New Testament 35

Capernaum's synagogue — This ruined synagogue in Capernaum — surprisingly grand for such a tiny village — is much too late to be the one Jesus knew, but it likely sits on the same spot. We visit this site every year.

(With other parallels at Matthew 4:13 and 7:28-29 and at John 2:12 and 7:46)

I’ve always been struck by Mark’s comment that Jesus “taught them as one who had authority [ἐξουσία], and not as the scribes [grammateis; γραμματεῖς].”

It’s really quite surprising how often “authority” is mentioned in the New Testament, and particularly in connection with Jesus in the gospels. Of course, Mormons should find it quite a bit less surprising than perhaps other Christians will.

You can see Jesus’ authority in the way that he teaches. He doesn’t cite sources or justify himself with legal precedents, as a scribe or ordinary rabbi might. He simply declares doctrine, sometimes flatly contradicting earlier statements: “Ye have heard it said of old time, but I say unto you . . . ” It’s really quite striking, and very open.