Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 4:39

"And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she rose up and ministered unto them." — Luke 4:39 (ASV)

Jesus’ healing ministry continues in a more private setting, in the home of Peter’s mother-in-law (this is the first time Peter is mentioned in this gospel). Both this passage and 1 Corinthians 9:5 inform us that Peter was married. A crisis of serious illness in the family gives occasion for Jesus to help. Jesus “rebukes” the impersonal fever, as he had earlier rebuked the demon; perhaps a personal evil force had caused the fever (cf. 13:16), or the fever is simply personified, or Luke is emphasizing the active force of Jesus’ word. The woman immediately rises, and, doubtless in keeping with her character, begins to serve the group.