Astonishment in the Bible often refers to a profound sense of wonder or amazement, typically in response to the mighty acts of God or the teachings of Jesus Christ. This reaction is frequently depicted in the Gospels, where the miraculous works and authoritative teachings of Jesus leave onlookers in awe.

In the Old Testament, astonishment is often associated with the mighty acts of God. For instance, in Exodus 15:11, the Israelites express their amazement at God's deliverance from Egypt: "Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?" . The psalmists also frequently reflect on the awe-inspiring nature of God's works, as seen in Psalm 65:8: "Those who live far away are awed by Your signs; You make the dawn and sunset shout for joy" .

In the New Testament, astonishment is a common response to Jesus' ministry. The people are often described as being amazed at His teachings and miracles. For example, in Matthew 7:28-29, after the Sermon on the Mount, it is recorded: "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" . Similarly, in Mark 5:42, after Jesus raises Jairus' daughter from the dead, the people are "completely astonished" .

Astonishment can also be seen in the context of the early church. In Acts 2:7, the crowd is "amazed and perplexed" at the apostles speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost . This sense of wonder often serves as a catalyst for faith, drawing people to seek understanding and ultimately leading them to belief in the power and authority of God.

Faith

Faith is a central theme in the Bible, representing trust and belief in God and His promises. It is both a gift from God and a response to His revelation. The concept of faith is foundational to the Christian life, as it is through faith that believers are justified and live in relationship with God.

In the Old Testament, faith is exemplified by figures such as Abraham, who is often referred to as the father of faith. Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . This verse highlights the principle that faith is counted as righteousness, a theme that is further developed in the New Testament.

The New Testament provides a more comprehensive understanding of faith, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. Hebrews 11, often called the "Faith Chapter," offers a detailed account of faith in action, defining it as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). This chapter recounts the faith of numerous Old Testament figures, illustrating how their trust in God led to remarkable outcomes.

Jesus frequently emphasized the importance of faith during His earthly ministry. In Mark 11:22-24, He instructs His disciples, "Have faith in God...whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" . Faith is portrayed as a powerful force that can move mountains and bring about divine intervention.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the doctrine of faith, particularly in his epistles. In Ephesians 2:8-9, he writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . Here, faith is presented as the means by which believers receive salvation, underscoring its essential role in the Christian life.

Throughout the Bible, faith is depicted as a dynamic and active trust in God, characterized by obedience and reliance on His promises. It is both a response to God's revelation and a means by which believers experience His grace and power in their lives.