And when he came to his disciples
The other nine, who were left at the bottom of the mountain, and were waiting for him:
he saw a great multitude about them:
there was a multitude that followed him from Bethsaida hither; and which, very likely, was greatly increased upon Christ's arrival in those parts, and the people hearing of it;
and the Scribes questioning with them;
disputing and contending with them about their master, his doctrines and miracles, and their mission and authority from him; insulting them, on account of their inability to dispossess a dumb spirit, hereafter related.