Noteworthy authority

When Jesus goes to Capernaum he heads for the synagogue- he had something to say- a message to be received (or at least made known) by the Jews. The Jews there have a very definite reaction- ex e plairsonto- from the verb ekplairsw- strike with panic; astound; passive (which it is here) be struck with amazement, be overwhelmed with astonishment. - in other words nothing like when the venerated old rabbi comes to town and people respectfully listen and perhaps gain something from – or are impressed with his lore. This is more like a dip in a very cold river- doesn't feel like a gradual warming to the speaker type of situation. - for he was teaching them as one having authority and not as the scribes. Interesting out of all the possible things that they could have been astounded about- it was his authority that was picked out- here was teaching that was immediately distinguished from what they were used to – and it was the mark of authority that was responsible. We are not even told in Mark here what Jesus was saying- the point in Mark's head that seems to be important, is the way in which it was said- and the reaction this had on the people and demons listening.