"Isn’t this Joseph’s son?" (4:22). Were they praising him or doubting him?

Luke doesn't say what they meant. He gives the whole verse: "All testified about him and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”" (4:22). (Favor's Luke 1 studies the Greek word behind gracious.) Then Jesus speaks: "Doubtless you will tell me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in your hometown.’" (4:23) (tap Physician), and "Most certainly I tell you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown" (4:24). After he speaks of the widow and of Naaman (4:25-27), Luke says, "They were all filled with wrath in the synagogue as they heard these things" (4:28). Luke records what was said and what followed. He doesn't say what was in their minds when they asked, and these notes don't either. The chapter on 1 Kings 17 asks why Elijah was sent to a widow outside Israel, and gives Jesus's words there.