4:32a

They were astonished: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as They were astonished means “they were overwhelmed” or “they were astounded.” Another way to translate this is:

they were amazed (New International Version)

at His teaching: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as His teaching probably refers primarily to Jesus’ manner or style of teaching (See also the note for 4:32b). For example:

at the way he taught (Good News Translation)

The phrase His teaching may also include the content and power of what Jesus taught.

4:32b

His message had authority: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as His message had authority is literally “his word was with authority.” Jesus spoke as someone who knew that what he said was true. He spoke with confidence and certainty. Another way to translate this is:

he spoke with authority

General Comment on 4:32a–b

In some languages it may be natural to change the order of 4:32a and 4:32b. For example:

32bHis message had authority, 32athat’s why the people were amazed at his teaching.
-or-

32bHe delivered his message with such authority 32athat the people were astounded.

Another possibility is to combine 32a–b and say:

When Jesus taught the people, they were astonished at the authority with which he spoke.

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