Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 16:1

"And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and trying him asked him to show them a sign from heaven." — Matthew 16:1 (ASV)

The single article in the Greek for “the Pharisees and Sadducees” implies that they acted together. Perhaps they represent the Sanhedrin, which included both groups (cf. Acts 23:6); or else a common opponent transforms usual enemies into friends (cf. Lk 23:12; cf. Psalms 2:2). These men came to Jesus to “test” him , asking for “a sign [GK 4956] from heaven” .