Matthew 9:16

Scribes and Pharisees. Important textual evidence (cf. p. 146) may also be cited for the reading, “scribes of the Pharisees,” that is, scribes who were Pharisees. While some of the scribes were Sadducees, most were Pharisees, for it was the latter who took a particular interest in the minutiae of the law (see pp. 51, 52, 55). We may think of them as “Pharisee scribes” rather than “Sadducee scribes.”

Disciples. Gr. mathetai, “learners,” “pupils.” In the Gospels this word is generally used of the group that accompanied Jesus and assisted Him in His ministry. The disciples were mathetai; Christ was their didaskalos, “master” or “teacher” (see on John 3:2).

By complaining to the disciples, the scribes hoped to alienate their respect for their Master. Luke says that the scribes “murmured” against the disciples (Luke 5:30), apparently realizing that a direct attack on Jesus would avail them nothing, even as previous attempts to silence Him had proved fruitless (see Mark 2:6-11; John 2:18-20; 5:16-47).

Eateth and drinketh. To eat and drink with Gentiles was an infraction of the ritual law and involved ceremonial uncleanness (Acts 11:3). For practical purposes, tax collectors were classed with the Gentiles and thus were considered among the social outcasts (see on Mark 2:14; Luke 3:12, 13).