And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
the people.
Matthew 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Psalm 45:2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
the crowds were astonished
The reaction of the crowds indicates the profound impact of Jesus' words. The term "astonished" suggests a deep sense of wonder and amazement, often associated with encountering something unexpected or beyond ordinary human experience. This response reflects the authority and wisdom with which Jesus spoke, distinguishing Him from other teachers of the time. The crowds' astonishment can be seen as a fulfillment of prophecies about the Messiah, who would teach with divine authority and insight (Isaiah 11:2-4).
at His teaching
Jesus' teaching was revolutionary, challenging the established religious norms and offering a new understanding of God's law. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, who relied heavily on tradition and interpretation, Jesus spoke with direct authority, often prefacing His teachings with "But I say to you" (Matthew 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44). His teachings emphasized the spirit of the law rather than mere legalistic adherence, focusing on internal transformation and righteousness. This approach resonated with the crowds, who were accustomed to the burdensome interpretations of the law by religious leaders. Jesus' teaching also fulfilled the role of a prophet, as foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15, where Moses speaks of a prophet like himself who would come and whom the people should listen to.
• Matthew regularly marks turning points with this phrase, underscoring that Jesus completed a full, intentional message (cf. Matthew 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1).
• The close of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) shows Jesus presenting God’s standards without omission, just as He promised to “fulfill” the Law (Matthew 5:17).
• Completion invites response. Like Moses finishing the law-giving on Sinai (Deuteronomy 31:24), Jesus now expects listeners to choose obedience built on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27).
• “These things” gathers every instruction from the sermon—beatitudes, kingdom ethics, prayer, warnings, and the call to enter through the narrow gate.
• His seamless teaching covers every sphere of life, echoing the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) and leaving no room for selective hearing (James 1:22-25).
• The phrase reminds us that revelation is verbal and clear; God speaks so His people can understand and live (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).
• Astonishment is the natural reaction when ordinary people meet divine authority (Mark 1:27; Luke 4:36).
• Their amazement contrasts with the complacency of religious leaders who often resisted Him (Matthew 12:14; 21:45-46).
• The emotion signals that truth had pierced their conscience, much like Peter’s sermon “cut to the heart” at Pentecost (Acts 2:37).
• Yet astonishment alone is not faith; later multitudes will still choose Barabbas (Matthew 27:20-23). Hearing must lead to doing (Matthew 7:21).
• Jesus taught “as one who had authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:29). Unlike teachers who cited earlier rabbis, He spoke in His own name: “But I tell you” (Matthew 5:22, 28, 32).
• Authority flows from His identity as the Son (John 5:19-24). Even temple guards confessed, “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” (John 7:46).
• The content is both gracious and uncompromising, offering righteousness that surpasses the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20) while warning of judgment for those who ignore His words (Matthew 7:26-27).
• His teaching remains the foundation for the church’s faith and practice (Ephesians 2:20; 1 Timothy 6:3).
Matthew 7:28 records the decisive moment after the Sermon on the Mount: Jesus has fully delivered God’s authoritative word, and the crowds stand stunned by its power. The verse highlights the finality of His message, the comprehensive nature of His instruction, the heart-piercing impact on listeners, and the unmatched authority of the Teacher. Genuine discipleship moves from amazement to obedient action, building lives on the rock of everything Jesus has just said.
(28) When Jesus had ended these sayings.--The words again point to the conclusion that the Evangelist believed that he had been recording one continuous discourse.The people were astonished at his doctrine.--Better, at his teaching; with greater prominence given, as the words that follow show, to its manner than to its substance.
Verses 28, 29. - The impression produced on the multitudes. With the exception of the formula, "It came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings" (cf. Matthew 11:1, note), the words are almost identical with Mark 1:22 (Luke 4:31, 32), but the time is, as it seems, later. The oral statement of an impression which was probably often produced is affirmed of slightly different times. Verse 28. - Sayings; Revised Version, words (ver. 24, note). The people; Revised Version, the multitudes (οἱ ὄχλοι). In contrust to the scribes and ruling classes. Were astonished (cf. Acts 13:12). At his doctrine; at his teaching (Revised Version).