way off; for his fame went throughout all Syria, not only among all the people of the Jews, but among the neighbouring nations, which, by the report that now spread far and near concerning him, would be prepared to receive his gospel, when afterwards it should be brought them. This is given as the reason why such multitudes came to him, because his fame had spread so widely. Note, What we hear of Christ from others, should invite us to him. The queen of Sheba was induced, by the fame of Solomon, to pay him a visit. The voice of fame is "Come, and see." Christ both taught and healed. They who came for cures, met with instruction concerning the things that belonged to their peace. It is well if any thing will bring people to Christ; and they who come to him will find more in him than they expected. These Syrians, like Naaman the Syrian, coming to be healed of their diseases, many of them being converts, Kg2 5:15, Kg2 5:17. They sought health for the body, and obtained the salvation of the soul; like Saul, who sought the asses, and found the kingdom. Yet it appeared, by the issue, that many of those who rejoiced in Christ as a Healer, forgot him as a Teacher. Now concerning the cures which Christ wrought, let us, once for all, observe the miracle, the mercy, and the mystery, of them. (1.) The miracle of them. They were wrought in such a manner, as plainly spake them to be the immediate products of a divine and supernatural power, and they were God's seal to his commission. Nature could not do these things, it was the God of nature; the cures were many, of diseases incurable by the art of the physician, of persons that were strangers, of all ages and conditions; the cures were wrought openly, before many witnesses, in mixed companies of persons that would have denied the matter of fact, if they could have had any colour for so doing; no cure ever failed, or was afterwards called in question; they were wrought speedily, and not (as cures by natural causes) gradually; they were perfect cures, and wrought with a word's speaking; all which proves him a Teacher come from God, for, otherwise, none could have done the works that he did, Joh 3:2. He appeals to these as credentials, Mat 11:4, Mat 11:5; Joh 5:36. It was expected that the Messiah should work miracles (Joh 7:31); miracles of this nature (Isa 35:5, Isa 35:6); and we have this indisputable proof of his being the Messiah; never was there any man that did thus; and therefore his healing and his preaching generally went together, for the former confirmed the latter; thus here he began to do and to teach, Act 1:1. (2.) The mercy of them. The miracles that Moses wrought, to prove his mission, were most of them plagues and judgments, to intimate the terror of that dispensation, though from God; but the miracles that Christ wrought, were most of them cures, and all of them (except the cursing of the barren fig tree) blessings and favours; for the gospel dispensation is founded, and built up in love, and grace, and sweetness; and the management is such as tends not to affright but to allure us to obedience. Christ designed by his cures to win upon people, and to ingratiate himself and his doctrine into their minds, and so to draw them with the bands of love, Hos 11:4. The miracle of them proved his doctrine a faithful saying, and convinced men's judgments; the mercy of them proved it worthy of all acceptation, and wrought upon their affections. They were not only great works, but good works, that he showed them from his Father (Joh 10:32); and this goodness was intended to lead men to repentance (Rom 2:4), as also to show that kindness, and beneficence, and doing good to all, to the utmost of our power and opportunity, are essential branches of that holy religion which Christ came into the world to establish. (3.) The mystery of them. Christ, by curing bodily diseases, intended to show, that his great errand into the world was to cure spiritual maladies. He is the Sun of righteousness, that arises with this healing under his wings. As the Converter of sinners, he is the Physician of souls, and has taught us to call him so, Mat 9:12, Mat 9:13. Sin is the sickness, disease, and torment of the soul; Christ came to take away sin, and so to heal these. And the particular stories of the cures Christ wrought, may not only be applied spiritually, by way of allusion and illustration, but, I believe, are very much intended to reveal to us spiritual things, and to set before us the way and method of Christ's dealing with souls, in their conversion and sanctification; and those cures are recorded, that were most significant and instructive this way; and they are therefore so to be explained and improved, to the honour and praise of that glorious Redeemer, who forgiveth all our iniquities, and so healeth all our diseases.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:23-25 This summary marks the central theme of the section (4:23–9:38): the ministry and message of the Messiah. In ancient writings, chapter divisions were unknown; authors would instead begin and end a section with the same expression (called an inclusio; see 9:35). 4:23 The Messiah’s ministry has three main features: teaching, announcing . . . the Kingdom, and healing. • The synagogues were centers for prayer, study, and exposition of Scripture and tradition. They were the social centers of many Jewish villages. The hypocrisy and hostility of the Jewish leaders was evident at the synagogues (6:2, 5; 10:17; 12:9-14; 13:54; 23:6, 34). • Announcing the Good News means presenting the message about the Kingdom of Heaven (9:35; 24:14; 26:13; also Mark 1:1; Rom 1:16). Most often, the message evokes hostility (see Matt 9:32-34; 10:27-28; 13:1-9, 18-23).
