Ministry in the Synagogues
February 9, 2023
Commentary
The Sea of Galilee is an oval shaped body of water approximately eight miles wide and thirteen miles long. Historians tell us that in the first century some 240 boats regularly fished in its waters. It was here that Jesus publicly called His first two disciples Peter and Andrew (v. 18). He said, “follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (v. 19). Since this is a promise, can we really say we are following if we are not fishing? At once they left their nets and followed Him (v. 20). Soon after this he called James and John who were also fishermen (vv. 21-22). Out of the twelve disciples possibly seven of them were professional fishermen. Perhaps one of the reasons for Him calling so many fishermen was that they were busy people and not afraid to work. It has been said that in recent years the majority of missionaries have come from the farm. Perhaps this is for the same reason.
Jesus teaches, preaches and heals (vv. 23-25). His chief place of ministry was in the synagogue (v. 23). The synagogue not only was the primary place of worship but was also a place of study, community fellowship and where legal activity took place. Worship took place in the synagogue every Sabbath which began at sundown on Friday and ended at sundown on Saturday. This also served as a public school for boys. Often visiting dignitaries would be given an opportunity to speak. In the early part of Jesus’ ministry, He was welcomed in most of the synagogues and so this is where he launched His preaching and teaching ministry. The geographical extent of Syria is uncertain, but from the Roman viewpoint it was a province embracing all of Palestine (v. 24). We do know that large crowds followed Jesus from Galilee and the regions around it (v. 25).
Application
If Jesus came by my home or to my place of work what would be my reaction? How do you think the majority of the people would respond?
Matthew 4:18– 25 (NET)
18 As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon (called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen). 19 He said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people!” 20 They left their nets immediately and followed him. 21 Going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Then he called them. 22 They immediately left the boat and their father and followed him.
23 Jesus went throughout all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness among the people. 24 So a report about him spread throughout Syria. People brought to him all who suffered with various illnesses and afflictions, those who had seizures, paralytics, and those possessed by demons, and he healed them. 25 And large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan River.