“And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.”
Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers — the amazement at Jesus' understanding (synesei) and answers (apokrisesin) communicates that the exchange is not one-sided. He is asking questions but also giving answers that amaze those who hear — the comprehension and insight that come through in the discussion exceed what is expected from a twelve-year-old student.
Church Fathers on Luke 2:47
The Evangelist having said before that the Child grew and waxed strong, verifies his own words when he relates, that Jesus with the holy Virgin went up to Jerusalem; as it is said, And when he was twelve years old, &c.
His indication of wisdom did not exceed the measure of His age, but at the time that with us the powers of discernment are generally perfected, the wisdom of Christ shows itself.
Or the twelfth year was the commencement of our Lord’s disputation with the doctors, for this was the number of the Evangelists necessary to preach the faith.
Read all 27 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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