Luke 4:31-37, An Exorcism in the Capernaum Synagogue. Mark 1:21-28 is followed here but with changes, such as the omission of the contrast between Jesus’ teaching and that of the scribes. Capernaum lay on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee and was the center of much of Jesus’ activity. The foundation of an ancient synagogue has been excavated, perhaps on the site of the one visited by Jesus (at Capernaum). The nt assumes the active presence of evil forces in the world, and the presence of Jesus effects raging confrontations. Demons recognize Jesus as the power of God, and here a demon seeks to gain power over Jesus or at least to neutralize Jesus’ advantage by the ancient practice of pronouncing an opponent’s name. The battle lines are drawn, the man convulses, and the demon is exorcised. All the witnesses are amazed at the power of Jesus’ word, and the news spreads rapidly. Note the focus on Jesus’ word and not on the miraculous or on a ritual of exorcism (cf. v. 32; also 5:1; 8:11).