Luke 4:14–21

Verse 17. As he unfolded the book: and again, (verse 20) when he had folded the book. Books at that time where not like our now-a-days, but were skins or parchments, rolled or folded up. Witham.—Some are of opinion that the Jews of Nazareth, having heard of the miracles and fame of Jesus, and that he was accustomed to teach in the synagogues, though he had never been instructed in any learning, when he rose to speak, purposely gave him the book of Isaias, which was esteemed the most difficult to be explained, in order to try his learning; though it is probable that it was done by the all-directing interposition of Divine Providence. Maldonatus.

Verse 18. By the poor are to be understood the Gentiles; who might truly be called poor, since they possessed neither the knowledge of the true God, nor of the law, nor of the prophets. Origen.—Isaias in this place speaks of himself, as a figure of the Messias. The captivity of Babylon, which is the literal object of this prophecy, was a figure of the then state of mankind; the return from this captivity announced by the prophet, and effected by Cyrus, represented the redemption of man, effected by Jesus Christ. V.

NU omits “to heal the broken hearted”

Verse 19. To set at liberty them that are bruised, or oppressed. These words are not in the prophet; but are added by Saint Luke, to explain the others.—To preach the acceptable year, as it were the jubilee year, when slaves used to be set at liberty. Witham.

Verse 20. To observe and admire a person that had never learned letters, and who stood up amongst them an experienced teacher. Menochius. See John 7:15 and Maldonatus.

Verse 21. By this Christ wished to shew that he was the Messias foretold by the prophet Isaias, whom they so anxiously expected: he declares himself to be the person pointed out by the prophet. There seems also to be a secret reprehension in these words of Christ; as if he were to say: Why are you so desirous to behold the Messias, whom, when he is before your eyes, you will not receive? Why do you seek him in the prophets, when you neither understand the prophets, nor perceive the truth of their predictions, when they are fulfilled before you eyes? Maldonatus.