31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. 32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, 34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. 35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. 36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. 37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. (Luke 4:31-37 KJV)
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Demon
When Christ was expelled from Nazareth, he came to Capernaum, another city of Galilee. This account of his preaching and miracles there is also recorded in Mark 1:21.
He taught them on the Sabbath days (Luke 4:31). Hearing the Word preached is an act of worship and a fitting activity for the Sabbath. His preaching deeply affected the people (Luke 4:32); they were astonished at his teaching because every word carried weight and revealed profound truths. His doctrine amazed them not just because he lacked formal education, but because his word had power—both in command and in how it reached the conscience. Paul’s preaching later confirmed the same divine source, coming in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
Regarding his miracles, we have two particularly noted here, showing Christ as both a conqueror of Satan and a healer of diseases.
As a conqueror of Satan, Christ showed power over demonic forces by casting them out of those possessed. This revealed his mission to destroy the works of the devil. The demon he encountered was called an unclean spirit, showing his nature as opposed to God’s holiness and purity. These spirits work in people’s lives, even among those who attend places of worship. Though under Satan’s power, such individuals may still be found among the worshipers in the synagogue.
The demons knew Jesus was the Holy One of God and trembled before him. This one cried out in fear of judgment, sensing Christ had come to destroy him. Though they recognized Christ’s identity, they had no relationship with him and desired none, for he did not take on the nature of angels (Hebrews 2:16).
Christ rebuked the demon, saying, “Hold your peace,” with such authority that the spirit was silenced against his will. The demon threw the man down violently, but Christ’s authority restrained him from doing any harm. The man was left unharmed, fully restored, even though witnesses thought he had been injured. Satan may intend harm, but he cannot go beyond what Christ permits.
This act amazed everyone present (Luke 4:36). No one questioned the miracle’s truth or suggested anything to diminish its glory. They marveled at Christ’s authority, for unlike others who relied on charms or rituals, he commanded demons with undeniable power. Even the prince of the power of the air is under his authority and trembles before him.
This miracle greatly increased Christ’s reputation (Luke 4:37). Those who witnessed it praised and spread the news widely. In the beginning of his public ministry, he was talked about more than later, when the novelty had worn off for some.