And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
Ver. 22. And they were astonished] If it could be said of Dr Whittaker, that no man ever saw him without reverence, or heard him without wonder, how much more of Christ, since grace was "poured into his lips?" Psalms 45:2 .
As one that had authority] Seest thou a preacher deliver the word with singular authority (as Paul, "We believe, therefore we speak"), esteem him very highly for the work's sake. The Corinthians are checked, for that they were unruly, and would reign without Paul, 1 Corinthians 4:8. Zedekiah is blamed, 2 Chronicles 36:12, because he humbled not himself before Jeremiah, a poor prophet, speaking to him from the Lord.
And not as the Scribes] Frigidly and jejunely (meagrely, insipidly). Didst thou believe thyself, thou wouldst never plead thy client's cause so coldly and carelessly, said Cicero to his adversary.