15:1–2 Knowledge of Jesus and his ministry had by this time spread throughout Palestine. Scribes and Pharisees came all the way from Jerusalem to question him about his activities. The scribes were Jewish scholars who copied the sacred Scriptures of the Old Testament and consequently became the professional interpreters of Scripture. The Pharisees were a religious order, primarily laymen, who devoted themselves to strict adherence to the law. Most scribes were Pharisees, but not all Pharisees were scribes. The question used by the religionists from Jerusalem was more an accusation than an honest request for information. Why do your disciples keep breaking (parabainousin is present tense and suggests repeated action) the tradition of the elders? Specifically, why do they eat without the pro…