Mark 12:38

“And he said unto them in his doctrine, etc..] As he was preaching, not to the Scribes and Pharisees but to the multitude, and to his disciples particularly; and to them in the audience of the people, as appears from (<402301>Matthew 23:1 <422045>Luke 20:45). Beware of the Scribes; for though he had just spoken favourably of one of them, this was but a single man, and a singular instance; the body of that set of men, were very bad in their principles and practices, and therefore to be avoided, and that for the reasons following: which love to go in long clothing; the Persic version renders it, “who affect to walk in coats and garments conspicuous, and in long robes”; such as were very…”

“In his doctrine - In his “teaching,” for so it should be rendered. Beware of the scribes - Be on your guard. Be cautious about hearing them or following them. Scribes - The learned men of the Jewish nation. Which love to go in long clothing - In long, flowing robes, as significant of their consequence, leisure, and learning. Salutations ... - See the notes at Matthew 23:6-7. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Beware of the scribes - There was an absolute necessity for these repeated cautions. For, considering their inveterate prejudices against Christ, it could never be supposed the common people would receive the Gospel till these incorrigible blasphemers of it were brought to just disgrace. Yet he delayed speaking in this manner till a little before his passion, as knowing what effect it would quickly produce. Nor is this any precedent for us: we are not invested with the same authority. Mat 23:5; Luk 20:46. Mark 12:41”

“12:38-39 teachers of religious law: See 1:22. The warning here is similar to the one against the Pharisees and Herod in 8:15. The scribes broke the two greatest commands (12:30-31). They broke the first command by failing to love God and failing to reserve for him alone the reverence and adoration they sought for themselves. • Flowing robes were probably the garments worn by religious men; respectful greetings perhaps meant being called “Rabbi” (see Matt 23:7). The seats of honor were in the front of the synagogue facing the congregation.”

“said: Mar 4:2 Beware: Mat 10:17, Mat 23:1-7; Luk 20:45-47 which: Mat 6:5; Luk 11:43, Luk 14:7-11; Jo3 1:9 Mark 12:39”