Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 22:35

"And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, trying him:" — Matthew 22:35 (ASV)

A lawyer — The precise distinction between the “lawyer” and the other scribes likely rested on technicalities that have left little or no trace behind them. The word suggests a group of scribes who focused their attention on the Law, while others also included the writings of the Prophets in their studies. In Luke 7:30 and Luke 11:45, they appear as distinct from the Pharisees. The question the lawyer asks here and in Luke 10:25 aligns with this view. Similarly, it seems that in Titus 3:13, Zenas the “lawyer” was sent to settle the disputes about the Law that were common in Crete.

Tempting him — In this instance, there does not seem to have been any hostile purpose in the questioner's mind, nor does the word necessarily imply it. (Compare John 6:6 and 2 Corinthians 13:5, where it is used in the sense of “trying” or “examining.”) Indeed, it seems as if our Lord’s refutation of the Sadducees had drawn a degree of sympathy and reverence from those whose minds were not hardened by hypocrisy.

They came now to test His teaching on other points. What answer would He give to the much-debated question in the rabbinic schools: which was the great commandment of the Law? Would He choose circumcision, the Sabbath, tithes, or sacrifice as the one holding the place of preeminence? The fact that they examined Him in this way, as if they were His judges, showed a completely imperfect recognition of His claims as a Prophet and as the Christ. However, the lawyer who acted as their representative was at least honest in his purpose and not far from the kingdom of God (Mark 12:34).