1. Matthew 4:17 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean that Jesus began to preach?

Matthew 4:17 (ESV)

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Preaching or proclamation is, according to the Greek original, an activity performed by a herald. He proclaims his message with authority, and it is up to the listeners to heed the message. That also stood out with Christ: he spoke with authority (Matthew 7:29). You cannot contradict him. His authority is God’s authority.