Charles Spurgeon 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)

They sent out to him their disciples. They were probably ashamed to appear again in the presence of Christ, after His exposure of their conduct towards Himself as the King’s Son. So they dispatched a select detachment of their disciples, hoping that the scholars might succeed where their teachers had failed.

With the Herodians. The disciples of the Pharisees were to be reinforced by a company from an opposite faction of Christ's enemies. This united group could then operate against Jesus from different sides.

The Pharisees hated the rule of a foreign power, while the Herodians advocated the supremacy of Caesar. Although these two factions differed, even to the point of mutual hatred, they temporarily laid aside their own disputes so that they might, in one way or another, ensnare our Lord.

They began with flattering words. They addressed Jesus with a title of respect, “Master.” They used the word only in hypocrisy, yet they professed to regard Him as a teacher of the Law and an authority on disputed points of doctrine or practice.

They also acknowledged His sincerity and truthfulness, saying, “We know that you are true, and teach the way of God in truth.” They further praised Him for His fearlessness, adding, “neither do you care for any man.” They then lauded Him for His impartiality, declaring, “for you do not regard the person of men.” Their praise suggested, “You will speak without any regard for what Caesar, or Pilate, or Herod, or any of us may think, or say, or do.”

Thus they tried to throw Him off His guard by what they uttered in sheer flattery. All that they said was true, but they did not mean it. From their lips it was mere cajolery. Let us take note that when evil men are very loud in their praises of us, they usually have some wicked design against us. They fawn and flatter so that they may deceive and destroy.