Matthew 4:23
Jesus Heals the Multitudes
22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.24News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed—and He healed them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Freedom Cd - Track 1 (Compilation)
By Compilations4.4K06:44CompilationMAT 1:21MAT 2:13MAT 3:11MAT 4:23MAT 8:26MAT 11:28MAT 16:16In this sermon, the speaker, Tyrone, shares his personal testimony of how he was once an atheist and then became involved in drugs and prostitution. However, he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ that set him free from his addictions. He emphasizes that no matter what someone has done or who they are, God's love is available to them. Tyrone also mentions the importance of repentance and surrendering to Jesus as the only way to find true peace and joy. Throughout his message, he references Bible verses such as Matthew 3:11 and Matthew 4:16 to support his points.
Nature of Lawlessness - Part 1
By Bob Mumford3.3K37:47LawlessnessMAT 4:23MAT 5:1In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the background of Matthew chapters 4 and 5, where Jesus is teaching and ministering to a multitude of people. He then introduces the topic of obedience and states that he will be discussing it over the course of seven nights. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding organization, placement, and relationship within the body of Christ to avoid religious confusion. He also mentions the need to clarify the nature and spirit of obedience, which he has been trying to explain for many years.
The Unhindered Gospel
By David Wilkerson2.7K52:19PRO 17:15MAT 4:23JHN 6:53ACT 20:26ACT 23:112CO 6:1HEB 12:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the full Gospel, which includes repentance, holiness, and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He highlights the contrast between Jesus' ministry of miracles and provision, and the day when he spoke about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, emphasizing the deeper spiritual meaning behind his words. The preacher also discusses the challenges faced by believers in a world that is turning apostate, and the need for Christians to prioritize the needs of the body of Christ over personal gain. He concludes by highlighting the hindrances to the Gospel, such as false cults, persecution, and opposition, and the example of Paul as a faithful servant of God despite these obstacles.
Life & Times of Jesus #05
By Jack Hibbs1.9K53:06MAT 4:23MAT 4:25HEB 13:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the earthly work of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of being taught and how Jesus was an excellent teacher. The speaker highlights that a teaching message should affect believers in four ways: by hearing, seeing, doing, and being affected by the Holy Spirit. The sermon also emphasizes that Jesus came into the world to save sinners and give them hope, not for religious purposes. The speaker encourages the audience to remember and respect those who minister to their souls.
(Through the Bible) Matthew 1-4
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:43:57MAT 1:1MAT 4:23MAT 11:28MAT 18:21MAT 28:19MRK 16:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sensory experiences that our brains process while listening to a sermon. He emphasizes the importance of having a solid and reliable translation of the Bible. The sermon then transitions to the Gospel according to Matthew, where the genealogy of Jesus Christ is presented. The speaker highlights how Jesus came to fulfill the promise made to Abraham, that through his seed all nations would be blessed. The sermon concludes with the calling of Simon Peter and Andrew to follow Jesus, as they leave their fishing nets behind to become fishers of men.
Superficial (Compilation)
By Compilations1.4K20:04CompilationMAT 4:23MAT 6:10ACT 17:6ROM 1:5ROM 6:17GAL 2:20JAS 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of mixing faith with the truth of God's word. He shares a personal story of following specific directions to find a family's house, illustrating the principle of faith in action. The speaker explains that teaching alone is not enough; preaching is necessary to exhort believers to mix their faith with the facts they have learned. He concludes by highlighting the need for ongoing faith and trust in Jesus to guide and transform every aspect of our lives.
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) on a Galilean Hillside
By Willie Mullan1.3K1:07:33Footsteps Of ChristMAT 4:23MAT 5:2MAT 5:23MAT 6:33ACT 13:38In this sermon, the preacher begins by singing a hymn and offering a prayer. He then discusses the topic of false preachers who claim to perform miracles but do not truly love Jesus. The preacher then transitions to discussing the sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew. He mentions that the sermon is spread across chapters 5, 6, and 7, and questions whether Jesus preached it all at once or on multiple occasions. The preacher concludes with a personal anecdote about a man who stole shoes from a child's coffin but later found salvation.
