ESV Reformation Study Bible – Luke 4:16–20
Resources chevron-right ESV Reformation Study Bible chevron-right Luke chevron-right Luke 4:16–20
Luke 4:16–20

4:16–20 This account is the oldest known report of the order of worship in a synagogue service. The service included a reading from the Law and one from the Prophets. Jesus or the ruler of the synagogue may have chosen Is. 61:1, 2 and 58:6. It was customary to stand for the reading as a mark of respect for God’s Word, and to sit for the sermon. The reading chosen shows a strong concern for the poor (1:51–53 note; Ps. 9:18 note).