Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 7:16

"And fear took hold on all: and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is arisen among us: and, God hath visited his people." — Luke 7:16 (ASV)

Once more Luke records the response of the people, noting that they “praised” (GK 1519) God (cf. 5:26; 18:43; 23:47). They recognized in Jesus a prophet and echoed an OT expression: “God has come to help his people” (e.g., Ruth 1:6). For the significance of “come,” see comment on 1:68. Once again Luke emphasizes the spread of the “news” about Jesus.