The Word and Power
Luke 4:32
And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.


Witness the ministry of Chalmers. It is said that Professor Young, who occupied the chair of Greek in the university, on one occasion "was so electrified that he leaped up from his seat upon the bench near the pulpit, and stood, breathless and motionless, gazing at the preacher, until the burst was over, the tears all the while rolling down his cheeks." Dr. Wardlaw describes one scene he witnessed as follows: — "It was a transcendently grand, a glorious burst. The energy of the Doctor's action corresponded. Intense emotion beamed from his countenance. I cannot describe the appearance of his face better than by saying, as Foster said of Hall's, it was 'lighted up almost into a glare.' The congregation — in so far as the spell under which I was allowed me to observe them — were intensely excited, leaning forward in the pews like a forest bent under the power of the hurricane, looking steadfastly at the preacher and listening in breathless wonderment. One young man, apparently by his dress a sailor, started to his feet and stood till it was over. As soon as it was concluded there was (as invariably was the case at the close of the Doctor's bursts) a deep sigh, or rather a gasp for breath, accompanied by a movement through the whole audience."

(Bishop Simpson.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

WEB: and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority.




The Presence of Christ a Source of Power
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