Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 4:20

Albert Barnes Commentary

Luke 4:20

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Luke 4:20

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him." — Luke 4:20 (ASV)

And he closed the book. That is, he rolled it up again. (See Barnes on Luke 4:17).

And he gave it again to the minister. That is, to the one in the synagogue who had charge of the books. The word means servant, and the office was not much unlike that of a sexton now. It was his duty, among other things, to take charge of the books, to hand them to the reader of the law, and then return them to their place.

And sat down. This was usual in speaking in their synagogues. (See Barnes on Matthew 5:1).

Were fastened on him. That is, their eyes were intently fixed on him, waiting to see what explanation he would give of the words.