Luke 4:24

Luke recorded Jesus saying, "Truly I say to you," or, "I tell you the truth," six times (Luke 4:24; Luke 12:37; Luke 18:17; Luke 18:29; Luke 21:32; Luke 23:43). [Note: See J. C. O’Neill, "The Six Amen Sayings in Luke," Journal of Theological Studies NS10 (1959):1-9; and J. Strugnell, "’Amen I say unto you’ in the Sayings of Jesus and in Early Christian Literature," Harvard Theological Review 67 (1974):177-90.] This phrase always introduces a significant and authoritative comment, as in the other Gospels. The Greek word dektos, translated "welcome" or "accepted," is the same one that occurs in Luke 4:19. Perhaps Jesus used this word in Luke 4:24 to indicate that even though God wanted to accept people they would not accept the prophet whom He had sent to tell them of His grace. [Note: Liefeld, p. 869.] Prophets were not welcome in their hometowns because home folks hardly ever fully trust one of their own who becomes famous and then returns home. In saying what He did Jesus was again claiming to be a prophet.

"People are always more ready to see greatness in strangers than in those they know well." [Note: Morris, p. 107.]