Matthew 22:16

Their disciples. The Pharisees’ “disciples” were younger men whom the leaders probably hoped Christ would not recognize. The Pharisees feared that if they themselves came to Jesus with the question, He would immediately suspect a plot, for He had no doubt met most if not all of them. But these strangers had every appearance of being honest young men sincerely seeking an answer to what was, among the Jews of that time, a most perplexing problem (see on v. 17). Luke speaks of these disciples of the Pharisees as “spies” (see on ch. 20:20). For three years spies sent out by the Sanhedrin had been following Jesus nearly everywhere He went (see on Matt. 19:3; Luke 11:54).

Herodians. The Herodians were a Jewish political party that favored the house of Herod Antipas (see p. 54). The Pharisees were ardent nationalists, who opposed Herod as well as Caesar, whereas the Herodian partisans were collaborationists. Bitter enemies in the realm of politics, they were united against Jesus, as they had been against John the Baptist (see on Mark 6:14). On this occasion the Herodians were to be witnesses to Jesus’ answer, ready to accuse Him if He gave the slightest hint of disloyalty to the government.

We know. Their simulated honesty was in fact an attempt at deception. By flattery they hoped to put Jesus off His guard.

Neither carest thou. They hereby profess to credit Jesus with being fair and impartial (cf. Acts 10:34).