“For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
Matthew 7:29 — Greek Interlinear
Church Fathers on Matthew 7:29
Having related Christ’s teaching, he shews its effects on the multitude, saying, 'And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these words, the multitude wondered at his doctrine.'
This ending pertains both to the finishing the words, and the completeness of the doctrines. That it is said that 'the multitude wondered,' either signifies the unbelieving in the crowd, who were astonished because they did not believe the Saviour’s words; or is said of them all, in that they reverenced in Him the excellence of so great wisdom.
The mind of man when satisfied reasonably brings forth praise, but when overcome, wonder. For whatever we are not able to praise worthily, we admire. Yet their admiration pertained rather to Christ’s glory than to their faith, for had they believed on Christ, they would not have wondered. For wonder is raised by whatever surpasses the appearance of the speaker or actor; and thence we do not wonder at what is done or said by God, because all things are less than God’s power.…