A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 22:16

"And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men." — Matthew 22:16 (ASV)

Their disciples (τους μαθητας αυτων). Students, pupils, of the Pharisees as in Mr 2:18. There were two Pharisaic theological seminaries in Jerusalem (Hillel, Shammai).

The Herodians (των Hερωιδιανων). Not members of Herod's family or Herod's soldiers, but partisans or followers of Herod. The form in -ιανος is a Latin termination like that in Χριστιανος (Acts 11:26). Mentioned also in Mr 3:6 combining with the Pharisees against Jesus.

The person of men (προσωπον ανθρωπων). Literally, face of men. Paying regard to appearance is the sin of partiality condemned by James (James 2:1,9) when προσωπολημψια, προσωπολημπτειν are used, in imitation of the Hebrew idiom. This suave flattery to Jesus implied "that Jesus was a reckless simpleton" (Bruce).