Matthew 9:8

ἰδόντες οἱ ὄχλοι. The people are free from the petty jealousies and pedantic theories of the professional class; broad facts settle the matter for them. They probably had no scruples about the forgiving, but if they, had the miracle would put an end to them: the manifest authority and power a witness of the non-apparent (ποιεῖται τὴν φανερὰν [ἐξουσίαν] τεκμήριον τῆς ἀφανοῦς. Euthy.). ἐφοβήθησαν, they feared; may point to a change of mind on the part of some who at first were influenced by the disapproving mood of the scribes. The solemn frown of those who pass for saints and wise men is a formidable thing, making many cowards. But now a new fear takes the place of the old, perhaps not without a touch of superstition.