God's Kingdom Is for the Needy
By Zac Poonen1.2K58:44Kingdom Of GodMAT 4:23MAT 5:3MAT 9:35MAT 24:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being poor in spirit in order to experience the kingdom of heaven. He explains that being poor in spirit means recognizing our need for God and being humble before Him. The preacher also highlights the good news of the gospel, which is that we can become more and more like Jesus and overcome sin in our lives. He encourages believers to let God's word work in their own lives and to speak only what has been proven in their own experiences. The sermon references Romans 14:17 and Matthew 4:23 and 9:35 to support these teachings.
Restoration Series #4 - the Healing Ministry of Jesus
By James Robison1581:21:48HealingPRO 3:1MAT 4:17MAT 4:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance in order to access the power of the kingdom of heaven. He refers to Matthew 4:17, where Jesus preached about the light coming and the need for repentance. The preacher urges the church to repent and return to the kingdom power. He also highlights Jesus' actions of preaching in the synagogue and spreading the gospel of the kingdom of power in Galilee. The sermon concludes with the preacher witnessing the healing power of God and encouraging the congregation to trust in the word of God for health and well-being.
What Is Your Goal in Life (Moral Purity)
By Nigel Lee11957:15PurityMAT 4:19MAT 4:23In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of living a disciplined and controlled life. He refers to Matthew chapter 5, where Jesus calls his disciples to follow him and become fishers of men. The preacher also mentions the miracles performed by Jesus, highlighting how they demonstrate his authority and control. He emphasizes the need for discipline in various aspects of life, including sleep, food, exercise, love, and emotions. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the disciples' attentiveness as they listen to Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount.
The Gospel of the Kingdom (Mt. 24:14)
By Mike Bickle2046:16Identity in ChristGospel of the KingdomISA 4:2MAT 4:23MAT 12:28MAT 24:14LUK 17:21ACT 17:7ROM 6:14ROM 14:17HEB 13:17REV 22:17Mike Bickle emphasizes the urgency of proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom amidst escalating hostility and chaos in society, as described in Matthew 24. He highlights that the Gospel is not merely about personal salvation but encompasses a comprehensive understanding of God's Kingdom, which includes community, societal impact, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Bickle calls for believers to recognize their identity as the Bride of Christ, actively participating in the proclamation and demonstration of the Kingdom in every nation. He stresses the importance of unity and the role of the church in showcasing God's leadership during these tumultuous times. Ultimately, he encourages the church to prepare for the return of the King by embodying all facets of the Gospel of the Kingdom.
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 4
By John Wesley0Spiritual PreparationTemptationDEU 6:16DEU 8:3PSA 91:11ISA 9:1MAT 4:1MAT 4:17MAT 4:23MRK 1:12LUK 4:1JHN 1:43John Wesley expounds on Matthew 4, illustrating how Jesus, after receiving divine affirmation, faced intense temptations. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation, as seen in Jesus' fasting, which strengthened Him for the trials ahead. Wesley highlights Christ's responses to temptation, showcasing the power of Scripture in overcoming the devil's suggestions. The sermon also notes the significance of Jesus' ministry beginning in Galilee, where He preached repentance and the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Ultimately, Wesley encourages believers to rely on God's word and strength in their own spiritual battles.
Evangelism and Social Involvement
By William MacDonald0Social ResponsibilityEvangelismMAT 4:23MAT 25:35JHN 6:27William MacDonald emphasizes the need for Christians to find a balance between evangelism and social involvement, arguing that while addressing physical needs is important, the priority should always be the Gospel. He points out that Jesus was concerned with both spiritual and physical needs, but stresses that the eternal significance of the Gospel must take precedence over temporal issues. MacDonald warns against allowing social activities to overshadow the core mission of spreading the Gospel, and he critiques the ineffectiveness of political solutions to spiritual problems. Ultimately, he encourages believers to engage in compassionate acts without compromising their commitment to evangelism.
Rev. 14:6. the Everlasting Gospel
By Horatius Bonar0The Everlasting GospelUrgency of ProclamationMAT 4:23MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 3:16ROM 3:252CO 5:21HEB 1:14HEB 13:81PE 1:25REV 14:6Horatius Bonar emphasizes the urgency and universality of the everlasting gospel as proclaimed in Revelation 14:6, highlighting that this glad message is to be shared widely as the end approaches. He explains that angels play a significant role in the dissemination of the gospel, acting as invisible agents that stir human hearts to spread the good news. The gospel is characterized by God's free love, the sacrificial gift of His Son, and the promise of righteousness and access to His kingdom. Bonar reassures that this everlasting gospel is unchanging and relevant for all ages and nations, urging listeners to respond as the hour of judgment draws near. He calls for a renewed commitment to proclaiming this message with urgency and clarity.
