{Began to teach} ((8872)xato didaskein). As was now his custom
in the synagogue on the sabbath. The ruler of the synagogue
(archisunag(9367)os, see  Mt 5:22 ) would ask some one to speak
whensoever he wished. The reputation of Jesus all over Galilee
opened the door for him. Jesus may have gone to Nazareth for
rest, but could not resist this opportunity for service. {Whence
hath this man these things?} (Pothen tout(9369) tauta;). Laconic
and curt, {Whence these things to this fellow?} With a sting and
a fling in their words as the sequel shows. They continued to be
amazed (exepl(8873)sonto, imperfect tense passive). They challenge
both the apparent {wisdom} (sophia) with which he spoke and
{the mighty works} or powers (hai dunameis) {such as those}
(	oiautai) {coming to pass} (ginomenai, present middle
participle, repeatedly wrought) {by his hands} (dia t(936e)
cheir(936e)). They felt that there was some hocus-pocus about it
somehow and somewhere. They do not deny the wisdom of his words,
nor the wonder of his works, but the townsmen knew Jesus and they
had never suspected that he possessed such gifts and graces.