Many interpreters understand Luke to be making use of hyperbolic language which simply affirms that there was a large audience,1 and that the synagogue was crowded with visitors.2 While this may be true, it is not impossible that the majority of the population was present. Luke does not specify that the meeting took place at the synagogue,3 and in small towns, if there was a new visiting preacher, news about him would spread quickly and many people would be eager to hear what he has to say. 4
44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.