The reaction of the crowd is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the varied responses of groups of people to divine intervention, prophetic messages, and the ministry of Jesus Christ. These reactions range from awe and belief to skepticism and hostility, reflecting the diverse human responses to God's revelation.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the reaction of the crowd is often seen in the context of Israel's encounters with God and His prophets. For instance, in Exodus 19:16-19, when God descends upon Mount Sinai, the Israelites react with fear and trembling at the thunder, lightning, and the sound of the trumpet. This reaction underscores the awe and reverence due to God's holiness and power.

Similarly, in 1 Kings 18:39, after Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, the people fall on their faces and declare, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" . This reaction of the crowd signifies a moment of national repentance and acknowledgment of Yahweh's supremacy.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the reaction of the crowd is prominently featured in the Gospels, particularly in response to the teachings and miracles of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 7:28-29, after the Sermon on the Mount, the crowds are "astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" . This astonishment reflects the recognition of Jesus' unique authority and wisdom.

The feeding of the five thousand, as recorded in John 6:14-15, elicits a reaction of messianic expectation: "When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, 'Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.'" . However, this reaction also leads to a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, as they attempt to make Him king by force.

Conversely, the crowd's reaction can also be one of hostility and rejection. In Luke 4:28-29, after Jesus speaks in the synagogue in Nazareth, the people are filled with wrath and attempt to throw Him off a cliff. This reaction highlights the resistance to Jesus' message and the fulfillment of prophecy in His own hometown.

The Passion Narrative

The reaction of the crowd plays a crucial role in the Passion narrative. In Matthew 27:20-23, the chief priests and elders persuade the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus. The crowd's cry of "Crucify Him!" demonstrates the volatile nature of public opinion and the influence of religious leaders in swaying the masses.

At the crucifixion, the reaction of the crowd is mixed. Some mock Jesus, as seen in Matthew 27:39-40, while others, like the centurion and those with him, are filled with awe and declare, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54). This diverse reaction underscores the varied perceptions of Jesus' identity and mission.

The Early Church

In the Acts of the Apostles, the reaction of the crowd continues to be a significant theme as the early church spreads the Gospel. In Acts 2:37, after Peter's sermon at Pentecost, the crowd is "cut to the heart" and asks, "Brothers, what shall we do?" . This reaction leads to the repentance and baptism of about three thousand people, marking the birth of the church.

However, the reaction is not always positive. In Acts 7:54-57, the crowd reacts with rage to Stephen's speech, leading to his martyrdom. This hostility reflects the ongoing tension between the early Christian community and the established religious authorities.

Conclusion

The reaction of the crowd throughout the Bible serves as a mirror to the human heart, revealing the spectrum of responses to God's revelation. Whether in awe, belief, skepticism, or hostility, these reactions provide insight into the complex dynamics of faith and unbelief in the biblical narrative.