Marcos 12

Marcos 12

William MacDonald adds "It was an honest question, and, in some ways, life’s most basic question. He was really asking for a concise statement of the chief aim of man’s existence." (Borrow Believer's Bible Commentary) Grassmick agrees "He came with no apparent hostile or hidden motive to appraise Jesus’ skill in answering a much-debated subject in scribal circles" (See Bible Knowledge Commentary) Scribes (1122)(grammateus from grapho = to write) was one skilled in Jewish law and theology. In short the scribes were the recognized experts in the law of Moses and in traditional laws and regulations. Of all the people present that day, the Scribes knew the Word of God better than anyone - except the Lord Jesus Christ. The moniker "experts in the law" comes closer to the meaning for the modern reader. MacArthur on the relationship between scribes and Pharisees - Not all Pharisees were scribes, but the scribes were primarily Pharisees, who were interpreters and teachers of the law of Moses and the traditional rabbinic writings. Their teaching provided the theological framework for the Pharisees’ legalistic system of works-righteousness. The scribes were the dominant force in Judaism, not only theologically, but socially. Their views affected every aspect of life, and they also handled all legal matters, including property, estates, and contracts. They were revered, and given the respectful title of Rabbi (Matt. 23:7). That title was sometimes given to Jesus because He was a teacher (cf. John 1:38, 49; 3:2, 26; 6:25). It was commonly believed that Moses received the law, then gave it to Joshua, who gave it to the elders, who gave it to the prophets, who gave it to the scribes. (See Luke Commentary) Arguing (4802)(suzeteo from sun = together + zeteo = to seek, inquire) means to carry on a discussion, to inquire together and evolved to a negative meaning - to dispute, debate or argue (Mk 1:27, etc). Plato used it to mean to examine together. Of Pharisees arguing with Jesus (Mk 8:11), of Scribes arguing with Jesus' disciples (Mk 9:14), of Jews arguing with Stephen (Acts 6:9), of Paul (Saul at the time) arguing with the Hellenistic Jews (Acts 9:29). And recognizing that He had answered them well - The scribe was attracted by Jesus' superior answers to the inferior questions of the other religious leaders. Asked Him, "What commandment (entole) is the foremost of all - More literally, “What sort of commandment is first of all?” Note the scribe asked for one, but Jesus answers by giving two and summed it up with a passage found only in Matthew 22:40 “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” The Jews were fond of classifying the commandments as great and small, or weighty and light. (cf Mt 23:23.) Foremost is "First in rank and importance." (Robertson) Note that Matthew's version has "great" (Mt 22:36) instead of "foremost."