Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 9:8

"But when the multitudes saw it, they were afraid, and glorified God, who had given such authority unto men." — Matthew 9:8 (ASV)

People should “fear” (GK 5828; NIV “filled with awe”) the one who has the authority to forgive sins. Indeed, they should fear whenever they are confronted by an open manifestation of God (cf. 17:6; 28:5, 10). The onlookers here simply saw a man exercising the authority of God, but readers recognize him as “God with us.” God’s gracious reign has come “on earth” (v.6); the kingdom of David’s Son, who came to save his people from their sins, has dawned.