On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The most striking detail is that these weren't just any onlookers; Pharisees and teachers of the law, representing the religious elite from across the land, were present. This highlights that Jesus' ministry was already drawing serious scrutiny from the very people who should have recognized divine power, showing that God's healing presence often shows up right in the midst of skeptical observation.
On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching, likely in a house in Capernaum, and his growing fame has drawn a significant crowd. Notably, prominent religious leaders, including Pharisees and teachers of the law from across the region, are present, observing him. The text emphasizes that divine power is actively at work with Jesus to heal those present, setting the stage for the remarkable healing to follow.
Jesus's teaching was causing a stir, drawing crowds and even attracting the attention of the nation's religious elite. Why were they there, and what does this say about Jesus's early ministry?
Luke highlights that the Pharisees and teachers of the law weren't just local figures; they came from every corner of the land – Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem.
Amidst the crowds and the watchful eyes of the religious elite, something incredible was happening. What does it mean that "the power of the Lord was with him to heal"?
This phrase isn't just a passive observation; it points to the active, divine energy flowing through Jesus.
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This demonstrates that Jesus's ministry was characterized by the tangible presence and active work of God's power.
Understand the original words
Pharisaios · Greek Noun
A religious movement in Judaism noted for their strict adherence to the Law and the traditions of the elders. They often functioned as the primary theological opponents of Jesus.
dynamis · Greek Noun
Refers to the divine authority, strength, or miraculous capability of God. In the Gospels, it denotes the active presence of God's power working through Jesus to demonstrate His messianic identity.
iaomai · Greek Verb
To make whole, restore, or cure. Biblically, this often involves not only physical restoration but also signifies the restorative work of God's Kingdom in a fallen world.
The presence of religious leaders from across the land shows Jesus' growing fame and the challenge he posed to established religious authority, prompting scrutiny even as divine power was actively at work.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus begins public ministry
After his baptism and temptation, Jesus starts teaching and performing miracles, beginning in Galilee. His fame rapidly spreads.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus teaches in a house in Capernaum
Jesus is teaching in a crowded house, likely in Capernaum. Many people, including ordinary folk and religious leaders, gather to hear him.
c. AD 28
Pharisees and teachers of law observe Jesus
Prominent religious leaders from across Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem come to observe Jesus' teaching and growing influence. Some come out of curiosity, others to scrutinize him.
c. AD 28
Healing of the paralytic
The power of the Lord is present to heal. Jesus heals a paralytic man, first forgiving his sins and then demonstrating his authority by healing his physical condition.
c. AD 28-29
Growing opposition from religious leaders
As Jesus' ministry continues, the scrutiny by religious leaders intensifies, marking the beginning of significant opposition and conflict with the established religious authorities.
This passage describes the same healing of the paralytic, providing another perspective on Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal bodies.
Mark 2:3-12Mark's account also details this healing, emphasizing the faith of those who brought the paralytic and Jesus' compassion.
Isaiah 35:5-6This prophecy foretells signs of the Messiah's coming, including the opening of eyes and the loosening of tongues, which are mirrored in Jesus' miraculous power to heal.
John 5:19Jesus explains that he can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing, underscoring that the healing power present in Luke 5:17 comes directly from God.
Acts 10:38This verse describes how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power, enabling Him to go about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, which directly relates to the 'power of the Lord' present in Luke's account.
cambridgeLuke 5:17: "And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them."
17–26. The Healing of the Paralytic 17 . on a certain day ] The vagueness of the phrase shews that no stress is here laid on chronological order. In Matthew 9:2-8 ; Mark 2:3-12 the scene is in a house in Capernaum, and the time (apparently) a…
pulpitLuke 5:17: "And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them."
Verses 17-26. - The healing of the paralyzed man. Verse 17. - And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the Law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and…
The most striking detail is that these weren't just any onlookers; Pharisees and teachers of the law, representing the religious elite from across the land, were present. This highlights that Jesus' ministry was already drawing serious scrutiny from the very people who should have recognized divine power, showing that God's healing presence often shows up right in the midst of skeptical observation.
Jesus is teaching, likely in a house in Capernaum, and his growing fame has drawn a significant crowd. Notably, prominent religious leaders, including Pharisees and teachers of the law from across the region, are present, observing him. The text emphasizes that divine power is actively at work with Jesus to heal those present, setting the stage for the remarkable healing to follow.
Jesus is teaching, likely in a house in Capernaum, and his growing fame has drawn a significant crowd. Notably, prominent religious leaders, including Pharisees and teachers of the law from across the region, are present, observing him. The text emphasizes that divine power is actively at work with Jesus to heal those present, setting the stage for the remarkable healing to follow.
"On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal." — The most striking detail is that these weren't just any onlookers; Pharisees and teachers of the law, representing the religious elite from across the land, were present. This highlights that Jesus'…
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Last reviewed October 2026