Of the Gospel.
By John Gill0SalvationThe GospelISA 61:1MAT 4:23LUK 4:18JHN 1:17ACT 16:31ROM 1:162CO 5:19EPH 2:81TI 1:15REV 14:6John Gill expounds on the Gospel, emphasizing its presence in both the Old and New Testaments, and its clearer revelation through Jesus Christ. He explains that the Gospel, meaning 'good news,' encompasses the message of salvation, grace, and peace, and is not a human invention but divinely revealed. Gill highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which leads to regeneration, faith, and spiritual nourishment, and asserts that it remains unchanged throughout history. He also clarifies the relationship between faith, repentance, and good works, asserting that these are rooted in the Gospel rather than the law. Ultimately, the Gospel is presented as a glorious and everlasting message from God, meant for all humanity.
Of the Prophetic Office of Christ.
By John Gill0Jesus as MediatorProphetic Office of ChristDEU 18:18ISA 61:1MAT 4:23MAT 10:17MAT 11:2LUK 7:16JHN 1:17JHN 6:14HEB 1:1REV 3:14John Gill expounds on the prophetic office of Christ, emphasizing that Jesus fulfills the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King, which are essential for the salvation of His people. He highlights that Christ's prophetic role was foretold in the Scriptures and confirmed through His miracles, which demonstrated His authority and divine nature. Gill explains that Jesus, as the ultimate Prophet, not only preached the Gospel but also foretold future events, including His own death and resurrection. He underscores that Christ's teachings and actions were in perfect alignment with God's will, making Him the definitive messenger of truth. The sermon concludes by affirming that Christ continues to exercise His prophetic office through His Spirit and ministers today.
Jesus in Season and Out of Season
By Horatius Bonar0Jesus as TeacherHealing and SalvationISA 53:5MAT 4:23MAT 7:7MAT 11:28MRK 2:17LUK 4:18JHN 1:14JHN 3:16ROM 10:13REV 22:17Horatius Bonar emphasizes the multifaceted role of Jesus as the Teacher, Preacher, and Healer in his sermon 'Jesus in Season and Out of Season.' He illustrates how Jesus, during His earthly ministry, provided comprehensive instruction, proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom, and offered healing to all who were sick, both physically and spiritually. Bonar encourages believers to approach Jesus as the source of wisdom and healing, reminding them that the gates of the Kingdom are open to all, regardless of their past. He highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' divine authority and compassion, urging listeners to seek Him for their needs. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that Jesus remains the same today, ready to heal and teach those who come to Him.
Healing in the Plan of Salvation
By Charles Ewing Brown0ISA 53:5MAT 4:23MAT 8:16ROM 5:12ROM 8:23JAS 5:14Charles Ewing Brown preaches on 'The Faith That Heals,' emphasizing the connection between religion and health throughout history. He discusses the ministry of healing in Christianity and the importance of reuniting the healing of the body with the healing of the soul. Brown explores the concepts of natural and miraculous healings, delving into the understanding of miracles, the laws of nature, and the supernatural. He also addresses the possibility of healing through prayer, the role of divine healing in the atonement, and the ultimate redemption of the body in the resurrection.
How I Came to Devote My Life to the Ministry of Healing
By John G. Lake0MAT 4:23MRK 16:17ACT 10:38HEB 13:8JAS 5:14John G. Lake shares a powerful testimony of how the revelation of Jesus as a present-day healer transformed his life and family, breaking the cycle of sickness and death that plagued them for decades. Through faith and prayer, they witnessed miraculous healings of terminal illnesses like cancers, paralysis, and heart diseases, demonstrating God's compassion and power to heal any affliction. Lake's experience led him to a deeper understanding of God's will to heal, challenging the belief that miracles were only for the past, and inspiring a ministry dedicated to praying for the sick and witnessing countless healings, reminiscent of the apostolic times.
