Matthew 15:1

1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem. They asked him,

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 some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem. They asked him,

2 "Why don't your followers obey the unwritten laws which have been handed down to us? They don't wash their hands before they eat."

3 Jesus answered, "And why do you refuse to obey God's command so that you can follow your own teachings?

4 God said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and 'Anyone who says cruel things to his father or mother must be put to death.'

5 But you say a person can tell his father or mother, 'I have something I could use to help you, but I have given it to God already.'