02.77. The People Were Astonished

77. THE PEOPLE WERE ASTONISHED. The common people were astonished at this doctrine of the resurrection of all souls to holiness. They were familiar with the idea of annihilation, and of endless punishment, but universal salvation was new to them. No other news could have astonished them. "They were astonished at his doctrine" (Matthew 22:33). Had he taught annihilation in this argument concerning the resurrection, he would not have astonished the Sadducees, had he taught endless punishment he would not have astonished the Pharisees and Pagans. But universal salvation astonished all because it was new to all. He taught the resurrection of all mankind to an equality with the angels.