Lessons From the Ministry of Jesus
By Timothy Tow0ISA 64:6MAT 4:16MAT 4:23JHN 9:32ACT 20:21Timothy Tow emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' example in ministry, particularly in preaching the message of the Kingdom of Heaven and calling people to repentance. He highlights the need for pastors to deliver God's Word faithfully to nourish the souls of believers. Tow also stresses the significance of training and equipping disciples to continue the work of spreading the Gospel, as seen in Jesus' selection of the twelve apostles. Additionally, he discusses the role of healing ministries in the context of modern medical facilities and the potential impact of medical missions in areas like Cambodia.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues--These were houses of local worship. It cannot be proved that they existed before the Babylonish captivity; but as they began to be erected soon after it, probably the idea was suggested by the religious inconveniences to which the captives had been subjected. In our Lord's time, the rule was to have one wherever ten learned men or professed students of the law resided; and they extended to Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, and most places of the dispersion. The larger towns had several, and in Jerusalem the number approached five hundred. In point of officers and mode of worship, the Christian congregations are modelled after the synagogue. and preaching the gospel of the kingdom--proclaiming the glad tidings of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness--every disease. and all manner of disease among the people--every complaint. The word means any incipient malady causing "softness."
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
See here, I. What an industrious preacher Christ was; He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Observe, 1. What Christ preached - the gospel of the kingdom. The kingdom of heaven, that is, of grace and glory, is emphatically the kingdom, the kingdom that was now to come; that kingdom which shall survive, as it doth surpass, all the kingdoms of the earth. The gospel is the charter of that kingdom, containing the King's coronation oath, by which he has graciously obliged himself to pardon, protect, and save the subjects of that kingdom; it contains also their oath of allegiance, by which they oblige themselves to observe his statutes and seek his honour; this is the gospel of the kingdom; this Christ was himself the Preacher of, that our faith in it might be confirmed. 2. Where he preached - in the synagogues; not there only, but there chiefly, because those were the places of concourse, where wisdom was to lift up her voice (Pro 1:21); because they were places of concourse for religious worship, and there, it was to be hoped, the minds of the people would be prepared to receive the gospel; and there the scriptures of the Old Testament were read, the exposition of which would easily introduce the gospel of the kingdom. 3. What pains he took in preaching; He went about all Galilee, teaching. He might have issued out a proclamation to summon all to come to him; but, to show his humility, and the condescensions of his grace, he goes to them; for he waits to be gracious, and comes to seek and save. Josephus says, There were above two hundred cities and towns in Galilee, and all, or most of them, Christ visited. He went about doing good. Never was there such an itinerant preacher, such an indefatigable one, as Christ was; he went from town to town, to beseech poor sinners to be reconciled to God. This is an example to ministers, to lay themselves out to do good, and to be instant, and constant, in season, and out of season, to preach the word. II. What a powerful physician Christ was; he went about not only teaching, but healing, and both with his word, that he might magnify that above all his name. He sent his word, and healed them. Now observe, 1. What diseases he cured - all without exception. He healed all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease. There are diseases which are called the reproach of physicians, being obstinate to all the methods they can prescribe; but even those were the glory of this Physician, for he healed them all, however inveterate. His word was the true panpharmacon - all-heal. Three general words are here used to intimate this; he healed every sickness, noson, as blindness, lameness, fever, dropsy; every disease, or languishing, malakian, as fluxes and consumptions; and all torments, basanous, as gout, stone, convulsions, and such like torturing distempers; whether the disease was acute or chronical; whether it was a racking or a wasting disease; none was too bad, none too hard, for Christ to heal with a word's speaking. Three particular diseases are specified; the palsy, which is the greatest weakness of the body; lunacy, which is the greatest malady of the mind, and possession of the Devil, which is the greatest misery and calamity of both, yet Christ healed all: for he is the sovereign Physician both of soul and body, and has command of all diseases. 