Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 22:33

"And when the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at his teaching." — Matthew 22:33 (ASV)

They were astonished at His teaching. The wonder was caused by the way He proved the truth of the popular belief from words that seemed, to a careless reader, completely unrelated to it. It was His method of teaching, rather than the doctrine itself, that astonished them.

The other Gospels record not only astonishment but also admiration and agreement, as one said, Master, You have spoken well (Mark 12:28; Luke 20:39). The better faction of the Pharisees rejoiced to hear their opponents refuted with what seemed to them a greater skill than that of their own ablest scribes.