“And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea.”
All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things — the awe (phobos, fear) of the community spreads geographically: all the neighbors, the hill country of Judea. The people were talking (dielaleito, discussing among themselves) communicates the spontaneous spread of the news that no one has organized. The restoration of Zechariah's speech and the unusual naming of John are the twin wonders that drive the spreading discussion.
Church Fathers on Luke 1:65
AS at the silence of Zacharias the people marveled, so likewise when he spoke. Hence it is said, And fear came upon all; that from these two circumstances all might believe there was something great in the child that was born. But all these things were ordained, to the end that he who was to bear witness of Christ might also be esteemed trustworthy. Hence it follows, And all they that heard them laid them up in their heart, saying What manner of child, &c.
For fore-running signs prepare the way for the forerunner of the truth, and the future prophet is recommended by auspices sent before him; hence it follows, For the hand of the Lord was with him.
For God worked miracles in John which he did not himself, but the right hand of God in him.
Read all 4 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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