2. What patients he had. A physician who was so easy of access, so sure of success, who cured immediately, without either a painful suspense and expectation, or such painful remedies as are worse than the disease; who cured gratis, and took no fees, could not but have abundance of patients. See here, what flocking there was to him from all parts; great multitudes of people came, not only from Galilee and the country about, but even from Jerusalem and from Judea, which lay a great way off; for his fame went throughout all Syria, not only among all the people of the Jews, but among the neighbouring nations, which, by the report that now spread far and near concerning him, would be prepared to receive his gospel, when afterwards it should be brought them. This is given as the reason why such multitudes came to him, because his fame had spread so widely. Note, What we hear of Christ from others, should invite us to him. The queen of Sheba was induced, by the fame of Solomon, to pay him a visit. The voice of fame is "Come, and see." Christ both taught and healed. They who came for cures, met with instruction concerning the things that belonged to their peace. It is well if any thing will bring people to Christ; and they who come to him will find more in him than they expected. These Syrians, like Naaman the Syrian, coming to be healed of their diseases, many of them being converts, Kg2 5:15, Kg2 5:17. They sought health for the body, and obtained the salvation of the soul; like Saul, who sought the asses, and found the kingdom. Yet it appeared, by the issue, that many of those who rejoiced in Christ as a Healer, forgot him as a Teacher. Now concerning the cures which Christ wrought, let us, once for all, observe the miracle, the mercy, and the mystery, of them. (1.) The miracle of them. They were wrought in such a manner, as plainly spake them to be the immediate products of a divine and supernatural power, and they were God's seal to his commission. Nature could not do these things, it was the God of nature; the cures were many, of diseases incurable by the art of the physician, of persons that were strangers, of all ages and conditions; the cures were wrought openly, before many witnesses, in mixed companies of persons that would have denied the matter of fact, if they could have had any colour for so doing; no cure ever failed, or was afterwards called in question; they were wrought speedily, and not (as cures by natural causes) gradually; they were perfect cures, and wrought with a word's speaking; all which proves him a Teacher come from God, for, otherwise, none could have done the works that he did, Joh 3:2. He appeals to these as credentials, Mat 11:4, Mat 11:5; Joh 5:36. It was expected that the Messiah should work miracles (Joh 7:31); miracles of this nature (Isa 35:5, Isa 35:6); and we have this indisputable proof of his being the Messiah; never was there any man that did thus; and therefore his healing and his preaching generally went together, for the former confirmed the latter; thus here he began to do and to teach, Act 1:1. (2.) The mercy of them. The miracles that Moses wrought, to prove his mission, were most of them plagues and judgments, to intimate the terror of that dispensation, though from God; but the miracles that Christ wrought, were most of them cures, and all of them (except the cursing of the barren fig tree) blessings and favours; for the gospel dispensation is founded, and built up in love, and grace, and sweetness; and the management is such as tends not to affright but to allure us to obedience. Christ designed by his cures to win upon people, and to ingratiate himself and his doctrine into their minds, and so to draw them with the bands of love, Hos 11:4. The miracle of them proved his doctrine a faithful saying, and convinced men's judgments; the mercy of them proved it worthy of all acceptation, and wrought upon their affections. They were not only great works, but good works, that he showed them from his Father (Joh 10:32); and this goodness was intended to lead men to repentance (Rom 2:4), as also to show that kindness, and beneficence, and doing good to all, to the utmost of our power and opportunity, are essential branches of that holy religion which Christ came into the world to establish. (3.) The mystery of them. Christ, by curing bodily diseases, intended to show, that his great errand into the world was to cure spiritual maladies. He is the Sun of righteousness, that arises with this healing under his wings. As the Converter of sinners, he is the Physician of souls, and has taught us to call him so, Mat 9:12, Mat 9:13. Sin is the sickness, disease, and torment of the soul; Christ came to take away sin, and so to heal these. And the particular stories of the cures Christ wrought, may not only be applied spiritually, by way of allusion and illustration, but, I believe, are very much intended to reveal to us spiritual things, and to set before us the way and method of Christ's dealing with souls, in their conversion and sanctification; and those cures are recorded, that were most significant and instructive this way; and they are therefore so to be explained and improved, to the honour and praise of that glorious Redeemer, who forgiveth all our iniquities, and so healeth all our diseases.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:23-25 This summary marks the central theme of the section (4:23–9:38): the ministry and message of the Messiah. In ancient writings, chapter divisions were unknown; authors would instead begin and end a section with the same expression (called an inclusio; see 9:35). 4:23 The Messiah’s ministry has three main features: teaching, announcing . . . the Kingdom, and healing. • The synagogues were centers for prayer, study, and exposition of Scripture and tradition. They were the social centers of many Jewish villages. The hypocrisy and hostility of the Jewish leaders was evident at the synagogues (6:2, 5; 10:17; 12:9-14; 13:54; 23:6, 34). • Announcing the Good News means presenting the message about the Kingdom of Heaven (9:35; 24:14; 26:13; also Mark 1:1; Rom 1:16). Most often, the message evokes hostility (see Matt 9:32-34; 10:27-28; 13:1-9, 18-23).