Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  »  5784 amazement

Astonishment and surprise are frequent responses to the actions and words of God and Jesus Christ.

Amazement at God's actions

His marvellous deeds

Psalm 98:1 See also Joshua 3:5 The LORD promises to do amazing things when his people cross the Jordan; Judges 13:19; 1 Chronicles 16:24; Psalm 71:17; Psalm 72:18; Psalm 86:10; Psalm 96:3; Psalm 118:23; Isaiah 25:1; Daniel 3:24 Nebuchadnezzar is amazed at seeing four men in the furnace; Revelation 15:1,3

His creation

Job 37:5

His judgment

Isaiah 29:9; Habakkuk 1:5; John 5:28

Throughout his life Jesus Christ inspired amazement

Matthew 27:14 pp Mark 15:5; Luke 2:33,47; Luke 4:22

Amazement at Jesus Christ's teaching

At his inherent authority

Matthew 7:28-29 See also Matthew 13:54 pp Mark 6:2; Mark 1:22 pp Luke 4:32; Mark 1:27 pp Luke 4:36; John 7:15

In debate with the Pharisees

Matthew 22:22 pp Mark 12:17 pp Luke 20:26

In theological debate with the Sadducees

Matthew 22:33

After talking with the rich young man

Matthew 19:25 pp Mark 10:26; Mark 10:24

After the cleansing of the temple

Mark 11:18 pp Luke 19:47 Here the crowds' amazement causes the chief priests and teachers of the law to fear Jesus Christ.

Amazement at Jesus Christ's revelation of himself

See also

Luke 24:41; John 5:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:10

Amazement at Jesus Christ's miracles

Miracles of healing

Matthew 15:31 See also Matthew 9:8 pp Mark 2:12 pp Luke 5:26 at the healing of the paralytic; Mark 5:42 pp Luke 8:56 at the healing of Jairus' daughter; Acts 3:10-11 at the healing of the crippled beggar

The casting out of demons

Mark 1:27

Demonised mutes:

Matthew 9:33; Luke 11:14 Mark 5:20 Legion; Luke 9:43 a boy with an evil spirit

Miracles of nature

Matthew 8:27 pp Luke 8:25 See also Matthew 21:20 the withered fig-tree; Mark 6:51 Jesus Christ walking on the water; Luke 5:9 the miraculous haul of fish

Amazement at the coming of the Holy Spirit and subsequent events

Acts 2:12 See also Acts 2:7; Acts 8:13 Simon's amazement at the miracles performed by Philip; Acts 9:21 amazement at the change in Saul; Acts 10:45 astonishment at the Holy Spirit being poured out on the Gentiles; Acts 12:16 amazement at Peter's release from prison; Acts 13:12

Jesus Christ himself experienced amazement

Mark 6:6; Luke 7:9

See also

2012  Christ, authority
2351  Christ, miracles
2363  Christ, preaching & teaching
3257  Holy Spirit, gift of
5962  surprises
8333  reverence