Mark 7:1

Then came. [Contention About Tradition and Ceremonial Defilement, Mark 7:1–23=Matt. 15:1–20. Major comment: Mark. See Closing Galilean Ministry; cf. pp. 18, 96–100.] At this point in the narrative both Matthew and Mark pass over the significant incident in the synagogue at Capernaum, when, at the close of the discourse on the Bread of Life, popular sentiment in Galilee turned against Jesus (see John 6:25 to 7:1; see on Matt. 15:21). Contrary to custom, Jesus had remained in Galilee during the Passover season (see John 7:1), no doubt quietly ministering to the needs of the people (see on Mark 6:56). Soon after the feast, probably during the latter part of April or early May, there occurred this encounter with the scribes and Pharisees, who had recently returned from Jerusalem.

Pharisees. See pp. 51, 52.

Scribes. See p. 55; see on ch. 1:22.

From Jerusalem. The Jewish leaders had been greatly alarmed by the rapid extension of the gospel evidenced by the recent Third Galilean Tour (see on Matt. 15:21; Mark 6:14). The men here referred to were no doubt members of a more or less official delegation from the Sanhedrin, dispatched for the specific purpose of seeking an excuse to bring the ministry of Jesus to a close.