14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. (Luke 4:14-15 KJV)
Jesus Begins His Ministry
After Christ had defeated the evil spirit, he showed how much he was led by the Holy Spirit. Having resisted the devil’s attacks, he now begins to go on the offensive, preaching and performing miracles that the devil could not stop.
In general, we see here how his preaching was received in Galilee, a region far from Jerusalem. It was part of Christ’s humility that he began his ministry in such a distant and less important area (Luke 4:14).
He came there in the power of the Spirit. The same Spirit that equipped him for his work also stirred him to begin. He didn’t wait for human approval because he had divine authority.
There he taught in their synagogues—places of public worship where the people gathered not for ceremonial rituals like in the temple, but for reading, explaining, and applying Scripture, praying, praising, and church discipline. These had become more common since the captivity, when ceremonial worship was fading.
He did this in a way that earned him great respect. News about him spread throughout the region (Luke 4:14), and he was honored by all (Luke 4:15). Everyone admired him and spoke highly of him; they had never heard such preaching before. At this point, he faced no opposition—only praise.