And the Pharisees came forth
Out of their houses; who dwelt in the coasts of Magdala, and parts of Dalmanutha, and came to Jesus, hearing of his being arrived in their neighbourhood:
and began to question with him;
or to dispute with him, it being their manner to carry on disputations by questions and answers. The Persic version has the question they put, and about which they disputed, "if thou art the Christ"; in proof of which they required a sign:
seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him;
(See Gill on Matthew 16:1).