Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 5:15

"But so much the more went abroad the report concerning him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed of their infirmities." — Luke 5:15 (ASV)

If the command to silence is part of a pattern in the Gospels, so is the failure to obey it. The immediate effect of the healing is Jesus’ increased popularity. Though this popularity leads others to come and be healed (v.15), Jesus is forced to withdraw to deserted areas in order to seek quiet. Once again Luke speaks of Jesus’ habit of prayer (cf. comment on 3:21).

Jesus’ activities inevitably brought him into confrontation with the religious authorities. The Gospels actually focus on several such occasions. Luke is especially concerned in his gospel and in Acts to clarify the original relationship between Christianity and Judaism and to show the reasons why the Gospel had to break out of the confines of Judaism. Here he stresses the authority of Jesus once more. In 4:32 Jesus’ teaching was authoritative; 4:36 shows his authority over demons; 5:24 shows his authority to forgive sins.