Topical Encyclopedia The term "astonishing" in the biblical context often refers to events, teachings, or actions that evoke a sense of wonder, amazement, or awe. This reaction is frequently associated with the miraculous works of God, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. The Bible presents numerous instances where individuals or groups are left astonished by the power and wisdom of God.Old Testament Instances In the Old Testament, the astonishing acts of God are often linked to His mighty deeds and the fulfillment of His promises. For example, the parting of the Red Sea is an event that left the Israelites and their enemies in awe. In Exodus 14:31 , it is recorded, "When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses." This miraculous deliverance was astonishing not only for its immediate impact but also for its lasting significance in the history of Israel. The prophets also spoke of astonishing events as signs of God's intervention. In Isaiah 29:14 , God declares, "Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden." Here, the astonishing acts serve as a means to humble human wisdom and reveal divine sovereignty. New Testament Instances In the New Testament, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ are replete with astonishing moments. His teachings and miracles consistently left the crowds amazed. In Matthew 7:28-29 , after the Sermon on the Mount, it is noted, "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes." The authority and depth of Jesus' teachings were unlike anything the people had heard before, leading to widespread astonishment. The miracles of Jesus also evoked amazement. In Mark 2:12 , after Jesus healed a paralytic, it is recorded, "And immediately the man got up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of them all. As a result, they were all astounded and glorified God, saying, 'We have never seen anything like this!'" The miraculous healings and exorcisms performed by Jesus were signs of the in-breaking Kingdom of God, leaving witnesses in awe of His divine power. Astonishment in the Early Church The early church continued to experience astonishing events through the work of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:7 , during the day of Pentecost, the crowd was bewildered and amazed, saying, "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?" The outpouring of the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in various languages, a miraculous sign that astonished those present and confirmed the divine origin of the church's mission. The apostle Paul also encountered moments of astonishment in his ministry. In Acts 13:12 , after witnessing a miracle performed by Paul, the proconsul "believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord." The power of the gospel message, accompanied by signs and wonders, continued to evoke amazement and lead many to faith. Theological Significance Astonishment in the biblical narrative serves to highlight the transcendence and immanence of God. It underscores the reality that God's ways and thoughts are higher than human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). The astonishing acts of God are not merely for spectacle but are intended to draw people into a deeper relationship with Him, to reveal His character, and to advance His redemptive purposes in the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Astonish.2. (a.) Very wonderful; of a nature to excite astonishment; as, an astonishing event. Greek 1839. existemi -- to displace, to stand aside from ... Origin from ek and histemi Definition to displace, to stand aside from NASB Word Usage amazed (10), amazement (1), astonished (2), astonishing (1), astounded (1 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1839.htm - 8k 3861. paradoxos -- contrary to opinion or expectation Library It is Wonderfully Astonishing, that You Men of Learning Seldom ... There is Also an Astonishing Action of his in Relation to Melania ... Answer to Mr. W's Second Objection. The Sack of Rome The Preacher as a Patriot. The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. The Baptism of John, Whence was It? Regeneration The Agony Application of these Motives Thesaurus Astonishing (6 Occurrences)... n.) of Astonish. 2. (a.) Very wonderful; of a nature to excite astonishment; as, an astonishing event. Multi-Version Concordance Astonishing (6 Occurrences). ... /a/astonishing.htm - 8k Stupendous (1 Occurrence) Nation (192 Occurrences) Using (88 Occurrences) Wondrous (41 Occurrences) Wonderful (71 Occurrences) Marvelous (30 Occurrences) Proverb (24 Occurrences) Pretending (4 Occurrences) Practising (7 Occurrences) Resources How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God, and not the Apocrypha, the Qur'an, the Book of Mormon, etc.? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “from glory to glory” in 2 Corinthians 3:18? | GotQuestions.org Why is seeking God important? | GotQuestions.org Astonishing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Astonishing (6 Occurrences)Acts 8:9 Psalms 46:8 Isaiah 29:14 Jeremiah 5:30 Daniel 11:36 Daniel 12:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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