Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 7:29

"for he taught them as [one] having authority, and not as their scribes." — Matthew 7:29 (ASV)

He taught them—The Greek implies continuity: He was teaching.

As one having authority, and not as the scribes—Some examples of this have already been pointed out: His use of the phrase I say to you, which is contrasted with what had been said to them of old time, and His assumption that He, the speaker, was the Head of the divine kingdom and the Judge of the quick and the dead.

Even more striking is the complete absence of any reference by name to the teachings of other interpreters of the Law. As a rule, a scribe would hardly ever give his exposition without first citing what had been said by Hillel or Shammai, by Rabbi Joseph or Rabbi Meir, depending almost entirely on previous rulings, much as an English lawyer depends on precedents. In contrast, our Lord filled the people with amazement by speaking to them as one who has a direct message from God. It was the prophet—or rather, the King—who spoke, and not the scribe.