Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 4:22

"And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth: and they said, Is not this Joseph`s son?" — Luke 4:22 (ASV)

The audience appears to have responded first with a positive attitude to Jesus’ words. They “were amazed,” an expression that does not indicate clearly either favor or disfavor. The cause of their amazement was the kind and wise manner of Jesus’ speech or of what he said about the grace of God (cf. Acts 14:3). Certainly Luke appreciates and conveys the gracious nature of Jesus’ ministry. But at some point, here or shortly after, the hostility of the audience begins. Their question “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” seems to express perplexity and irritation at this man who grew up in the home of a fellow Nazarene and is now making such impressive claims.