And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they sought him for her.
he.
Matthew 8:14,15 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever…
Mark 1:29-31 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John…
1 Corinthians 9:5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
they.
Luke 7:3,4 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant…
Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
John 11:3,22 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick…
He went to the home of Simon
Simon, also known as Peter, was one of Jesus' first disciples. This visit to Simon's home in Capernaum highlights the close relationship between Jesus and His disciples. Capernaum was a significant location in Jesus' ministry, serving as His base of operations in Galilee. Archaeological evidence suggests that Capernaum was a prosperous fishing village, and the remains of what is believed to be Peter's house have been discovered, indicating the historical reliability of the Gospel accounts.
whose mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever
The mention of Simon's mother-in-law indicates that Simon was married, providing insight into the personal lives of the disciples. In the cultural context, a high fever was a serious condition, often seen as life-threatening. The detail of her illness underscores the human need for Jesus' healing power and compassion. This account also highlights the role of women in the Gospel narratives, as Jesus' ministry often included acts of kindness and healing towards women.
So they appealed to Jesus on her behalf
This phrase shows the faith and intercession of those present, likely including Simon and other family members. Their appeal to Jesus demonstrates their belief in His ability to heal and their trust in His compassion. Intercession is a recurring theme in Scripture, where individuals seek God's intervention for others, as seen in the prayers of Abraham (Genesis 18:22-33) and Moses (Exodus 32:11-14). This act of appealing to Jesus reflects the early recognition of His divine authority and foreshadows the role of Jesus as the ultimate intercessor for humanity.
“After Jesus had left the synagogue” (Luke 4:38) roots the scene in the very same Sabbath when He had just driven out a demon in Capernaum (Luke 4:31-37). The sequence matters.
• Jesus’ authority in teaching and deliverance carries straight into everyday life—no gap between public worship and private living (cf. Mark 1:21-28).
• The literal departure underscores movement: truth proclaimed in the synagogue is now about to be embodied in compassionate action at home.
• Acts 10:38 reminds us that Jesus “went about doing good and healing all,” matching Luke’s portrait of unbroken ministry.
“He went to the home of Simon.” This is Simon Peter, already following Jesus (John 1:40-42).
• Jesus chooses a disciple’s ordinary dwelling as His next stop (Mark 1:29). Ministry is relational and happens where people actually live.
• Simon’s married life (1 Corinthians 9:5) is quietly affirmed; the gospel speaks into family realities, not an idealized world.
• Entering the house fulfills Revelation 3:20’s picture of the Lord who “dines” with those who receive Him—here literally knocking and walking in.
Luke, the physician, notes a “high fever,” signaling real medical danger.
• The detail underscores historical accuracy and heightens the miracle’s impact (cf. Mark 1:30).
• Psalm 103:3 celebrates the Lord “who heals all your diseases,” a promise that now takes flesh in Simon’s home.
• Physical need and spiritual authority meet; nothing is too small or too domestic for Jesus’ concern.
Intercession is immediate: “they appealed.” The verb shows earnest, collective pleading.
• Friends and family stand in the gap—an echo of 1 Timothy 2:1’s call for “petitions, prayers, intercessions.”
• Jesus welcomes the petition, illustrating Hebrews 4:16: we may “approach the throne of grace with confidence.”
• The verse invites believers to bring others to Christ, trusting His compassionate readiness to act (John 14:13-14).
Luke 4:38 reveals a seamless flow of Jesus’ authority and compassion—from synagogue teaching to a disciple’s living room. The verse teaches that:
• Jesus moves naturally from public ministry to private need; His lordship covers every sphere.
• Discipleship involves opening our homes and families to Him.
• Physical affliction matters to the Lord, and He is able to heal.
• Interceding for others is powerful and welcomed by Christ.
Taken literally, the account assures us that the same Savior who cast out a demon at church willingly stoops to touch a fevered woman at home—and He still answers when we appeal to Him today.
(38, 39) And he arose out of the synagogue.--. See Notes on Matthew 8:14 Peculiar to St. Luke and indicating what we may venture to call accurate diagnosis, are the "great fever," our Lord's "rebuking" the fever, and the "immediate" rising to minister.Verse 38. - And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. This abrupt mention of Peter (Simon) for the first time, without any explanatory notice, tells us that when St. Luke wrote his Gospel Peter was well known and honored in all the Churches. The Lord's choice of one who was already married, the subsequent favor showed to him, the high position evidently accorded to him in the Church of the first days, is a perpetual protest against the exaggerated asceticism which later was so earnestly taught in ecclesiastical Christianity. The epithet "great," applied to the fever, was a well-known technical term; it was used by Galen of fevers. There are several expressions in this Gospel which remind us that the author was a trained physician.