{After three days} (meta h(886d)eras treis). One day out, one
day back, and on the third day finding him. {In the temple} (en
t(9369) hier(9369)). Probably on the terrace where members of the
Sanhedrin gave public instruction on sabbaths and feast-days, so
probably while the feast was still going on. The rabbis probably
sat on benches in a circle. The listeners on the ground, among
whom was Jesus the boy in a rapture of interest. {Both hearing
them and asking them questions} (kai akouonta aut(936e) kai
eper(9374)(936e)ta autous). Paul sat at the feet of Gamaliel ( Ac
22:3 ). Picture this eager boy alive with interest. It was his
one opportunity in a theological school outside of the synagogue
to hear the great rabbis expound the problems of life. This was
the most unusual of all children, to be sure, in intellectual
grasp and power. But it is a mistake to think that children of
twelve do not think profoundly concerning the issues of life.
What father or mother has ever been able to answer a child's
questions?