Mark 1:22
They were amazed¹ at His teaching²;
for He was teaching³ them as one having⁴ authority,
and not as the scribes⁵.
¹) Struck with amazement, astonished;
And they were astonished at his doctrine (or “teaching”) referring quite as much to the manner as the matter of it, for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
The phrase used indicates that they were “beside themselves, appalled” about Jesus’s doctrine (Mark 6:2, 7:37; 11:18; Matthew 22:33).
²) That which is taught, doctrine, or the act of teaching, the act of instructing as in religious assemblies of the Christians, to speak in the way of teaching, in distinction from other modes of speaking in public.
³) Deliver didactic discourses; The teaching of Jesus was completely different from the teaching they were used to, that of the scribes. They did not teach with their own authority, but they built the authority of their words continually on that of their predecessors, the former rabbis (cf. Matthew 7:28, 29). Hence also the scribes along with the other Jewish leaders later ask Jesus about the power or authority from which He acts and speaks (Mark 11:28).
⁴) One who owns, one who possesses
⁵) 1. This is a man learned in the Mosaic law and in the sacred writings, an interpreter, teacher. Scribes examined the more difficult and subtle questions of the law; added to the Mosaic law decisions of various kinds thought to elucidate its meaning and scope, and did this to the detriment of religion. Since the advice of men skilled in the law was needed in the examination in the causes and the solution of the difficult questions, they were enrolled in the Sanhedrin; and are mentioned in connection with the priests and elders of the people. 2. Or a religious teacher: so instructed that from his learning and ability to teach advantage may redound to the kingdom of heaven
From other translations:
And they were completely astonished at His teaching, for He was teaching as One Who possessed authority, and not as the scribes. [AMP] And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. [ESV] They were surprised at his teaching--so forthright, so confident--not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars. [MSB] And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. [KJV] The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. [NIV] They were amazed at his teaching, for he taught as one who had real authority--quite unlike the teachers of religious law. [NLT] And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. [NKJV]
Now let us see what this verse is telling us.
Mark now tells us nothing about the content of Jesus’ teaching, but only tells us that it made a deep impression on the audience present in the synagogue (Mark 1:14-15).
The reason for this lies in His way of preaching. He constantly taught them (made all the time clear to them) as someone who speaks with “authority.” He spoke with authority, a clearly visible power and power emanated from Him. This is the authority of the Lord God Himself, (see Mark 2:10; 3:15; 6: 7; Matthew 28:18; Luke 12:5; John 8:26; Acts 1:8).
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People have listened to the teaching that Jesus gave in the synagogue. And they are deeply impressed. They’ve never heard it like that. This is very different from what they have heard and experienced from their scribes. He speaks with authority. And they miss that with those other preachers.
They must agree that what Jesus says is the truth. Their conscience is affected. This is it!
Not the statements that they have to hear every Sabbath, but this, what Jesus speaks. Yes, they are touched by it.
Is such a thing possible today? Not in the sense that there will ever be another preacher who can speak like Jesus did. Yet, where the Word of God is truly brought and where human wisdom and reasoning does not overgrow that Word, some of the authority of the Word will also be felt. Especially when the Holy Spirit brings the Word into our hearts.
When that happens, there will also be more than what was in the people in the synagogue at the same time. There was defeat. But where the Spirit applies, there will be faith. Believing to receive the Word. Bowing to it. And entrusting ourselves to it.
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