Luke 4:20

Closed the book. That is, by rolling up the book of Isaiah on its single roller (see on v. 17).

Minister. Gr. huperetes, literally, “underrower,” hence anyone who serves with his hands, “a servant.” Here Luke doubtless refers to the chazzan. or deacon, who returned the scroll to the ark (see on v. 17).

Sat down. Custom required a standing posture for the public reading of the Law and the Prophets. But for the sermon, which followed the reading, the speaker was seated in a special seat sometimes called “the chair of Moses.” This chair stood on a raised platform near the lectern. Often, perhaps usually, Christ sat while preaching and teaching (see Matt. 5:1; Mark 4:1; Luke 5:3; John 8:2), a custom also followed, at least occasionally, by His disciples (see Acts 16:13). See p. 57.

Fastened. There was doubtless an atmosphere of suspense induced by the concentrated attention (see Acts 6:15; 10:4; etc.), and by an expression of seriousness on the face of Jesus. A similar effect was produced at each of the two cleansings of the Temple (see DA 157, 158, 591; see on Luke 2:48). The very atmosphere seemed vibrant with expectancy.