Charles Ellicott Commentary Luke 4:42-44

"And when it was day, he came out and went into a desert place: and the multitudes sought after him, and came unto him, and would have stayed him, that he should not go from them. But he said unto them, I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other cities also: for therefore was I sent. And he was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee." — Luke 4:42-44 (ASV)

And when it was . . .—Again we have a narrative omitted by St. Matthew, but common to St. Luke and St. Mark. See Notes on Mark 1:35-39.

The people sought him.—The Greek tense implies continued seeking.

And stayed him.—Better, tried to stay Him. Their wish was that He should remain at Capernaum, heal their sick, teach them, and perhaps also that they and their fellow-townsmen might thus share in the fame of the new Prophet.

I must preach.—Better, I must declare the glad tidings of the kingdom. The Greek verb is literally “to evangelize,” and is quite distinct from that commonly translated “preach.”

To other cities also.—Literally, to the other cities, with a special reference, probably, to those of Galilee.

He preached.—Literally, was preaching.