4:23–25 Verse 23 is a summary of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. (The three parallel phrases are repeated verbatim in 9:35.) Although the population of Galilee was mixed (cf. 4:15), it was to the synagogues that Jesus went in order to preach. In Matthew, Jesus’ ministry is primarily directed to the people of Israel. Custom dictated that following the reading of the Law and the Prophets any Jewish man over thirty was allowed to supply an interpretation. Luke records the story of Jesus taking part in the synagogue service at Nazareth (Luke 4:16–30).

Preaching differs from teaching. The Greek verb (kēryssō) means “to proclaim.” The kingdom that Jesus announced was the long-awaited arrival of the God who would act with sovereign power in human affairs. The healing activity of Jesus was a visible …