Matthew 15:1

1 Then there came to Jesus a party of Pharisees and Scribes from Jerusalem, who inquired,

Matthew 15:1 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 15:1

Then came to Jesus Scribes and Pharisees
After he had wrought so many miracles, particularly that of feeding five thousand men; besides women and children, with five loaves and two fishes: the fame of which had reached Jerusalem, and occasioned much talk there about him: the Scribes and Pharisees, who were his inveterate enemies, hearing thereof, came to him, where he was, in Galilee: to know the truth of these things, to converse with him, and to watch, and observe, what he said and did;

which were of Jerusalem, saying.
There were Scribes and Pharisees throughout the land, but those of Jerusalem were the chief; they were men of the greatest learning and abilities, and were more expert in their religion and customs: these were either sent by the sanhedrim at Jerusalem, or came of themselves; taking upon them a greater power, and authority of examining, correcting, directing, and advising.

Matthew 15:1 In-Context

1 Then there came to Jesus a party of Pharisees and Scribes from Jerusalem, who inquired,

2 "Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the Elders by not washing their hands before meals?"

3 "Why do you, too," He retorted, "transgress God's commands for the sake of your tradition?

4 For God said, `Honour thy father and thy mother'; and `Let him who reviles father or mother be certainly put to death';

5 but you--this is what you say: `If a man says to his father or mother, That is consecrated, whatever it is, which otherwise you should have received from me--