Luke 5:15

But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

Luke 5:15 (KJV)

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ healing of a man with leprosy (Luke 5:12-14). Although Jesus instructed the man to tell no one, the man spread the news widely. As a result, Jesus’ fame increased all the more, and great multitudes gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities.

Meaning

The wording emphasizes both the spread of Jesus’ reputation and the size of the crowds that assembled. The Greek text stresses that the report about him was spreading increasingly. The people came with two distinct needs: to hear his teaching and to receive physical healing. This shows that Jesus’ ministry addressed both spiritual and physical needs, drawing people from many places.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in Mark 1:45 states that the healed man “began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter,” explaining the cause of the spreading fame. In the following verse, Luke 5:16, Jesus withdraws into the wilderness to pray, modeling a pattern of ministry balanced by communion with the Father. The next verse, Luke 5:17, notes that Pharisees and doctors of the law came from every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem, indicating the reach of his growing fame.

Application

Genuine encounters with Christ’s power naturally produce testimony. The healed man could not remain silent, and his witness drew others to Jesus. Believers today can expect that sharing what Christ has done will attract others who long for both spiritual truth and physical or emotional restoration. Yet Jesus also shows the importance of withdrawing to pray, reminding us that ministry must be sustained by personal communion with God.

Reflection

Consider what draws you to Jesus. Do you come only for healing, or also to hear his words? The crowds came for both, and Jesus welcomed them. His fame spread because of his power and compassion, and the same Jesus still draws people to himself through the testimony of those who have experienced his grace.