And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

They that {were} foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

The isles saw {it}, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.

Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. {held...: or, took counsel}

Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all {men} every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, {The Son} of David.

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking. {left...: Heb. removed speeches from themselves}

They only consult to cast {him} down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. {inwardly: Heb. in their inward parts}

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD {be} God, follow him: but if Baal, {then} follow him. And the people answered him not a word. {opinions: or, thoughts}