{Were amazed} (existanto). Imperfect indicative middle,
descriptive of their continued and repeated astonishment. Common
verb exist(886d)i meaning that they stood out of themselves as if
their eyes were bulging out. The boy had a holy thirst for
knowledge (Plummer), and he used a boy's way of learning. {At his
understanding} (epi t(8869) sunesei). Based on (epi), the grasp
and comprehension from suni(886d)i, comparing and combining things.
Cf.  Mr 12:33 . {His answers} (	ais apokrisesin autou). It is
not difficult to ask hard questions, but this boy had astounding
answers to their questions, revealing his amazing intellectual
and spiritual growth.