Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 13:54

"And coming into his own country he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?" — Matthew 13:54 (ASV)

Jesus’ “hometown” is Nazareth (cf. 2:23; 4:13). That Jesus taught extensively in the synagogues is certain (cf. 4:23; 12:9), but he did not limit himself to this environment. The people who gathered in the synagogue wondered about the source of Jesus’ authority. Do Jesus’ wisdom and powers—his teaching and miracles, both evidences of his authority—reflect God’s authority or something else (cf. 12:24)?