John Gill Commentary Luke 8:4

"And when a great multitude came together, and they of every city resorted unto him, he spake by a parable:" — Luke 8:4 (ASV)

And when much people were gathered together
To Jesus, as he was by the sea side, the sea of Galilee, or Tiberias:

and were come to him out of every city ;
of Galilee, to hear him preach, and see miracles:

he spoke by a parable ;
the following things.