The phrase ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον is translated above as “He was speaking the word to them.” In English there are similar idioms, “I’d like a word with you” or “Say the word” in which the word “word” means a conversation or a bit of instruction. Here is likely similar, such that Jesus is not saying a word, but many. If the people gathered with him were “his people”, some sort of instruction seems likely. Or a staff meeting.
There are certainly many stories in Matthew and Luke that could have been among the various lessons being taught at this time. Perhaps this is instruction to ignore the Zealots and cleave to Caesar, or how to live the Roman way. What’s relevant is that the words being said weren’t as important as the fact that Jesus was saying them.
“2 Jesus”: The first verse refers to both Jesus’s. Zealot Jesus is the first “he”, and Anointed Jesus is the second. The identity of the second “he” is confirmed in the second verse, where it says he was “speaking the word”. (IMAGE: Knights of Ni) In the prior verses, Zealot Jesus was thrown out of the synagogue by Anointed Jesus, so Zealot Jesus took his four friends on a tour around Galilee trying to attract followers. He’s just now coming home to see that Anointed Jesus attracted a huge crowd just by staying at home. Ouch.